S2 E1 - Government and Advocacy
In this episode, we learn the history of the Older Americans Act, the Federal and State budgeting processes, and just how important advocacy is to ensuring aging gets in, and stays in, the budgets.
Grant Ames, COAAA Government and Community Relations Manager joins Beth Kowalczyk, O4A Chief Policy Officer, to discuss the role of policy in human services, advocacy opportunities, the importance of building relationships with elected officials and coalitions, and so much more.
Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at kwhite@coaaa.org!
Copyright 2024 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging
Transcript
Well, welcome. Thank you for joining us on the podcast today. Let's go ahead and get started with introductions. Beth, do you wanna go first? Sure.
Beth Kowalczyk [:Thank you, and thanks for having me today. My name is Beth Kowalczyk, and I'm the, chief policy officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Katie White [:Thank you, Beth. And Grant.
Grant Ames [:And I'm Grant Ames. I'm the government and community relations manager here at COAAA.
Katie White [:Great. One of the things that I think is really fun is to kinda get to know people and how they came to be in these positions. So, Beth, give us just a brief history of, what you've done and how you got to be at o four a.
Beth Kowalczyk [:Sure. Well, I started out my career, graduating from law school and wanting to make a difference in my community. And So I started as a legal aid attorney in Steubenville, Ohio with Southeast Ohio Legal Services and had the opportunity to represent vulnerable Ohioans on a number of civil legal issues like housing, domestic violence, government benefits, and things like that, but it really made me realize how important Policy is and addressing issues from, the level of a systemic change and systemic is. And so, I had the opportunity to work in the Columbus office of Ohio State Legal Services Association and work on public benefits Issues with the government, the state government and with the general assembly. Then I got to do some policy work On those issues at the department of job and family services. So really got to have an opportunity to work on policy from a number of levels. And then, when I came to 04 a, had the, opportunity to work with the organizations who actually carry out the policy at the Local level and represent them. And so continuing my advocacy and policy work throughout my career, but it's and continuing to represent vulnerable Ohioans, and now looking at, older Ohioans and people with disabilities, representing them and giving them a voice and giving the area agencies a voice.
Beth Kowalczyk [:Wow.
Katie White [:See, it's this is why I love this part because I've known you for years, and I didn't know about that whole path. Wonderful. Well, thank you. And, Grant, how about you?
Grant Ames [:Well, I've been involved in politics pretty much since I started my career. I have a background, and I Was always involved in community work even in high school, the president of city council, things like that, or, student council, things like that. And then, in undergrad, worked for some of our elected officials here locally, Sherr Brown. I worked for some of Our, state representatives, senator, John Kearney for a while, and wanted to make sure that wasn't the right name. So that one will need strange. But, we've been sending her Kearney for a while and,
Katie White [:Do you wanna take a breath and try that part again? Okay.
Grant Ames [:I wasn't expecting a run through. I should have thought about it. So I started my career with, city council, about 10 years ago. So I am working, I worked for send for council member Mitchell Brown for about 8 to 9 years. One of his committees was the aging and veterans committee. So that was, it was actually a committee that we started on city council. It had been a committee. Senator Herschel Craig, when he was on Columbus City Council, started the veterans committee because he's a veteran and really thought that they needed did a representative voice in Columbus City Council.
Grant Ames [:So, when council member Brown got there, we really were like, well, there's no real issue specific to older adults Or seniors. So we really need to lean in and see what we can do there. Did a lot of work with, the honorable Fran Ryan. Always involved and always pushing for change and especially pushing for, representation of seniors. So, after starting that committee, we did a lot of work In, expanding the villages program, providing them with support from the city level, doing specific programming for older Adults around, around crisis intervention, around, preventing, any major making sure they had everything that they needed for, like, cold weather events, making sure that we got involved with the Red Cross and and getting them supplies and like that. So, really started that focus there. And then, when this position opened up, I wanted to continue that work working with older adults and continuing to push for policy change around that area. And so I started here, and I'm I've been loving it ever since.
Katie White [:Sure. So Grant and I worked together when I was at Age Friendly, and he was in city council. And, really, at the beginning of Age Friendly, when we we first set up our initial committees, Sure. You were there leading the safety committee, and it's been great to kinda work with you in all these various Capacities over the years and just a real joy and, a real bright spot that you're on CO triple a staff now because you've got all of the pieces. Right? Like so your personal journey in, politics and leadership, but then working from the inside of city council. And now we're on the outside kind of Tapping in and so you know all the inner workings. So well, thank you both again for being here. I'm so excited about this conversation.
Katie White [:It's The topic I find thrilling, which is all about the Older Americans Act, it's about policy. It's about budgeting and funding, and, of course, a lot about I see. So I think, for the purposes of just rounding out what we're gonna talk about, let's start with the Older Americans Act. So, Grant, do you wanna kinda give us a little history of the Older Americans Act and just talk a bit about that?
Grant Ames [: before he became president in: Grant Ames [: a's being established, but in: Grant Ames [:We're actually in the process of that reauthorization next year. So we'll be meeting with our elected officials and talking about ways that that could change and adjust to make sure that we're meeting those needs knee meeting those needs of our community and making sure that our federal mandate continues to be met and that the Folks here locally are receiving that support that they need.
Katie White [: Yes. So: Katie White [:So, Beth, do you mind speaking about that?
Beth Kowalczyk [:Sure. So the federal budget's made up of a number of components, and the nondiscretionary are things like Care and, other larger social programs that are mandated to be funded by federal law. The Older Americans Act falls under, as you said, a Small little bit of the budget called nondefense discretionary. And because it's discretionary, The legislature has the, ability to shift it. And so the Older Americans Act is among the programs that could be at risk for Funding cuts, but also could receive increases depending on, you know, how much, funding is available. And so it's really important because it's such it's also because one of the things that people don't necessarily think about, Particularly our legislators that we really have to advocate, in terms of telling the story of the Older Americans Act and the importance to their constituents, to the people that we serve, so that they recognize that it's important, 1, not to cut the funding, but, 2. That is currently not meeting the needs of the people we serve. Our population of older adults continues to grow, but that, particular line of funding does not.
Beth Kowalczyk [:It's not enough to meet the needs. So we have to really be vigilant in continuing to advocate, Keeping this on the radar of, our congressional delegation so that they're Focused on it and understand its importance.
Katie White [:Yeah. So the Older Americans Act keeps us in the federal budget in that nondefense discretionary fund. But each and every year, we have to go to DC, well, all through the year, really, and really advocate for all Our needs and share those numbers and that data and meet with people to say, hey. In your district back in Ohio, Here's what this small pot of money really boils down to for an individual. So Grant and I were able to go to DC last year, and I thought maybe you could talk a little bit about our visits on the hill.
Grant Ames [:Yeah. So I think the real important point to underscore is that the majority of the services and programs that are in our local communities for older adults are funded locally. These federal funds, while absolutely important and imperative to providing Direct services that are needed, haven't been able to keep up with the demand that we've been seeing, both an increase in population as well as in increase in service needs. So as we have these conversations with legislators, it's and a lot of times, it's really easy to tie. One of the major programs that the Older Americans Funds here locally is a Meals on Wheels programs in each of our counties. So it's really easy to discuss that with them. They can tangibly understand, like, what a meal is, what does that equate to, how many people are being fed, what is how many people are volunteering. Like, those type of things A really an easy story to tell and and easy to say, like, these are the funding that we need to continue this, Where it kind of gets a little muddier and where we really have to tell a a deeper story of the impact of the funds is when we talk about supportive services.
Grant Ames [:So that things like Transportation, personal care, adult day services, things like that that might not necessarily be top of mind for someone that Indeed. 1 year think about the health concerns and other things that our older adults are facing, but really making sure that we hammer home that these Things that you might not necessarily think are vital to their health and well-being are absolutely that. And we really do a good job of presenting not only How the limited funds are spent and how effective we are at translating that into improved quality of life, but also that The funds that we're receiving aren't enough for us to continue the services at the level that we really want to. And I think that whenever we had those conversations with legislators, We're problem solving and having conversations around how to adjust and and make sure that those services continue in the way that we want them to, but also Always advocating for more because knowing that the demand is there and knowing that our population is the population of older adults In in our area as well as across the nation is growing. We just need to keep it top of mind for them because, we know that those are the folks vote. Those are the people that are gonna show up at the their town hall meetings, and they wanna do the say they wanna turn around and be able to say, this is what I've done to support folks in your position, and and I think we have a really strong advocacy position in that way.
Katie White [:Yeah. And so when we were in DC in March and doing our hill visits, we had, you know, our packets of information around how much Title 3 funding, which is the title underneath the Older Americans Act that we're talking about right now or federal funding, that really supports Those home and community based services that are non Medicaid. And before we even get there, there's a ton of work That goes into getting these meetings prepared, getting the meetings on the books, setting up our appointments, and then we spend one day around education and kind catching up with our colleagues from across the US and our colleagues from across the state. And then the next day, we really go out, and we we visit our representatives, And we start to talk about the real issues. So, that is a really important day for lots of reasons, but I also feel like it's It's a good momentum for the year around okay. This is real. These are real people, these representatives, and they sit in their offices in DC, and you have a good conversation. And, it really does make an impact.
Katie White [:So the Older Americans Act federal funds that are 3 come into our state units on aging. Right? And are those funds guaranteed once they're passed through into our state? We don't have to advocate for any increases at the state level for those funds. Correct?
Beth Kowalczyk [:That's correct. There's a fed there's a funding formula that the state, designates, and that hasn't changed. And so once the the state has access to the funds, it's just a matter of distributing them to the area agencies. Okay.
Katie White [:And we're a little bit unique because we're part of the city. So, Grant, when we find out what our distribution will be, what are our, steps to making sure that that funding actually comes into our office Yeah. And then back out into the hands of the service providers?
Grant Ames [:Yeah. I can share a little bit about that. So, I will say that there is and, Beth, can you can correct me if there if I'm wrong about this, but I know that the state does Provide some additional funds as matching funds for those federal dollars that come in. So we receive some of that funding as well to make sure that we can, meet that federal requirement for MESH.
Katie White [:So State block grant. Right?
Grant Ames [:Yes. State block grant funding. So we have that amount as well as what we receive federally. We get that in from the Ohio Department of Aging, and we're required to do a RFP process for all of the direct service providers here locally for Both are title 3 b, which are those supportive services, and title 3 c programs, which are meals on wheels or, home delivered meals, and then as well as congregate meals. So, we go through that process every 4 years. Each triple a is a little bit different. Some do 2 years. Some do A 4 year period.
Grant Ames [:We do 4 years because we just feel like it makes sure that these folks that are receiving the funding Sure. In an in a place that they can continue those programs across that 4 year span. Having to reapply and have not knowing whether that funding is gonna be there the next year can sometimes Cause some consternation and some concern. So making sure that they have that set. Okay. We have this for 4 years. We can build this program out, identify consumers, get everything that we need in place, and then by the time that 4 years up, we can actually show the impact that we've made that period. So, that's how we do that process here.
Grant Ames [:We usually receive about a 100 applications for, I think we offer about 17 different services, across, across those Title 3 b and title 3 c. So we have a a litany of different providers. Sometimes we have mental health providers that are able to provide, counseling sessions for Folks, again, I mentioned transportation providers. We also provide, like, homemaking services, and I know our folks Sir, are well aware of what that what that service is and how helpful that is for folks. I think it just so as we're going through that process, we're weighing both Our area plan and every 4 years as well, and it's kind of offset. We do an area plan that does an analysis of The needs in the community. We do a needs assessment based on a survey results as well as discussions with an area, both Providers as well as residents to make sure that we know exactly what's going on and where we need to direct this funding to make sure that has the biggest impact. So we use that in alignment with what our staff is saying our needs, what our consumers are saying is need our needs, and what is the best, quote, unquote, bang for our buck, to making sure that we can get as many services out the door as possible while still, being fiscally responsible.
Grant Ames [:So we go through that process. We have to go through a a fair number of approvals. So we start with our advisory council, which meets every month. They have to approve what we do. They are mandated by the Older Americans Act, that's a section that triple a's are responsible for, for bringing together an advisory council of, area advocates, older adults themselves, and and providers, to give us guidance and advice on how we're utilizing these Older Americans Act funds. So that's kind of our first Phase. Then we have, the next step is because we're the city of Columbus, we're part of the recreation and parks department. Recreation and parks is a little bit different than any other department in the city and that they have a commission.
Grant Ames [:So that commission meets monthly. They talked about legislation that's going on. They talk about policy and practices within the the entire department, including with the triple a, and really give us guidance as well as a community on, what we're doing, how we could do it better, and and approving everything that we have. And then finally, the last Step is for city council to approve all of those contracts and all the funding. So that actually is happening next Monday. I'm really excited to see all of those contracts move forward and so that we can start services in the beginning of next year. But as you can tell, the legislative process is always A little bit complicated. Always has a a few more steps than you would think it would normally have, and, just takes a little bit of of handholding to make sure that we get this stuff across the finish line.
Katie White [:And so all of that work from DC to to CO Triple A to Rec and Parks to Columbus City Council is to the tune of about $6,000,000 In, home and community based services for our providers across our 8 county region. So that's a lot of work for $6,000,000, which is why we're saying As the need increases, our funding needs to increase as well. So let's shift gears a little bit and now get into some state Budgeting some state politics. So, Beth, do you mind doing an overview of how the state budget works?
Beth Kowalczyk [:Oh, yes. This is The stuff I love love to talk about. Sure. So the state budget is essentially the primary policy document for the state of Ohio. You you put your money where your mouth is. So where the funding priorities go, that's where the priorities of the state are. So it's, like, hugely important. It's our main advocacy, avenue for the area agencies on aging, and, it Funds things across the spectrum.
Beth Kowalczyk [:The way that the state budget works is that departments In state government, like the Department of Aging and the Department of Medicaid, submit budget proposals to the governor's office, to the office of Management for consideration. And so they look at all of the programs that they fund. If they, propose new programs, they may be asked Consider whether there's places they can cut funding. So all of that goes into a budget proposal that the governor's office Reviews. And then that process culminates into a bill That is introduced in the legislature. Now that process actually takes several months to go from The instructions to the departments, to the bill. And during that time, there's a whole lot of opportunity to talk with administrative agencies like Department of Aging and Medicaid, about what they are proposing, and that's something we do is really get in there early. Because if If you can get a proposal into the budget bill without having to amend it later, then you have, Really, achieved, you know, you're ahead of the game when you've done that.
Beth Kowalczyk [:So the bill's introduced in the general assembly. It's introduced in the house. It's the governor's budget. So it's the proposal from the governor. It goes through a process of where Several committees hear different parts of the bill, and what that means is they consider testimony from individuals and then, make recommendations to amend the bill. And in that process, our piece falls Within the, finance committee's subcommittee for health and human services, that's our committee. And it's a small committee usually made up of five legislators, they take testimony, from all the health and human services organizations, from people who are impacted, who chief services, and they, and it it can go on for hours. It is a a real test of your, stamina and endurance to be able to go through that process, both for the advocates And the legislators have to sit on the committee.
Beth Kowalczyk [:But they go through that process, and then, that's your opportunity then to talk To those subcommittee members and say, hey. We really need more funding here, or we need some policy language here. Can you introduce an amendment? And They consider those amendments. So that's another opportunity for, advocacy. There are amendments recommended through that subcommittee, and then there's through the finance committee, which is the main vehicle in the house, Proposes a substitute bill. That substitute bill takes all those amendments and that all the committees Have reviewed and recommended, and it really is the house's version of the budget. So it goes from the governor's version when it's introduced to the house's version. The full house votes on that after the finance committee, puts it together and recommends it.
Beth Kowalczyk [:And if it passes, then it moves on to the senate. The senate goes through the same process, but they come up with their own version of the bill. And we have the same opportunities in the senate to advocate on that as well. And so, it's it starts, It's like February March depending on which year. And that process through to the senate tends to be through April or May. The bill's gotta be passed by the end of June because that's the end of the fiscal year. There's no authority to spend any money after June 30th. So They have from, like, February to June 30th to get this done.
Beth Kowalczyk [:So the the senate considers the bill, goes through the committee process, and they come up their version of the bill and I am the many, many years I've done budgets, There's never been, alignment between the house and senate version. So they have to come together in, a conference committee, which is, a small group of legislators from the house and the senate, usually, the finance committee chairs and some others who are appointed, They look at all the differences, and they reconcile them, which is another opportunity for advocacy, potentially. And then they produce a bill that they think meets everybody's interest, And that is voted on by the house and the senate. So that hopefully has occurred prior to June 30th. When they vote on that, it then goes to the governor just like any other bill. But the budget bill is unique because the governor has line item veto power. Sure. So instead of saying, you know, remember you're I'm just a bill at Capitol Hill and you get a veto and then, you know, the bill dies.
Beth Kowalczyk [:In this situation, the governor actually can, You know, theoretically, but, take a pen and strike out lines in the state budget because it's an appropriations bill. And so you could have a budget bill, but with things in there that are stricken out, and we have had that, on many occasions. Opportunity to advocate to say to the governor, this was wrong. Can you line item veto it? Or don't please don't line item veto something. There could be that Then, there's another opportunity because the house and senate could override the veto, And they have opportunities that would happen after June 30th. They have opportunity to consider that. But, Hopefully, everything, including the governor's signature line item veto, should be done by June 30th, or we're in a little bit of, a pickle in trying to Fund the next, federal fiscal or state fiscal years, without appropriations authority.
Katie White [:It's kind of that anything gets done or funded. I mean, truly. Okay. So we think about all of these different pieces and parts, and I'm scribbling so many notes because it's Such a great rendition, and I feel like I can never hear this enough to get it. There's advocacy in the beginning of the process, meeting with the state units on aging. Then there's see when the governor's bill is introduced to the house. There's advocacy when it's introduced to the senate. There's advocacy At the conference committee, and then there's advocacy all the way around to the end just in case.
Katie White [:So I think a great way to, Sort of sort of show how this all works is to talk about what we did with the, rates for caregivers. You wanna kinda talk through that? So
Beth Kowalczyk [:Well, can we take a step back? Because that is we're focused on advocacy on a particular bill. But, you know, one of my jobs is to engage all of you all, the triple a's, in advocacy throughout the year So that when it's time to go talk to your legislator about the state budget, they already know about your programs. So it's really important that they know the story of What you do and the people you serve. So then when you go in to make that ask, like, Grant, said about the Older Americans Act Showing the impact of the programs. It's the same with the state budget. It's the same with provider rates that they we shouldn't have to start at square one. So it's really important to establish those relationships, which I know Grant works very hard to maintain, in your region. It does a great job.
Beth Kowalczyk [:So I just wanted to say that we're always advocating.
Katie White [:A great point. And that's true because you don't only want to be showing up with your electeds when you want money. You wanna be inviting them to events. You wanna be celebrating things with them. You wanna be making sure that they're kept in the loop. So, yes, that's a Important piece.
Grant Ames [:Make sure
Katie White [:we say Beth
Grant Ames [:hit the nail on the head when she said the word relationships. That's 90% of advocacy is having those relationships, being able to communicate with folks On a on a more direct level. It's not as much as providing information and doing all of this doing all of this, like, hey. This is gonna have an impact and And providing numbers and data and all of those things are effective when there's a trust back and forth there that communication can flow, and they can trust you to Know what you're talking about and for you to say, like, this is what I know is best for my consumers, and you can trust them to do what they say they're gonna do. Mhmm. That is where Advocacy works best, and it really doesn't happen in 1 meeting. It doesn't happen in 1 letter. It doesn't happen in 1 phone call.
Grant Ames [:It's more of Getting to know staff, getting to know the electeds themselves, and and making sure that there's a mutual relationship of trust and and appreciation for what either of us She'll.
Katie White [:So it's both quantity and quality. Right? It's consistent communication and relationship building. So just a real quick, tie in the the advocacy for the caregiver rates. So you around those different pieces and parts the budgeting process and what you, had us all do.
Beth Kowalczyk [:Well, that was, an enormous effort, But it paid off.
Katie White [:It did. It really did.
Beth Kowalczyk [:Yes. Well, we'll see January 1st. Right? True. True. True. So, really, The first step for us at 04 a was to determine the priorities of the area agencies on aging, and we heard resoundingly that, direct care Sure. Worker wages and provider rates were too low. We were losing providers.
Beth Kowalczyk [:People were going months to a year without home care, And we really needed to do something about their rates. Direct care workers were being paid and continue, at this point, to be paid around 10 to $12 an hour for personal care and passport. And it's really limiting the ability of providers to hire people and to hire quality people. A huge amount of turnover, in the industry right now, particularly in passport. And agencies that don't have other lines of business that can subsidize the passport rate, are struggling. They're closing. So that was Empathically, we needed to focus on that, number 1. And so what we did, was really think about Not only was it just that it's a low rate, but also comparing it to rates in, other types of Home care and other programs, and it we found that, passport was one of the lowest rates compared to, like, the developmental disability system, Medicare rates, veterans.
Beth Kowalczyk [:So all these people going in to do home care, they can get paid different rates and passport's lowest. So, that's also made it very difficult. So we formulated a priority around increasing rates, but having Parody across, all of the different programs so that we're not at a disadvantage in the passport program. And so what that meant is actually working with colleagues across the aisle to figure out what all of these rates were and To come together and say that we were going to support one rate. And so that work had been going on for a while Prior to even that time where you start talking to the, the, state department. And so We came up with the idea of $20 an hour, at least 50% increase in the rates. And this would also include, I should say, Ohio home care rates as well because they are also very low. With that, you you really have to work on that.
Beth Kowalczyk [:What is what is your position? What's your priority? And so with that, We then proceeded to talk to Medicaid, talk to aging, and say how important it was To look at this. And they they've heard about it. We've been informing them of losing providers and things, and they know that people are going without, services. They didn't know that to the extent. So, that's where we start our conversation. But what we did that I think was really effective is, whole provider roundtables. So instead of the departments having to go or having the, providers Communicate with the state and communicate with legislators. We brought everyone together in a room in each of the triple a's.
Beth Kowalczyk [:So legislators were invited, providers were invited, some workers, some, family caregivers, and people who actually were receiving care All came together to talk about this issue and how important it was. So that was a way to bring it to the policymakers, and I know it made a difference with, At least with the state agencies, they had someone at every single meeting. Even you know, they were all around the states. They were able to cover That and and be there and hear the stories. And the legislators, we had some great engagement with legislators. So this is all before the bill's even introduced. Right. So it's all in support of that.
Beth Kowalczyk [:We work together with the state coalition of aging organizations to put together a letter to the governor Explaining the need for parity and the low rates. This was, again, all as the governor was considering the budget in, like, October. So when the bill came out, we already had a success that there was a proposal for an Increase from, the 12 10 to $12 an hour to $16 an hour. So there's a significant proposal of funding To support that increase. And then, really, the goal was to maintain that because legislators could cut it and to get more. Okay. So we wanted the $20 an hour. So that was part of the strategy.
Beth Kowalczyk [:It was really building it up Ford even got introduced into the legislature. And then it was a matter of communicating with legislators, testifying. We had, I think 5 or more triple a directors and myself testifying. We met with legislators, And then we had, an extensive social media campaign, which, I was really excited about. It was a trial. We had tested it a little bit in the last 8 budget, but this one, we just went full force, with some really great social media messaging, That, really took advantage of that medium. We had some, like, 1 minute stories from providers and from Triple a staff. We thanked legislators online and tagged them.
Beth Kowalczyk [:We had some good engagement from legislators as a result of that. And all of the triple a's were doing this together. And so that was really you could feel the momentum and the power and the excitement Around to that. So it was all in all with all of those things and many more, and everybody really had a story to share and a part to play in it we were able to get, not quite 20, so we're not done yet, but 17 to $18 an hour Sure. So more funding was made available to do that. And those rates are, in proposed rule right now and, Are expected to be implemented January 1st.
Katie White [:And those are historic increases. And, again, that comes from you all working in setting the statewide priority, Kind of letting everybody know the game plan. And then on our side of things, Grant, doing things like setting up those visits, running the data points, pulling together our staff to share their stories. She's we sent letters. What else did we do? We did social media, of course. But
Grant Ames [:We submitted testimony. I I do wanna add real quickly. I think that this this is a perfect example of the value of AAA's being so active in advocacy work and so active in Pulling these coalitions together. I know a lot of our staff are well aware of this, but all of our providers are very different. Some of Them have this ability to do this advocacy. Some of them are very small or 1 person doing their own work on as an independent contractor. So it's It's real it was really difficult for them to organize and get behind such this messaging to increase these rates. But when 04 a and the triple a's were able to step in, recognize that that would they were a needed part of this entire ecosystem to provide these supportive services.
Grant Ames [:It Bolstered their ability to advocate on the state level, and I think ultimately led to the successes that we had. I don't think that We would be in the position that we are with that 17 and $18 an hour without this coordinated advocacy campaign and that coalition of All of the aging advocates coming together and speaking with 1 voice so that legislators could understand the issue and Take direct action toward addressing it.
Katie White [:Definitely.
Beth Kowalczyk [:And I think the value of us leading the charge was that We didn't have direct benefit from it. We're really representing older adults. And, so we had the benefit of Saying we all need to come together to support this service for them, but we're the triple a's weren't the ones receiving that money directly.
Katie White [:So such a good point. It's not like we are saying increase our line in the Budget so that we're making more money. No. We were saying this is the needed service.
Beth Kowalczyk [:And, like, to tie it back to the Older Americans Act, one of the Requirements of the Older Americans Act is that triple a's engage in advocacy at all levels Yes. And so, on behalf of older adults. And so This was, one of those times where we really I mean, we always come together. This is Ohio's triple a's are amazing in terms of advocacy efforts, But this is one where we really, came together strong, and, I felt like we really met that, call to action from
Katie White [:I don't remember exactly. And I feel like, you know, I was somewhat new to the network at that time, but everyone talked about how different it felt and how everyone came together Because it was such a dire need, and there was just this different energy all around it. So, fingers crossed, I guess, until January, but it feels like it's gonna happen?
Beth Kowalczyk [:I think it's gonna happen. It's just pending at the federal level for some approvals, and it's I don't know that there's an issue regarding the amounts. I mean, that's really what's changed. This is the amounts of the rate, so it shouldn't be a problem. Okay. But the next step will be to demonstrate it's still not enough.
Katie White [:Right. Mhmm. We gotta keep going. Yep. So, obviously, we've just barely touched on how important advocacy is and all the different levels. We focused on federal and state. But just sort of in general for someone thinking about their own advocacy. You know, I'd love to end with each of your sort of pieces of advice around How to be an advocate.
Katie White [:Grant, you wanna go first?
Grant Ames [:Yeah. So I always try to tell people that it's not as scary as it Seems. I think that when you think about trying to connect with an elected official, you think like, oh, they're so important, and they don't have time for me. I'm just One resident, what do I have to say? But I would really say that they're people too. At the end of the day, they wanna hear from the folks that they represent, and, ultimately, I would also put a plug in there for staff. I think that the staff really care about the issues, and they are doing this work because they wanna make a difference. And I think calling your legislator, sending them an email, sending them a letter while that might While that specific thing might ever not ever get to the legislator, a staff member will see that, make a make a point, Make a tally. Bring it to the legislator.
Grant Ames [:If it's written in in a very poignant way that you can get your point across and make sure that, And say this is a really strong thing that needs to be considered, it absolutely comes into play. Decisions are not made until All of this input is taken in, and I think that advocacy, it doesn't necessarily matter how you do it. A phone call. It can be an email. It can be a letter. It can be showing up at a town hall meeting. I know a lot of our legislators I have regular town hall meetings with their constituents, but not being shy to share your voice and to share your perspective and to share Sure. Why you feel that way and how that is gonna add value to your community.
Grant Ames [:That's why they all ultimately got into this. Right? They wanted to make an Impact. And I think that they are always looking for people to collaborate with, and I think advocacy in any form is Always gonna be welcomed and always is going to be part of that conversation. You might disagree. That that might be okay. It might not necessarily be Acted upon, but at the same time, there's a there's at least a counterpoint to that conversation, and I think that's what politics is. Right? 2 people having different views coming together and and fighting it out to make an ultimate decision. And I think if we shy away from the table, then That will never happen, and and, ultimately, we we have to keep pushing.
Grant Ames [:We have to keep being part of these conversations, or, or we just have to or we have to follow the will of someone else, and I I just don't think that's okay.
Katie White [:Yeah. And I have to say in terms of Your important role at CO Triple A among many things, making advocacy easy for everyone, whether it's the social media templates The letter templates or sending out the newsletters or breaking down, you know, what's going on in the budgeting process so that staff know where we are. I think that's been a huge piece and why we're also continuing to build momentum around advocacy with our staff here too. So and, Beth, how about you?
Beth Kowalczyk [:Well, it's hard to follow Grant in that wonderful description, but I believe everyone's an advocate. Everyone has a story to tell. And in terms particularly the staff. You're the subject matter experts. I think Grant said that well, but most legislators have No idea what the, the work is that the AAA does. They have no idea what people need to be able to thrive in their communities as they age. And so it's really important to share that story. And if you can't share it directly with a legislator For whatever reason, understanding the channel channels by which you can share that.
Beth Kowalczyk [:I mean, the whole idea that we develop priorities is based On those stories, those issues that people who are dealing with them are sharing, and they're sharing them through their supervisors and through, you know, the association. And so I think that's really important to make sure that you share that story. And it's it's not hard to I think, as Grant said, to actually have a conversation with a legislator. But even in your local communities, I mean, it's really important to be an advocate, as you are talking to your own, circle of People, your friends, your family, just about what you do because it does also, require the public to have an understanding. So When they're considering their votes and and the things that they think are important, that they understand that the work that triple a does is one of those important things. So I, yeah, I think everyone's an advocate, and, They do such amazing work, and it's really important to share that story and just making sure that legislators are connected to the real work that's happening when they make decisions.
Katie White [:Yeah. And really, again, never underestimating how much work and time and advocacy goes into Every dollar that flows into our state and our region that is dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate Aging and disability. Right? There's there's so much, so many opportunities for us to lose funding, essentially. And so even just maintaining is so important and then pushing for more and really getting that job done.
Beth Kowalczyk [:You're speaking my language. Sure.
Katie White [:Well, thank you both so much. What a, very eye opening and educational session. I appreciate your time. Thanks for being here.
Beth Kowalczyk [:Well, Thank you for having me.
Katie White [:Absolutely.
Grant Ames [:Thank you so much.
