Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D, NY)

A bill to increase job opportunities for public housing residents and to respond to the growing need for more direct-care workers was officially introduced by Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D, NY) on December 8. Read the full story

After seven days of debate and a final marathon session that saw votes on dozens of amendments, on October 2 the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Max Baucus (D-MT), finalized a health reform bill that would establish health coverage for 94 percent of the American population. Read the full story

Sen. Max Baucus

On September 16 Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced a chairman’s mark of the committee’s long-awaited health reform bill.

Titled the America’s Healthy Future Act, the legislation drew immediate criticism from both sides of the political fence even as it was widely acknowledged as a critical turning point in the ongoing attempts by Congress to overhaul the nation’s health care system. Read the full story

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2009

Contact: Deane Beebe
Media Relations Director
dbeebe@PHInational.org
718.928.2033 / 718.812.5586

Senator Max Baucus

Senate Finance Committee’s Healthcare Bill Will Better Prepare Direct-Care Workers to Serve Older and Disabled Americans

Two Demonstration Projects to Train, Educate and Support Workers

New York, NY — In the Chairman’s Mark released September 16, Senator Max Baucus has addressed the health care needs of America’s elders and people with disabilities by including provisions aimed at improving training and compensation for direct-care workers—the nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal assistants who provide millions of Americans with daily hands-on assistance. Read the full story

Tracy Lawless speaking to Congressman Jason Altmire

Last week, advocates attended a community forum to discuss health care reform with Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA), a “Blue Dog” Democrat who represents the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh and  rural areas covering 6 counties in western Pennsylvania.

Among the forum attendees was Tracy Lawless, Pennsylvania Campaign Coordinator for PHI’s Health Care for Health Care Workers campaign.

“We have an opportunity to make real changes to impact the long-term care industry and the consumers that rely on direct care workers each day,” Lawless said of currently proposed health care reform legislation.  “Simply said, a health care system that is good for direct-care workers is good for America.”  Read the full story

Senator Amy Klobuchar

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced three bills on August 6 that offer supports to seniors and their families.

Two of the bills aim to prevent abuses in the long-term care market. The other addresses the burdens, financial and otherwise, that family caregivers bear. Read the full story