Congressman Tim Ryan Receives 100% Vote Rating from the Alliance for Retired Americans
Press Release
Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) today received a 100% voting rating from the Alliance for Retired Americans and joined the Biden Administration in announcing the release of $1.4 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act for Older Americans programs -- including programs to support vaccine outreach and coordination, address social isolation, provide family caregiver support, and offer nutrition support.
The Alliance for Retired Americans is a nationwide grassroots organization with more than 4.3 million members working together to make their voices heard in the laws, policies, politics, and institutions that shape American life. Congressman Ryan received a Pro-Retiree score for 2020 of 100% and a lifetime score of 98% for his support of America's retirees.
"Our seniors built the United States into the greatest country in the world. They have been there for us throughout our lives, now it is time for us to be there for them. This pandemic has hit them especially hard, and that is why I supported this important funding going to help our seniors," said Congressman Ryan. "I am proud of my record of support for retired Americans. The issues that are important to our seniors are the issues that are important to me."
The American Rescue Act funding being released today:
$750 million for meals for older adults. With this funding for Older Americans Act nutrition programs, states will be able to continue home-delivered meals as well as "drive-through" or "grab-and-go" meals for older adults who typically would participate in meal programs at community centers that have been closed due to the pandemic. It will also allow states to re-open meal program locations safely that might have closed during the pandemic.
$460 million for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) through the Older Americans Act. This funding provides help to those who need it for help with household chores and grocery shopping; transportation to essential services (such as grocery stores, banks, or doctors); and case management. The funding can also be used to vaccinate older Americans and address the effects of extended social isolation.
$44 million for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention. This includes programs to address fall prevention, managing a chronic disease, and programs to detect and reduce depression among older Americans.
$145 million to help family caregivers support their loved ones. This funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program will assist family and informal caregivers to provide in-home supports, including counseling, respite care, training and more.
$10 million to safeguard the health and welfare of residents in long-term care facilities. These funds will support State Long-term Care Ombudsman programs to advocate on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities across the country. This money will allow ombudsman programs that are advocating for residents to safely go back into facilities after they had to discontinue that support during the pandemic, and continue to promote the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents.
Congressman Ryan's Alliance for Retired Americans' score was based on his vote on ten legislative issues important to Alliance members including protecting postal pension rights, COVID relief, protecting health care, and supporting emergency housing. The full report can be found at: http://ow.ly/XvXZ30rGjS7.
This announcement coincides with today's presidential proclamation honoring May 2021 as Older Americans Month. President Biden's proclamation recognizes that older Americans and families have faced substantial challenges during the last year, and their resilience and strength have made our country stronger.
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