IL SR0974

Urges the President and Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, which expired September 30, 2019, and had previously been reauthorized through the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016.

Calls for restoring Older Americans Act funding to Fiscal Year 2010 levels adjusted for inflation, as appropriations decreased by 16 percent (approximately $400 million) over 18 years while the senior population increased by 23.5 percent from 2010 to 2017.

Notes that per-senior funding dropped from $42.95 in 2010 to $27.25 in current dollars, resulting in significant unmet need for services including meal programs, home assistance, caregiver support, and transportation for low-income older adults.

Cites 2015 Government Accountability Office findings that 24 percent of low-income seniors were food insecure and 83 percent did not receive meal services, while 2 out of 3 adults with daily activity difficulties lack access to home-based care.

Directs the Illinois Senate to deliver copies of this resolution to the President, U.S. Senate President, House Speaker, and Illinois congressional delegation.