MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Last Friday, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) hosted a “SLO County Medicare Forum” at Cuesta College. The Forum brought together local health care providers, stakeholders, and residents to discuss the value of Medicare programs, the challenges they face, and how to improve healthcare access in the region. Attendees heard updates from both Congressmen on their work in Washington and had the opportunity to share their perspectives. Download photos here. 

“It was great to be back at Cuesta College to discuss how to improve Medicare access for seniors in San Luis Obispo County, as well as the damaging impacts of President Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ on our country’s health care system,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’d like to thank all of our panelists and attendees for sharing their knowledge and perspectives. I’ll take the insights we gathered back to Washington to inform legislative efforts aimed at strengthening Medicare access, especially for our rural communities who need it most.”

“Medicare hasn’t kept up with the costs of healthcare, leaving too many seniors without proper access to ready and reliable doctors,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Today’s forum was important to give providers, patients, and community leaders a chance to share their experiences, highlight what’s at stake, and discuss actionable solutions.  I appreciated all the people who came out and spoke up.  I’m motivated to continue my work to pass my bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act that would stop harmful cuts, tie reimbursements to inflation, and make sure seniors can continue to count on their healthcare.”

The Forum’s panelists included: Dr. Tim Auran, CMA; Sue Anderson, President and CEO Dignity Health; Dr. Steve Clarke, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast; Dr. Jason Sanders, Movement for Life Physical Therapy; Dr. Penny Bornstein, Public Health Director San Luis Obispo County Health Department and San Luis Obispo Health Counts; and Ryan Ashlock, Adventist Hospital President and CEO. 

In February 2025, Congressman Carbajal co-sponsored Congressman Panetta’s bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, legislation to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Last Congress, Carbajal co-sponsored the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, which would tie physician payments to inflation and offer them long-term financial stability.

Carbajal is also a co-sponsor of the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act. The bipartisan legislation would combat the nation’s doctor shortage and improve access to health care by expanding the number of Medicare-supported medical residency positions by 14,000 over seven years.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement on the passing of Dr. Joseph I. Castro, former President of Fresno State, and Chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system. 
“Dr. Joseph I. Castro dedicated his life to expanding opportunity through education. A grandson of immigrants, his story is the American story. Raised by a single mother, Joe grew up in Hanford, California, and was the first in his family to graduate from college. He knew his journey reflected the story of so many in the Valley striving for a better life, and he made it his mission to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.From professor to President of Fresno State, and ultimately Chancellor of the California State University system, Dr. Castro worked tirelessly to improve higher education opportunities for students and made a difference. Joe understood that educating children provided a foundation for future success and was the key to unlocking doors for themselves, their families, and America’s future. His vision, passion, and deep love for the Valley touched countless lives.To me, Joe was more than a colleague; he was a dear friend. I will remember him not only for his many accomplishments, but for his kindness, generosity, and heart. He was a true son of the Valley who never forgot where he came from and never stopped giving back. His legacy lives on in the thousands of students whose lives he changed, and in the friends and loved ones who will miss him deeply.My thoughts go out to Joe’s wife, Mary, his family, and all who knew him over the years. I was honored to call him my friend.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — As American schoolchildren head back into the classroom, the One Big Beautiful Bill will ensure American families are in the best possible position to succeed. 

House Republicans have delivered once-in-a-generation pocketbook relief and educational freedom to American families with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The One Big Beautiful Bill slashes taxes for working families, expands school choice, makes it easier to start and support a family, encourages first time homeownership, expands Pell Grants for certificate and license programs, and empowers parents to make decisions that are best for their children.

“At its core, the One Big Beautiful Bill is a distinctly pro-family piece of legislation. It represents a monumental victory for hardworking families across America,” Speaker Johnson said. “Families are of course the foundation of any flourishing society, and Republicans are advancing in this Congress an agenda that values them—just as our principles and policies always have.”

The One Big Beautiful Bill Invests in American Families:

Historic Tax Relief

• Delivers an average 15% tax cut for Americans earning $15,000-$80,000 per year.
• Puts up to $13,000 back into the pockets of the typical American family.
• Increases the Doubled Child Tax Credit to $2,200, providing relief for over 40 million families.
• Permanently raises the Doubled Standard Deduction to $31,500 for American families, a key middle-class benefit to reduce tax burden.

Supporting Educational Freedom

• Gives parents more flexibility to use education savings accounts for the school that best suits their child’s needs.
• Expands eligible expenses for 529 education savings accounts.
• Expands Pell Grant eligibility for students entering a certificate or license program.

More Options for American Families

• Launches Trump Investment Accounts for Newborns, tax-advantaged savings accounts to help families invest in their child’s future from birth.
• Raises the cap on Dependent Care Assistance Plans, providing breathing room to families budgeting for childcare.  

Stronger, Smarter Safety Nets

• Implements commonsense work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid, strengthening and preserving this vital program for the eligible Americans who truly need and deserve it: pregnant women, single mothers, children, low-income seniors, and Americans with disabilities. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

Kingman, AZ  — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement in response to the United States Department of Justice providing updated claim forms for Downwinders exposed to radiation during nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War era: 

“The new applications for the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) are now live on the Department of Justice’s website for constituents residing in Mohave County. Claim forms for Downwinders under the amended RECA are available by clicking here.

As I previously reported, Congress included my legislation to reauthorize and expand RECA in the One Big Beautiful Bill.   Immediately following President Trump’s signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill into law, I contacted the Department of Justice to request they provide immediate guidance for claimants in Mohave County to apply for their RECA restitution and move quickly to reopen applications.  

I am very pleased that the Department of Justice honored my request and wasted no time updating their guidance for new claimants in Mohave County wishing to file under RECA who developed serious illness following radiation exposure from nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War era.

Now, if you reside in Mohave County and were sickened by U.S. nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War era, you could be compensated up to $100,000 from the federal government for their negligence.

The United States Department of Justice administers the RECA program, reviews applications, and makes payments.  The application window will close on December 31, 2027, however, filed claims are expected to be paid out after that date.

If you need assistance getting the compensation you deserve, please call my district office at 623-707-0530 or click here.   Time is limited, so please don’t wait to file,” stated Congressman Gosar.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Paul A Gosar DDS (AZ-04)

Washington, D.C.  — Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 4668, the End the Vaccine Carveout Act, a bill that would strip vaccine manufacturers of their unjust liability shields: 

“Current immunity provisions unfairly shielding Big Pharma from the harms caused by their products prevents those injured by vaccines to pursue a civil lawsuit in state or federal court. This carveout has resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in profits for Big Pharma while leaving tens of thousands of people without the ability to seek legal justice and compensation for injuries caused by vaccines. 

Although federal bureaucrats and Big Pharma insist that vaccines are safe, there is an unfortunate lack of science regarding the dangerous side effects of vaccines.  Worse, greedy Big Pharma profit enormously from government-recommended vaccines, many of which are mandated or linked to public funding.  Yet, they bear none of the risk if something goes wrong.  Accountability does not weaken science, it strengthens it. 

The fact is, government bureaucrats and scientists responsible for approving vaccines are in bed with Big Pharma, often owning pharmaceutical stocks, serving as consultants and receiving lucrative contracts from pharmaceutical companies that pressure them to produce favorable results which is in direct violation of federal law. Worse, many scientists and researchers in government agencies develop patents for vaccines that are approved by the very agencies they work for, creating a conflict of interest and raising serious questions about the impartiality of their decisions.

Under current law, it is nearly impossible to hold vaccine manufacturers liable for injuries caused by vaccines due to a 1986 law that wrongly granted sweeping legal immunities to Big Pharma, making it very difficult for vaccine-injured victims to win in a court of law.  Let’s be clear, no industry, especially one that profits from government-recommended and government-mandated products, should be immune from the liability its products cause. 

My legislation puts patients over profits by stripping away current liability protections and removes the statute of limitations unfairly shielding Big Pharma from the harms caused by their products and allows those injured by vaccines to pursue a civil lawsuit in state or federal court,” concluded Congressman Gosar.

It is long overdue for Congress to address the nightmare that it created: almost total liability protection for vaccine makers. Rep. Gosar’s “End the Vaccine Carveout Act” is exactly what we need to ensure vaccines are held to the highest standards of safety and effectiveness, just like almost all other products. If vaccines are truly safe as advertised, then there is no reason for them to be exempted from liability if and when they cause harm; Rep. Gosar gets this common sense. Children’s Health Defense has been fighting for a bill like this for years; we thank the Congressman for his leadership and courage to make this happen,” added Mary Holland, President, Children’s Health Defense. 

“The American people are weary of the lack of accountability in our nation. Over the past few years, we have witnessed an unprecedented, un-American act: the unlawful coercion of an entire population into taking pharmaceutical products under threat of unemployment, censorship, and societal exclusion. To ensure accountability and rectify these wrongs, Feds For Freedom strongly supports Rep. Gosar’s End the Vaccine Carveout Act, which will eliminate the PREP Act’s liability protections for vaccine manufacturers and the “covered countermeasure” classification for the COVID-19 “vaccine.

The PREP Act has never aligned with our constitutional rights and has caused immense suffering and death by removing incentives for vaccine manufacturers to ensure product safety,” said Stephanie Weidle, Executive Director of Feds For Freedom. “This must end. The End the Vaccine Carveout Act is a significant step toward restoring our nation’s values of justice and life. The government overstepped its authority by deciding which companies Americans can sue for harm. No more. Accountability is coming.”

“The health and safety of our children is enormously impacted by the barrage of vaccines they receive, especially in infancy. Ingredients such as polyethylene glycol, aluminum, and contaminants such as glyphosate in vaccines are likely causing tremendous harm to generations of our family members. It is no longer controversial, it is clear that vaccine manufacturers must be responsible for the safety of their products,” stated Zen Honeycutt, Founding Executive Director, Moms Across America.

Background:

In 1986, Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NVCIA), which shields vaccine manufacturers from the harm caused by their products, making it almost impossible for a person injured by a vaccine to win in court.  The plaintiff must prove that the vaccine manufacturer deliberately “[withheld] information relating to the safety or efficacy of the vaccine,” engaged in “criminal or illegal activity relating to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” or “by clear and convincing evidence… failed to exercise due care.” Satisfying these requirements is practically an impossibility.   

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are tasked with approving vaccines.  Sadly, there exists a massive conflict of interest, since the scientists who work at these agencies license the patents to vaccine manufacturers and, in so doing, earn up to $150,000 in royalties. Furthermore, voting members on the boards that advise the CDC and the NIH owned stocks in vaccine manufacturers, engaged in contract work for vaccine manufacturers, and received grants from vaccine manufacturers.

Current Cosponsors:

Representatives Biggs (AZ), Boebert, Brecheen, Burchett, Burlison, Collins, Crane, Davidson, Donalds, Greene, Hageman, Harris (MD), Higgins, Jackson (TX), Luna, Mace, Massie, Miller (IL), Mills, Moore (AL), Nehls, Norman, Ogles, Roy, Self, Spartz, Steube, Weber 

Outside Group Support:

Autism Action Network, A Voice for Choice, Inc., Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, Children’s Health Defense, Citizens for Renewing America, Feds for Freedom, Global Health Project, Global Wellness Forum, Health Freedom Defense Fund, Independent Medical Alliance, Moms Across America, No College Mandates, Stand for Health Freedom, Teachers for Choice, Transformational Healthcare, Weston A. Price Foundation

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) today announced the reintroduction of the Expanding Service Coordinators Act alongside Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.). The legislation would increase funding and make reforms to service coordinator programs, expanding the national workforce that connects residents of federally assisted housing with health care, nutrition, transportation, job training, education, and other critical services.

“Service coordinator programs are essential to providing Ohio families with critical social services like health care, food, transportation, and job training,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “These pivotal resources are vital to mobility and long-term development and have been underfunded for far too long. I’m proud to partner with Reps. Smith and Bonamici on the Expanding Service Coordinators Act to increase funding for these essential programs. By strengthening the service coordinator workforce, we can better support the professional, personal, and health needs of Ohioans in low-income housing—and take meaningful steps to prevent homelessness.”

 

“Service coordinators are essential to ensuring residents of federally assisted housing have the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “These dedicated professionals help families and older adults navigate health care, access food and transportation, and connect with education and job training. But the demand for their support far outpaces the federal funding available. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act makes the long-overdue investments needed to grow and sustain this workforce so that more families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities can live independently, avoid homelessness, and achieve long-term stability.”

“Service coordinators play an essential role in federally subsidized housing, helping older adults, adults with disabilities, and families lead stable and fulfilling lives,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Expanding opportunities like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for service coordinators will bolster the workforce and expand service delivery for vulnerable community members. I am honored to advocate for the Expanding Service Coordinators Act with Reps. Smith and Beatty to support service coordinators in their work and to increase the number of service coordinators in communities across Oregon and the country.”

Endorsements

The Expanding Service Coordinators Act has been endorsed by more than two dozen national and local organizations, including:

• American Association for Service Coordinators
• King County Housing Authority
• Seattle Housing Authority
• Tacoma Housing Authority
• Council for Affordable Rural Housing
• LeadingAge
• Public Housing Authority Directors Association
• Council for Large Public Housing Authorities
• Connected Communities
• Compass Working Capital
• B’nai B’rith
• CSI Support & Development
• LifeSTEPS
• Local Initiatives Support Coalition
• New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc.
• New Hampshire Association of Professional Service Coordinators
• Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators in Housing
• Sage Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders
• United Church Homes
• MJ Housing Services
• National Church Residences
• Embrace Living Communities
• WinnCompanies
• National Affordable Housing Managers Association
• AHEPA Senior Living
• National NeighborWorks Association
• Housing Assistance Council
• HumanGood

Statements of Support

“Every single community in this country needs more supported affordable housing. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural community, the older adults, families, persons with disabilities, veterans, and other vulnerable neighbors all have the same basic needs: to be healthy, happy, and housed. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act will do this by prioritizing the needs of older adults, empowering families with the resources they need to become self-sufficient, and growing supported affordable housing across the country… With this legislation, and the continued leadership of Representative Smith, we are one step closer to changing the narrative and making a substantial difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country.”—Michelle Missler, President & CEO, American Association of Service Coordinators

“I applaud Congressman Smith for introducing this critical legislation, which recognizes the need to provide supportive and connecting services to people living in federally assisted housing. The extra support provided by a service coordinator can make all the difference for a family taking that next step toward economic independence, improved health, or maintained social wellbeing.”—Robin Walls, Executive Director/CEO, King County Housing Authority

“The Seattle Housing Authority appreciates Representative Smith introducing this legislation to increase funding for support service coordinators. We are continuing to see an increasing need for this type of service for our residents. We have first-hand experience that shows these types of partnerships, personal connections and culturally appropriate services make a difference in whether our residents struggle or thrive. We provide these services but resources fall far short of the need.”—Rod Brandon, Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority

“We are happy to continue supporting the Congressman’s efforts to increase and incentivize the supportive services needed to stably house households. Placing a high value on the critical work that Service Coordinators perform while supporting their education is an admirable step.”—April Black, Executive Director, Tacoma Housing Authority

“On behalf of NAHMA, we applaud Representatives Smith, Beatty, and Bonamici for reintroducing the Expanding Service Coordinators Act. This essential legislation is a strategic investment in the people who make housing work—not only as shelter, but fostering communities where residents live healthy and fulfilling lives.”

“As owners and managers of affordable housing communities, we have long recognized service coordinators play a critical role in federally assisted housing by connecting residents, particularly older adults, people with disabilities, and working families—to the supportive services they need to thrive. By providing essential funding in FY2026 to FY2030, the bill ensures continued support for Section 202 program. It also creates targeted, three-year grant programs for HUD and USDA-assisted properties in underserved communities, including rural and persistent poverty areas. Additional investments for HRSA grants for LIHTC properties, and dedicated training funds—will enhance capacity and ensure coordinators are well-equipped. Provisions to protect coordinators from burdensome regulations, while maintaining accountability, strike an important balance. We also applaud the inclusion of Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, which will help recruit and retain qualified professionals in these roles.”

“This legislation is not only about programs—it’s about people. NAHMA urges bipartisan support to advance the Expanding Service Coordinators Act, reaffirming our shared commitment to affordable housing as a foundation in the health and stability of our nation’s most vulnerable residents.” —Kris Cook, CAE, CEO of National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA)

“New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc. (NERSC) supports the Expanding Service Coordinator Act, providing vital investments and expand the Service Coordinator Program to better support seniors and families.”—Kate Cantwell, NERSC Executive Director

“We thank Representative Adam Smith for re-introducing this important legislation that will help support and better fund our nation’s service coordinator programs. Service coordinators play a critical role in ensuring seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to affordable assisted living and other social services. At NCAL, increasing the availability of affordable assisted living is one of our main priorities. We look forward to working with Congress on advancing the Expanding Services Coordinators Act and streamlining access to quality care.”—Christopher Donnellan, American Healthcare Association Senior Director

“I write to express my support and that of Wesley Living for the Expanding Service Coordinator Act. Through my 25 plus years of affordable housing, I have found that the most beneficial program for our resident’s welfare is the service coordinator program. Our service coordinators assist our residents in health care management, transportation, nutrition, smoking cessation, fitness, dementia support, fall prevention, and wellness as well as assisting residents in personal needs when necessary. Our service coordinators find outside organizations and volunteers who provide resources, money, time, and education which allow our seniors to age in place. There is a great return on investment for this program and the dollars that the government puts into the program are returned three-fold in savings on things like Medicare and Medicaid, and local funds expended on unnecessary ambulance and fire calls. Additionally, service coordinators prevent evictions which can be devastating to an elderly person and balloon operating costs for housing operators.”

“On the personal side, our service coordinators allow our residents to have a quality of life they otherwise would not experience. The programming that results in better health lifestyles provides for reduced falls, preventive health screening and timely treatment of disease before becoming debilitating. The program prevents large numbers of seniors from becoming prematurely institutionalized or in most cases, institutionalization at all. Service coordinators allow for the dignity of life our elderly residents deserve.”

“So, we strongly and enthusiastically recommend and support the passing of the Expanding Service Coordinator Act and appreciate Representative Smith’s work to enhance this program.”—Ron Budynas, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Wesley Housing Corporation

 “As an agency that provides Resident Services to over 100,000 individuals in more than 39,000 homes, LifeSTEPS supports expanding Service Coordinator legislation. Not only do Service Coordinators save millions by providing much needed housing stabilization services to those in poverty, they are a lifeline to saving billions in healthcare costs. Service coordination has proven that with proper support seniors can maintain their dignity and prevent premature placement in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Seniors want, need, and deserve to maintain their home and age in place.” —Beth Southorn, Executive Director, LifeSTEPS

“On behalf of The Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators in Housing (MARSCH) we strongly endorse your legislation to expand funding for Service Coordination.” —Donna L. Coyle, MARSCH President

“Once again, I am writing in support and to endorse the Expansion of the Service Coordinator Act.  HumanGood began employing resident service coordinators in our affordable housing communities in the 1990’s beginning with approximately 5 resident service coordinators.  With our continued growth, we now employ 70+ resident service coordinators in almost all of our 100+ communities in California, Washington, Oregon and Pennsylvania.  As an organization, we have come to know resident services as an invaluable component of property management. Our services team not only links our residents to supportive and medical services, but also provide case management to our most vulnerable population.  The program has evolved in the last fifteen years where the demands of the health and well being of our residents has grown substantially and we are striving to meet their needs so they can continue to age in place.  Necessary training on entitlement programs, dementia, mental health conditions, adult protective services, hospitalization and nursing home admission, mitigating isolation are some of the required trainings that enable our service coordinators to be equipped to empower residents to live independently and increase self-sufficiency.  Resident services provides a positive financial impact by reducing turnovers, evictions, property damage and helps address compliance issues.  We continue to find creative ways to expand our partnerships with county providers, educational institutions, health care providers to allow us to develop new approaches and resources to address our residents’ needs.”—Linda Coleman, VP of Resident Services for HumanGood

“On behalf of the New Hampshire Association of Professional Service Coordinators, I am writing to inform you our Association’s support and endorsement of the Expanding Service Coordinators Act.”—Karen Graveline, NHAPSC President

“We are committed to supporting and strengthening the service coordinator profession within affordable housing and elder care settings.  This matters as the number of older adults are rapidly increasing and many live in affordable housing without easy access to services.  Access to services and someone to assist residents in obtaining beneficial service supports has shown to improve the resident’s quality of life; age in place with respect and dignity and decrease the financial burden on Medicaid and Medicare costs.”

“The demand far exceeds the supply of qualified service coordination professionals and Embrace Living Communities will continue to advocate for increased service coordination opportunities for the residents we are privileged to serve.”—Jennifer Truppa, Director of Social Services and Quality Assurance for Embrace Living Communities 

“Service Coordinators within federally assisted affordable housing support the most vulnerable of our society — aging adults and persons living with disabilities.  At National Church Residences our network of professionally trained Service Coordinators help residents connect with and navigate critical services, nutrition, and healthcare so that they may live securely and independently in the place they call home. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act would enhance this program so even more seniors would have access to this service and the resulting benefits on their quality of life. National Church Residences proudly endorses the Expanding Service Coordinators Act and thanks Representatives Smith, Beatty, and Bonamici for their leadership in reintroducing the act for 2025.” —Brianna Mettler, SVP Senior Services & Senior Living, National Church Residences.

“The Expanding Service Coordinators Act will directly benefit residents in HUD senior affordable housing by increasing access to trained professionals who connect older adults with critical services such as healthcare, nutrition assistance, and social support. By providing dedicated support to navigate complex systems, the legislation helps residents maintain their independence while reducing the risk of unnecessary and more costly institutionalization. At United Church Homes, we have more than 3,000 older adults that have benefited from service coordinators in optimizing their existing resources and benefits, enabling them to live safely and comfortably in their homes for longer.” —Terry Spitznagel, Sr Ex VP, COO, United Church Homes

Background

Housing service coordinators are staff embedded in multifamily housing and public housing that provide a wide range of services including case management; the arrangement of transportation and appointments for health and personal care services; the facilitation of health and wellness programming; and the continuous assessment of resident needs.

Service coordinators help promote housing stability among a population that often faces housing insecurity and helps seniors and residents with high needs avoid institutionalized care.

Unfortunately, service coordinator programs are underfunded and underutilized. The two primary programs that fund service coordinators for residents of federally assisted housing are the Multifamily Housing Service Coordinator Program and the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator Program.

The Multifamily Housing Service Coordinator Program embeds staff in federally assisted housing to coordinate a wide field of services for older adults and people with disabilities like meal services, medication management, and transportation to appointments. Service coordinators create critical networks for residents to receive social services that can help them age in place.

The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency program utilizes service coordinators to help families by arranging for meals, transportation, housekeeping, health and nutrition programs, case management, job training, and assistance with personal care. This program helps families in public housing navigate social services to access better job and educational opportunities.

The Expanding Service Coordinators Act would make critical investments and reforms to expand service coordinator programs to serve more people in federally assisted housing. Specifically, the bill would:

• Authorize $225 million annually (FY2026–FY2030) for covered service coordinator programs, including Section 202 properties, and continue existing congregate service grants.
   
• Create new 3-year grant programs for service coordinators in Section 202 housing (HUD) and Section 515 rural housing (USDA), with priorities for properties serving elderly or disabled residents and those in persistent poverty or underserved rural areas.
   
• Authorize $45 million annually (FY2026–FY2030) for the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinator Program in public and Indian housing.
   
• Provide $37 million in FY2026 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award 150 grants to Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties to fund service coordinators.
   
• Require a $2,500 annual training set-aside for each service coordinator and mandate annual reporting on training completed.
   
• Extend eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to service coordinators and protect grantees from new HUD requirements outside standard reporting, monitoring, and compliance.

Service coordinators are an underfunded resource in federally assisted housing. They help individuals navigate the complicated web of social services that can make the difference between a resident sinking or thriving. It is more important now than ever to invest in this critical workforce. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Al Green announced that he will host a press conference on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET in the House Triangle following the Slavery Remembrance Legislative Update Breakfast Meeting. 

The press conference will acknowledge the commemoration of August as Slavery Remembrance Month and August 20th as Slavery Remembrance Day. Congressman Al Green will also deliver remarks responding to President Trump’s Truth Social comment that the Smithsonian Museum focuses too much on “how bad slavery was.”

In addition, Congressman Al Green will emphasize the Slavery Remembrance Commemorative Colloquy Ceremony, which reminds us that “We Must Always Remember” slavery as well as the great strides made by the “Scions of the Enslaved Africans Sacrificed to Make America Great,” in spite of slavery and its invidious offsprings. However, we still have a way to go. A copy of the Slavery Remembrance Colloquy is accessible here.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Slavery Remembrance Day reminds us that confronting the honest, yet brutal truths of our past is essential. When institutions like the Smithsonian are pressured to minimize preserving true American history, we undermine the historical accuracy on which progress depends. We must never downplay the inhumanity of slavery nor erase its central role in shaping the economic foundation of America, which occurred for 246 shameful years.”

Click here to watch the Facebook Live Stream of the event.

Members of the press are invited for Q&A and b-roll footage.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas), a member of the Western Congressional Caucus, joined Montana Talks with Aaron Flint to discuss the Caucus’s time in Montana, the secured provisions in the One Big, Beautiful Bill, the achievement of removing the lesser prairie-chicken from the Endangered Species Act, and more.

Read a transcript below. Listen to the interview here. 

On being in Montana with his colleagues from the Western Congressional Caucus:

“It was beautiful as we went up there yesterday … It was great being able to see the heights of the mountains and the depths of the valleys as you’re going up. But also, I’m kind of an engineer by background, and so just seeing the striations in the rock layer and thinking about the geological impact of how that was created. It’s interesting to watch and just a beautiful scenery to see.”

On how the creation of roads and transportation systems in the West:

“You think about how you maintain that and you think back about, you know, in the 1930s, when they were building the road is, how you ended up with the technology that was available at that point in time. Carrying dynamite in your backpack to get up to the places where you had to blast out rock to to be able to get to that. And then using the rock formation and making the arches for part of that section of the roadway so that they didn’t have to blast too much of the mountain away in order to make that work.” 

On the purpose and intention of the Western Caucus:

“It’s called the Western Caucus because really one of the primary goals is focusing on our public lands and how do we protect, preserve and make sure that we maintain those in an equitable manner to be able to use and be beneficial for Americans. 

“There’s members from all across the country. So being able to be responsible and stewards of our public lands is so important. It’s great to see that as you’re here, see it in person and be able to partake in and experience it.”

On the geographical diversity of the Western Caucus membership:

“For me, from Kansas, we’re kind of midwestern plains, depends on which definition you’re using, but not only looking at our responsibility taking care of public lands, but also the Western Caucus, we look at . . . property rights, and the ability for us as Americans to own whatever it is, whether it’s land, whether it’s a house, whether it’s a vehicle. 

“That’s the base of being free is being able to have those property rights that you can understand and benefit from, and not have somebody at a whim because they have some political power, take that away from you. And so that’s another reason why I joined the Western Caucus. 

“The other reason … endangered species are one of the things that we talk about in the caucus, and in Kansas we have some things like lesser prairie-chicken and a few other things that sometimes pop up. So obviously that’s a concern as well as making sure that our EPA and Department of Interior and Fish and Wildlife are actually doing the things that they should be doing.”

On the tax provisions Congressman Estes secured in the One Big, Beautiful Bill:

“From a tax standpoint, we were facing a huge tax increase next year because of the temporary nature of some of the provisions that were put into the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017. So it depends on how your numbers are, different states would be differently affected, but it basically would have been … 22% tax increase for individuals. And in Kansas, in one year, that would have amounted to about $2,200. 

“. . .So obviously that has a huge impact on individuals and the way that they can run their lives whether they can buy the car or the truck that they need. We just couldn’t allow that to happen. 

“Other provisions that actually we put in place in 2017 that actually made the economy take off. Whether it’s being able to write off capital expenditure, so a business goes out and buys something, and they can be able to deduct that the first year, instead of spreading that out over five years. That provision expired, along with a provision that allowed research and development costs to be deducted the first year that they’re incurred. What we saw when those provisions expired two years ago, was … a drop in investment and a corresponding drop in jobs and incomes.”

On eliminating the Death Tax in the One Big, Beautiful Bill:

“We want to make sure that families can pass it on. I mean, they’re American citizens, whether they’re in Kansas or Montana, or are the best stewards of the land and the best stewards of property. We want to make sure that they can pass that on to their heirs as well as, you know, the benefit that they obtained during their lifetime. 

“We were able to get some permanence in what the death tax exemption is, keep it at a high rate, and index it for inflation, so that it continues to go up as inflation costs show up. 

“We want to make sure that just the permanence aspect of so many things is going to help make a lot of those decisions better and easier for people to make and go out and make that investment in the sawmill because you know that, hey, this is going to be the tax code for the next several years and it’s not a five-year provision that we have to look at.”

On the waste, fraud and abuse being exercised within the federal government:

“When you look at these other groups and, you know, the DOGE effort uncovered a lot of this in terms of just outright wasteful spending and fraud and abuse of the taxpayer dollars. We’ve been able to codify some of those things to help back up that executive order [from President Trump] and some of those things that come that have come out of the executive branch because, unless you don’t put it in law, when one presidential administration changes, you can have a completely different direction in that.

“We need to make sure that we get more things put in law like, what’s the process for taking something off of the endangered species list once they get off that place? What’s the process of looking at, this is the land we own, but do we really need all of that? Maybe because there are better uses for that land.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

SEATTLE, WA – Today, Representative Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement:

“The advancement of the long-stalled E1 settlement project is deeply alarming and destabilizing. This plan, which would add 3,400 housing units near East Jerusalem, would effectively split the West Bank into two regions and make the prospect of a viable Palestinian state significantly more difficult.

“The development of E1 flies in the face of long-standing U.S. and international opposition, undermines Israel’s own security, jeopardizes the future of the Palestinian people, and further erodes the possibility of a two-state solution, which is the only realistic path towards lasting peace. Finance Minister Smotrich’s declaration that this project is meant to ‘bury’ the idea of a Palestinian state makes the intention of this extremist plan clear. It is a direct rejection of peace efforts and a provocation that threatens to fuel further violence.

“I call on the Israeli government to reverse course and halt this reckless, dangerous plan. Continued unfettered settlement expansion threatens to push Israelis and Palestinians further from peace and jeopardizes the stability of the region.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today announced the reintroduction of the Expanding Service Coordinators Act alongside Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.). The legislation would increase funding and make reforms to service coordinator programs, expanding the national workforce that connects residents of federally assisted housing with health care, nutrition, transportation, job training, education, and other critical services.
 

“Service coordinators are essential to ensuring residents of federally assisted housing have the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “These dedicated professionals help families and older adults navigate health care, access food and transportation, and connect with education and job training. But the demand for their support far outpaces the federal funding available. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act makes the long-overdue investments needed to grow and sustain this workforce so that more families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities can live independently, avoid homelessness, and achieve long-term stability.”

“Service coordinator programs are essential to providing Ohio families with critical social services like health care, food, transportation, and job training,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “These pivotal resources are vital to mobility and long-term development and have been underfunded for far too long. I’m proud to partner with Reps. Smith and Bonamici on the Expanding Service Coordinators Act to increase funding for these essential programs. By strengthening the service coordinator workforce, we can better support the professional, personal, and health needs of Ohioans in low-income housing—and take meaningful steps to prevent homelessness.”

“Service coordinators play an essential role in federally subsidized housing, helping older adults, adults with disabilities, and families lead stable and fulfilling lives,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Expanding opportunities like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for service coordinators will bolster the workforce and expand service delivery for vulnerable community members. I am honored to advocate for the Expanding Service Coordinators Act with Reps. Smith and Beatty to support service coordinators in their work and to increase the number of service coordinators in communities across Oregon and the country.”

Endorsements

The Expanding Service Coordinators Act has been endorsed by more than two dozen national and local organizations, including:

• American Association for Service Coordinators
• King County Housing Authority
• Seattle Housing Authority
• Tacoma Housing Authority
• Council for Affordable Rural Housing
• LeadingAge
• Public Housing Authority Directors Association
• Council for Large Public Housing Authorities
• Connected Communities
• Compass Working Capital
• B’nai B’rith
• CSI Support & Development
• LifeSTEPS
• Local Initiatives Support Coalition
• New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc.
• New Hampshire Association of Professional Service Coordinators
• Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators in Housing
• Sage Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders
• United Church Homes
• MJ Housing Services
• National Church Residences
• Embrace Living Communities
• WinnCompanies
• National Affordable Housing Managers Association
• AHEPA Senior Living
• National NeighborWorks Association
• Housing Assistance Council
• HumanGood

Statements of Support

“Every single community in this country needs more supported affordable housing. Whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural community, the older adults, families, persons with disabilities, veterans, and other vulnerable neighbors all have the same basic needs: to be healthy, happy, and housed. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act will do this by prioritizing the needs of older adults, empowering families with the resources they need to become self-sufficient, and growing supported affordable housing across the country… With this legislation, and the continued leadership of Representative Smith, we are one step closer to changing the narrative and making a substantial difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country.”—Michelle Missler, President & CEO, American Association of Service Coordinators

“I applaud Congressman Smith for introducing this critical legislation, which recognizes the need to provide supportive and connecting services to people living in federally assisted housing. The extra support provided by a service coordinator can make all the difference for a family taking that next step toward economic independence, improved health, or maintained social wellbeing.”—Robin Walls, Executive Director/CEO, King County Housing Authority

“The Seattle Housing Authority appreciates Representative Smith introducing this legislation to increase funding for support service coordinators. We are continuing to see an increasing need for this type of service for our residents. We have first-hand experience that shows these types of partnerships, personal connections and culturally appropriate services make a difference in whether our residents struggle or thrive. We provide these services but resources fall far short of the need.”—Rod Brandon, Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority

“We are happy to continue supporting the Congressman’s efforts to increase and incentivize the supportive services needed to stably house households. Placing a high value on the critical work that Service Coordinators perform while supporting their education is an admirable step.”—April Black, Executive Director, Tacoma Housing Authority

 
“On behalf of NAHMA, we applaud Representatives Smith, Beatty, and Bonamici for reintroducing the Expanding Service Coordinators Act. This essential legislation is a strategic investment in the people who make housing work—not only as shelter, but fostering communities where residents live healthy and fulfilling lives.
 
“As owners and managers of affordable housing communities, we have long recognized service coordinators play a critical role in federally assisted housing by connecting residents, particularly older adults, people with disabilities, and working families—to the supportive services they need to thrive. By providing essential funding in FY2026 to FY2030, the bill ensures continued support for Section 202 program. It also creates targeted, three-year grant programs for HUD and USDA-assisted properties in underserved communities, including rural and persistent poverty areas. Additional investments for HRSA grants for LIHTC properties, and dedicated training funds—will enhance capacity and ensure coordinators are well-equipped. Provisions to protect coordinators from burdensome regulations, while maintaining accountability, strike an important balance. We also applaud the inclusion of Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, which will help recruit and retain qualified professionals in these roles.
 
“This legislation is not only about programs—it’s about people. NAHMA urges bipartisan support to advance the Expanding Service Coordinators Act, reaffirming our shared commitment to affordable housing as a foundation in the health and stability of our nation’s most vulnerable residents. – Kris Cook, CAE, CEO of National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA)

“New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc. (NERSC) supports the Expanding Service Coordinator Act, providing vital investments and expand the Service Coordinator Program to better support seniors and families.”—Kate Cantwell, NERSC Executive Director

“We thank Representative Adam Smith for re-introducing this important legislation that will help support and better fund our nation’s service coordinator programs. Service coordinators play a critical role in ensuring seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to affordable assisted living and other social services. At NCAL, increasing the availability of affordable assisted living is one of our main priorities. We look forward to working with Congress on advancing the Expanding Services Coordinators Act and streamlining access to quality care.”—Christopher Donnellan, American Healthcare Association Senior Director

“I write to express my support and that of Wesley Living for the Expanding Service Coordinator Act. Through my 25 plus years of affordable housing, I have found that the most beneficial program for our resident’s welfare is the service coordinator program. Our service coordinators assist our residents in health care management, transportation, nutrition, smoking cessation, fitness, dementia support, fall prevention, and wellness as well as assisting residents in personal needs when necessary. Our service coordinators find outside organizations and volunteers who provide resources, money, time, and education which allow our seniors to age in place. There is a great return on investment for this program and the dollars that the government puts into the program are returned three-fold in savings on things like Medicare and Medicaid, and local funds expended on unnecessary ambulance and fire calls. Additionally, service coordinators prevent evictions which can be devastating to an elderly person and balloon operating costs for housing operators.
 
“On the personal side, our service coordinators allow our residents to have a quality of life they otherwise would not experience. The programing that results in better health lifestyles provides for reduced falls, preventive health screening and timely treatment of disease before becoming debilitating. The program prevents large numbers of seniors from becoming prematurely institutionalized or in most cases, institutionalization at all. Service coordinators allow for the dignity of life our elderly residents deserve.
 
“So, we strongly and enthusiastically recommend and support the passing of the Expanding Service Coordinator Act and appreciate Representative Smith’s work to enhance this program.”—Ron Budynas, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Wesley Housing Corporation
 

“As an agency that provides Resident Services to over 100,000 individuals in more than 39,000 homes, LifeSTEPS supports expanding Service Coordinator legislation. Not only do Service Coordinators save millions by providing much needed housing stabilization services to those in poverty, they are a lifeline to saving billions in healthcare costs. Service coordination has proven that with proper support seniors can maintain their dignity and prevent premature placement in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Seniors want, need, and deserve to maintain their home and age in place.” – Beth Southorn, Executive Director, LifeSTEPS
 
“On behalf of The Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators in Housing (MARSCH) we strongly endorse your legislation to expand funding for Service Coordination.” –Donna L. Coyle, MARSCH President

“Once again, I am writing in support and to endorse the Expansion of the Service Coordinator Act.  HumanGood began employing resident service coordinators in our affordable housing communities in the 1990’s beginning with approximately 5 resident service coordinators.  With our continued growth, we now employ 70+ resident service coordinators in almost all of our 100+ communities in California, Washington, Oregon and Pennsylvania.  As an organization, we have come to know resident services as an invaluable component of property management. Our services team not only links our residents to supportive and medical services, but also provide case management to our most vulnerable population.  The program has evolved in the last fifteen years where the demands of the health and well being of our residents has grown substantially and we are striving to meet their needs so they can continue to age in place.  Necessary training on entitlement programs, dementia, mental health conditions, adult protective services, hospitalization and nursing home admission, mitigating isolation are some of the required trainings that enable our service coordinators to be equipped to empower residents to live independently and increase self-sufficiency.  Resident services provides a positive financial impact by reducing turnovers, evictions, property damage and helps address compliance issues.  We continue to find creative ways to expand our partnerships with county providers, educational institutions, health care providers to allow us to develop new approaches and resources to address our residents’ needs.”—Linda Coleman, VP of Resident Services for HumanGood

“On behalf of the New Hampshire Association of Professional Service Coordinators, I am writing to inform you our Association’s support and endorsement of the Expanding Service Coordinators Act.”—Karen Graveline, NHAPSC President
 
“We are committed to supporting and strengthening the service coordinator profession within affordable housing and elder care settings.  This matters as the number of older adults are rapidly increasing and many live in affordable housing without easy access to services.  Access to services and someone to assist residents in obtaining beneficial service supports has shown to improve the resident’s quality of life; age in place with respect and dignity and decrease the financial burden on Medicaid and Medicare costs. 
 
“The demand far exceeds the supply of qualified service coordination professionals and Embrace Living Communities will continue to advocate for increased service coordination opportunities for the residents we are privileged to serve..”—Jennifer Truppa, Director of Social Services and Quality Assurance for Embrace Living Communities 
 
“Service Coordinators within federally assisted affordable housing support the most vulnerable of our society — aging adults and persons living with disabilities.  At National Church Residences our network of professionally trained Service Coordinators help residents connect with and navigate critical services, nutrition, and healthcare so that they may live securely and independently in the place they call home. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act would enhance this program so even more seniors would have access to this service and the resulting benefits on their quality of life. National Church Residences proudly endorses the Expanding Service Coordinators Act and thanks Representatives Smith, Beatty, and Bonamici for their leadership in reintroducing the act for 2025.”  –Brianna Mettler, SVP Senior Services & Senior Living, National Church Residences.
 
“The Expanding Service Coordinators Act will directly benefit residents in HUD senior affordable housing by increasing access to trained professionals who connect older adults with critical services such as healthcare, nutrition assistance, and social support. By providing dedicated support to navigate complex systems, the legislation helps residents maintain their independence while reducing the risk of unnecessary and more costly institutionalization. At United Church Homes, we have more than 3,000 older adults that have benefited from service coordinators in optimizing their existing resources and benefits, enabling them to live safely and comfortably in their homes for longer.” – Terry Spitznagel, Sr Ex VP, COO, United Church Homes
 

Background

Housing service coordinators are staff embedded in multifamily housing and public housing that provide a wide range of services including case management; the arrangement of transportation and appointments for health and personal care services; the facilitation of health and wellness programming; and the continuous assessment of resident needs.

Service coordinators help promote housing stability among a population that often faces housing insecurity and helps seniors and residents with high needs avoid institutionalized care.

Unfortunately, service coordinator programs are underfunded and underutilized. The two primary programs that fund service coordinators for residents of federally assisted housing are the Multifamily Housing Service Coordinator Program and the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator Program.

The Multifamily Housing Service Coordinator Program embeds staff in federally assisted housing to coordinate a wide field of services for older adults and people with disabilities like meal services, medication management, and transportation to appointments. Service coordinators create critical networks for residents to receive social services that can help them age in place.

The Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency program utilizes service coordinators to help families by arranging for meals, transportation, housekeeping, health and nutrition programs, case management, job training, and assistance with personal care. This program helps families in public housing navigate social services to access better job and educational opportunities.

The Expanding Service Coordinators Act would make critical investments and reforms to expand service coordinator programs to serve more people in federally assisted housing. Specifically, the bill would:

• Authorize $225 million annually (FY2026–FY2030) for covered service coordinator programs, including Section 202 properties, and continue existing congregate service grants.

• Create new 3-year grant programs for service coordinators in Section 202 housing (HUD) and Section 515 rural housing (USDA), with priorities for properties serving elderly or disabled residents and those in persistent poverty or underserved rural areas.

• Authorize $45 million annually (FY2026–FY2030) for the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinator Program in public and Indian housing.

• Provide $37 million in FY2026 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award 150 grants to Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties to fund service coordinators.

• Require a $2,500 annual training set-aside for each service coordinator and mandate annual reporting on training completed.

• Extend eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to service coordinators and protect grantees from new HUD requirements outside standard reporting, monitoring, and compliance.

Service coordinators are an underfunded resource in federally assisted housing. They help individuals navigate the complicated web of social services that can make the difference between a resident sinking or thriving. It is more important now than ever to invest in this critical workforce. 

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