Critical funding announced for Wisconsin’s older adults through the American Rescue Plan

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: May 10, 2021 3:58 PM CDT

WASHINGTON, DC (CBS 58) -- Rep. Ron Kind announced Monday, May 10, the Biden-Harris Administration’s release of $50,772,152 in funding to Wisconsin for critical Older Americans Act programs as part of the American Rescue Plan he helped pass.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many challenges for Wisconsin seniors and their families, and exposed the cracks in our long-term care system,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “This funding from the American Rescue Plan will go a long way towards providing relief and addressing the issues facing older adults, such as vaccine access, nutrition, and family caregiver support. Seniors here in Wisconsin have given so much to our state throughout the years, and we need to continue to ensure they can remain independent and engaged in our communities.”

As Older Americans Month continues, this funding focuses on programs to support Wisconsin seniors with an emphasis on much-needed pandemic relief, including:

$13,597,815 for meals for older adults in Wisconsin
$8,339,993 for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) through the Older Americans Act, supporting older Americans to age with dignity and safety in their homes and communities
$797,738 for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention in Wisconsin
$2,559,878 to help family caregivers support their loved ones
$181,304 to safeguard the health and welfare of residents in Wisconsin’s long-term care facilities

A news release from Rep. Kind's office says, he has fought to deliver much needed help to Wisconsin seniors and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to delivering $1.4 billion in funding for Older Americans Act programs through the American Rescue Plan, Rep. Kind ensured critical investments in the health, safety and financial security of older Americans and his legislation to help ensure nursing homes have the support they need to combat COVID-19 was also included as part of this package.

The American Rescue Plan increased funding to vaccinate Wisconsin seniors, ensure they can afford their homes and utilities, put food on the table and more.