Senate Loses True Champion of Older Americans with Kohl Retirement
May 16, 2011
Eldercare Workforce Alliance Praises Sen. Kohl’s vision & leadership
Washington, D.C. – The Eldercare Workforce Alliance, a coalition of 28 national organizations committed to addressing the looming eldercare workforce shortage, issued the following statement in response to the announcement of the retirement of Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI).
“With the announcement of Senator Herb Kohl’s retirement, a true champion for older Americans leaves the Senate. As the Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, the Senate's principal committee charged with examining the many issues affecting older Americans, including health care, retirement issues, and protection from fraud and abuse, Senator Kohl has been instrumental in advancing legislation, policies, and awareness of issues that affect older adults. In addition to his efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, improve quality of care in nursing homes, prevent elder abuse, and strengthening retirement savings and social security, Senator Kohl has been an indefatigable voice for addressing the eldercare workforce crisis.
“For years, Senator Kohl – keenly aware of the demographic shift the country is facing – has fought to expand and improve the workforce to care for our aging nation. In 2009 Senator Kohl, along with Representative Schakowsky, introduced The Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act. This landmark legislation reflected recommendations from the Institute of Medicine report of the same name. Thanks to Senator Kohl’s steadfast leadership, many of the bill’s provisions were included in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary team care, the legislation included expanding the Geriatric Academic Career Awards (GACA) to other disciplines, as well as the Geriatric Career Incentive Awards and expansion of the Nursing Comprehensive Geriatric Education Program.
“The senator understood the vital role of direct-care workers who, he noted, serve on the frontline and provide 80 percent of our nation’s paid long-term care services. He recognized that family caregivers - an estimated 43.5 million who provide care for someone 50 years or older – are crucial to providing care and in Retooling, called for greater support and training opportunities. Senator Kohl’s support of these and other vital programs has not just helped to build and strengthen the workforce but has directly promoted quality care for America’s older adults.
Senator Kohl’s commitment to improving the lives of older adults is measurable and inspiring. His leadership and vision will be missed, but it is certain he will continue to serve as an inspiration to future champions.An aging America depends upon it.”
