Katie Smith-Sloan sent an open letter to newly selected Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson highlighting the ever-growing population of adults over sixty-five and the need for bold leadership to ensure older Americans age with dignity and appropriate care and support. In addition to asking to meet with Speaker Johnson to discuss critical issues impacting older adults, Ms. Smith-Sloan encouraged him to consider the following:
- Create an aging stakeholders’ group to act as advisors his staff and other congressional leaders on aging services, long-term care in all settings, affordable senior housing, and the aging services and healthcare workforce.
- Mandate the enactment of a White House Office on Aging Policy.
- Lastly, work with the Administration to engage the Departments of Labor, State, and other relevant agencies to work collaboratively to streamline the immigration process for applicants seeking to enter the U.S. legally and use their skills in aging services.
