Crist Announces $214,298,912 for Florida Seniors

Press Release

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) announced the Biden Administration's release of $214,298,912 in funding to Florida for critical Older Americans Act programs as part of the American Rescue Plan, legislation championed by Rep. Crist.

"Seniors have been hardest hit by this pandemic. They've been at the highest risk from COVID-19 and didn't get to see the grandkids during the holidays. And many struggled going without food, healthcare, or even basic necessities over the last year," said Rep. Crist. "While we are not in charge of the virus, we can control how we are caring for our seniors. That's why I supported providing over a billion dollars in Older Americans Act funding in the American Rescue Plan, and why I'm grateful to President Biden for putting these critical funds to work in Florida."

As Older Americans Month begins, this funding focuses on programs to support Florida seniors, with an emphasis on much-needed pandemic relief, including the following allocations for our state:

$56,636,092 for meals for older adults;
$34,736,803 for Home and Community Based Services;
$3,322,651 for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention;
$12,076,336 to help caregivers support their elderly loved ones; and
$755,148 to support the health of residents in Florida's long-term care facilities.
In addition to delivering $1.4 billion in funding for Older Americans Act programs, the American Rescue Plan has also provided necessary relief to hard-hit Americans in the form of direct stimulus payments, rental and utility assistance, and funding for small businesses who have struggled to keep their doors open and lights on.

Congressman Crist has been a champion for seniors to age safely and with dignity. In April he announced re-introduction of the Senior Accessible Housing Act, which would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $30,000 for seniors to make home-modifications so they can age comfortably in their own homes.

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