Schakowsky, Strickland, Kelly Lead Push to Restore Administration for Community Living
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families, sent a letter, alongside Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Robin Kelly (IL-02), to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling for the reinstatement of Regional Administrators at the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
“Millions of Americans rely on the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to stay healthy and thrive in their homes and communities, but the Trump Administration recently fired hundreds of employees at the ACL, including the ACL’s regional staff, who help make sure programs run smoothly at the state and local level. The ACL’s dedicated workforce plays a crucial role in ensuring that seniors and people with disabilities can access life-saving services like Meals on Wheels, transportation, and caregiving support. It is unacceptable that this Administration is willing to play with the lives of the American people,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “This is why I’m joining my colleagues in urging Secretary Kennedy to reinstate the ACL workforce and ensure that those in need receive services in a timely, affordable manner.”
"Regional Administrators help seniors and Americans with disabilities live longer, healthier lives,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. “Millions of seniors and Americans with disabilities are already at risk of losing their healthcare coverage and nutrition assistance because of the President’s cruel budget bill, making these programs all the more essential.”
"President Trump just gutted Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP — and now, the administration unjustifiably fired federal workers whose mission was to serve older Americans and people with disabilities. The Administration for Community Living is needed now more than ever," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. "As President Trump's and Republicans' attacks against our healthcare grow bolder, House Democrats and I are meeting them head on to protect our public health. Our seniors deserve to live with dignity with reliable, affordable care."
ACL was formed 13 years ago to support the needs of aging Americans and those with disabilities. This year, Secretary Kennedy announced the restructuring of HHS, including the total dismantlement of ACL.
Through support systems, inclusive transportation, abuse prevention, resources for caregivers, and mental health tools, ACL helps older Americans and those with disabilities remain healthier longer and to live independently.
Additional co-signers include: Rep. Donald Beyer (VA-08), Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), Rep. Sean Casten (IL-06), Rep. Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02), Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07)
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