Securing Essential Funding for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs in the 2024 Budget Act
The Assembly and Senate Budget Committees have approved a proposal by the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association (CLTCOA) to allocate an additional $9.25 million annually for local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program staff and volunteers. This crucial funding, sourced from existing reserves controlled by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), will not impact the state’s budget deficit. However, Governor Newsom plans to transfer some of these reserves to the General Fund to mitigate cuts to other programs, which may not directly benefit older adults or adults with disabilities.
The Ombudsman programs are vital for protecting the health, safety, rights, and quality of life of long-term care residents. The funding levels for these programs have remained stagnant for a decade despite the growing need for services, especially as reports of elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect have risen during the pandemic due to reduced Ombudsman presence in facilities. Ensuring this funding remains in the Budget Act aligns with California’s Master Plan on Aging and the goals of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.
Here’s how you can help:
- Call your state legislators’ offices.
- Call the Governor’s office at 916-445-2841.
- Share CLTCOA’s calls to action via social media and email.
- Ask your local partners/supporters to do the same.
- Call your legislators (findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov) and the Governor at 916-445-2841 to tell them: “Keep funding for our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs in the 2024 Budget Act.”
Tell them the following (this only takes 60 seconds):
“My name is ___________, and I’m calling from ___________ to ask for your support for the $9.25 million in annual funding for local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs in the 2024 Budget Act, which must be passed by June 15 — which is also World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. These programs cannot effectively investigate reports of elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities without it.”
Your support is crucial in ensuring the continued protection and advocacy for long-term care residents. Thank you for taking action!
