Urge Congress to Pass the Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization Act (S. 4325) Immediately! Only two weeks remain in this legislative session!!

The good news is that the Senate passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization bill this week and it was sent to the House for final passage, but urgent action is still needed on the Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization bill!!

The National Respite Coalition is urging you to speak up on behalf of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (S. 4325) Immediate passage will ensure that the program will continue through FY 2029.

Most notable in the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act is that, for the first time in federal statute, caregiving youth will be recognized.

Next year brings much uncertainty regarding federal policy. Your strong collective voices NOW will help bring the bill to the Senate floor for a timely vote during the lame duck session. The House has agreed to take up the Senate version if it passes quickly!

When you contact your Senators, please share the Fact Sheet on Lifespan Respite Reauthorization, and the House and Senate letters signed by 38 national organizations expressing steadfast support for S. 4325 and for its swift passage and reconciliation with the House-passed bill. The Lifespan Respite Network, and the family caregivers they serve, are counting on you.

TAKE ACTION NOW!!

CONTACT your Senators TODAY and urge them to bring S. 4325 to the floor of the Senate immediately for a vote.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator’s office. When connected ask for health or disability staff. If you don’t reach them, leave a message!

Message:

• Bring the bipartisan Senate Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (S. 4325) to the Senate floor NOW and vote for final passage.
• The Lifespan Respite Care Program perfectly aligns with the goals of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, calling for a range of respite options and an emphasis on respite to allow family caregivers to obtain respite services that meet their unique needs.
• The Senate bill is the only version of the Lifespan Respite reauthorization bill that covers caregiving youth. Support for caregiving youth can allow them to remain in school, and to become healthy and productive adults.

Make it Personal. Share your personal respite story about why respite is important to you or why more respite is needed in your state.

Phone calls or personal visits are best. For contact information or if you prefer to send an email or fax to your Senator, find their contact information here.

Fact Sheet on the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act

House letter and Senate letter on the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act signed by 38 national organizations expressing steadfast support for S 4325 and urging swift passage in the Senate and reconciliation with the House bill.

Please pick up the phone and call today.