Murphy, Bonamici, Deutch Introduce Bill To Better Care For LGBT Seniors

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representatives Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Ted Deutch (FL-21) introduced the Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act to improve the Older Americans Act (OAA) to better serve LGBT seniors, who face higher rates of poverty, pronounced social isolation, and less access to health care due to barriers in the aging system and past discrimination. This bill is named to honor LGBT activists Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz and has been endorsed by the Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE). (Please find attached a copy of the legislation).

"Our country has made great strides recently in the fight for equality, but we must not forget the severe impact a lifetime of discrimination has had on the well-being of aging LGBT individuals -- leaving them with higher poverty rates, poorer health, and less access to health care," said Congressman Patrick E. Murphy. "While I continue to call on Congress to act immediately to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, we must also take this opportunity to improve this important law by focusing on the unique challenges facing older Americans in the LGBT community. All Americans should have equal access to critical support and services as they enter their golden years.

"I am humbled to introduce this legislation in honor of two of my constituents, Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz, who have been true champions for LGBT equality," Rep. Murphy continued. "After successfully suing the New York City Board of Education for domestic partner benefits in 1988, Ruthie and Connie have remained trailblazers in the LGBT community. As residents of Century Village -- a major senior community in Palm Beach County -- they have built a strong network of support for fellow LGBT seniors, which is what this bill will help foster more of nationwide."

"Everyone in this country should be able to age with dignity," Congresswoman Bonamici (OR-1) said. "The Older Americans Act provides essential services--from home health care to nutrition--that help uphold this promise to America's seniors. As Congress works to reauthorize the Act, we must include commonsense policies that improve access to services for LGBT older adults. I am honored to partner with Representatives Murphy and Deutch to help every older adult enjoy an independent, healthy, and fulfilling life."

"I first met Ruthie and Connie while serving in the Florida State Senate, and I was immediately inspired by their commitment to each other and to equality for all LGBT Americans," said Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21). "It is a privilege to introduce a bill that is not only named in their honor, but designed to honor their work on behalf of marriage equality and dignity for all Americans. I look forward to working with my good friends, Congressman Patrick Murphy and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, to advance a bill that will strengthen the Older Americans Act and help protect the rights and well-being of LGBT seniors in Florida and across the country."

"SAGE applauds Congressman Murphy for his visionary leadership and for championing these important amendments to the Older Americans Act," said Michael Adams, CEO of Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE). "LGBT older adults face profound challenges that require unique services and supports, and this bill is a major step forward for elders in every part of the country. While it's no secret that it's difficult to move legislation through Congress in this polarized environment, the proposed act should be common sense for anybody interested in fairness for LGBT people."

For the past 50 years, the OAA has provided support and services, such as Meals on Wheels and caregiver support, to make sure our nation's most vulnerable seniors are able to age with dignity, independence, and freedom from poverty. Congress is currently debating reauthorization of this important law, which expired in 2011. The Ruthie and Connie LGBT Elder Americans Act, which is the House companion of S. 1765 introduced by Senator Michael Bennet, will amend the OAA to better care for older LGBT Americans and provide equal treatment by including LGBT seniors as a vulnerable population, prioritizing grant opportunities for organizations focused on improving LGBT health and long-term care, and permanently establishing the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging to address the unique needs of this population.

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