State of the Union Address: ‘Stand Up for Seniors!’

Last week, President Joe Biden gave the annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, highlighting his Administration’s achievements and previewing his priorities moving forward. Constitutionally mandated, this was President Biden’s second SOTU speech, and contained several issues of importance to the home care industry.   

“Let’s get seniors who want to stay in their homes the care they need to do so. And give a little more breathing room to millions of family caregivers looking after their loved ones. Pass my plan so we get seniors and people with disabilities the home care services they need and support the workers who are doing God’s work.”  - President Biden
 
These issues are especially important as HCAOA members prepare to come to National Home Care Advocacy Day, on March 28-29, in Washington, D.C., to advocate for direct care workers’ training and wages under Medicaid HCBS programs, and support of family caregivers and veterans. The President also urged support for restoring the full Child Tax Credit, which has been identified as a barrier to employment for home care aides and preserving Medicare and Social Security.
 
“Social Security and Medicare are a lifeline for millions of seniors.  Americans have been paying into them with every single paycheck since they started working… Tonight, let’s all agree to stand up for seniors.  Stand up and show them we will not cut Social Security.  We will not cut Medicare.” – President Biden
 
Another issue very important to HCAOA members is providing care to our veterans. Some 5,000 home care organizations are caring for veterans and Biden plans to offer more veteran services including affordable houses and mental health services.   
 
“We must do more to keep our nation’s one truly sacred obligation: to equip those we send into harm’s way and care for them and their families when they come home." - President Biden.
 
While the issues cited above are welcomed and supportive of home care and senior care, two issues of concern are Biden’s support of banning non-compete agreements and passing the PROAct, which enables employees to unionize with very little restrictions. HCAOA is on record as opposing this bill.