Rep. Zoe Lofgren is now a co-sponsor of H.R. 4222- The Ruth and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act of 2017

by Maureen Heath, BAYMEC Secretary and Board Member

On July 15, 2018, the Billy DeFrank Center and BAYMEC hosted a forum with Representative Zoe Lofgren.  During the event, BAYMEC Board President, Paul Escobar asked Representative Lofgren if she would support legislation to add LGBT seniors to the Older Americans Act (OAA).  Representative Lofgren expressed interest and a willingness to learn more about the legislation. We are happy to report that Representative Lofgren is now the 28th co-sponsor of the proposed legislation.

The legislation was originally introduced on November 1, 2017 by Representative Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Florida Representatives, Ted Deutch and Charlie Crist.  At the same time, Colorado Senator, Michael Bennet introduced the legislation in the Senate. The bill is named for Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz who sued the New York City Board of Education years ago for domestic partner benefits and won their case in 1994.  The couple have continued to be advocates for LGBT rights.

The Older Americans Act of 1965 supports and funds services for seniors.  The OAA was passed by Congress to address the lack of community social services for older persons.  The goal is to keep older adults healthy and living independently. Some of the programs include meals on wheels, senior employment services, case management services, information and awareness counseling, transportation programs, health insurance counseling and caregiving support.  The law established the Administration of Aging as the federal agency for seniors. The Act focuses on offering assistance to those seniors with the greatest social and economic need. The law as written in 1965 did not specifically include LGBT seniors. H.R. 4222 would add LGBT seniors to the Act.  Under the Act, there would be money and grants for organizations providing LGBT senior services. The law would permanently establish a National Resource Center on LGBT Aging.

When introducing the legislation, Rep. Bonamici remarked that the LGBT senior population was growing and was estimated to include nearly six million Americans by the year 2030. She  observed that LGBT seniors have fewer supportive services, higher poverty rates, more social isolation and less access to healthcare services compared to the rest of older Americans.

Many LGBT seniors have faced a lifetime of discrimination.  Lifelong experiences of marginalization place LGBT seniors at a higher risk for poverty, homelessness and premature institutionalization.  Services provided under the Older Americans Act would help address these issues.

More information about the Older Americans Act is available at, www.acl.gov.,  www.aging.ca.gov., and www.mysourcewise.com.