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Writer Herb Weiss attains archive status: a legacy of 45 years of advocacy on aging

Published on April 2, 2025

The substantial body of work compiled by Herb Weiss—a 72-page list detailing 1,111 articles on aging, plus three books published over 45 years—now has a permanent home at Rhode Island College’s (RIC) Special Collections, housed in the James P. Adams Library. The archive, titled the Herbert P. Weiss Papers, 1980 to 2025, is a significant addition to RIC’s archives.

This newly established collection spans Weiss’s career as a writer, editor, and journalist, documenting his contributions to the field of aging, senior life, healthcare, and public policy. The collection includes a range of publications that

Weiss contributed to as a writer, editor, or editorial board member. These publications—magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and trade journals—cover topics such as aging, senior life, healthcare, and federal and state policy issues.

In addition to his articles, the collection features various degrees, certificates, and awards Weiss has earned throughout his education and career.

Weiss’s journalistic career began long before he was a staff writer intern (a three-month position) for the Providence Journal. He has since written columns and digital news commentaries on aging for outlets such as the Pawtucket Times, Woonsocket Call, Senior Digest, Senior Living (now Prime Time), and RINewsToday. Weiss holds a Master of Arts in Studies in Aging and a Specialist Certificate in Aging from North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). He also spent years covering health and long-term care policy as an accredited House Gallery Reporter in Washington, D.C., for various publications.

Weiss has contributed his expertise to the editorial boards of McKnight’s LTC News and The Brown University LTC Quality Letter. His “Age Beat” column, which has been a staple for local readers in Rhode Island, reflects his dedication to covering generational issues with depth and insight.
Weiss has published three volumes of his column compilations: Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly (2016), Taking Charge: Vol. 2 – More Stories on Aging Boldly (2021), and his recently released third volume, Taking Charge: Vol. 3 – Even More Stories on Aging Boldly.

Service to the Community and Advocacy

In addition to his journalistic work, Weiss has served as Pawtucket’s arts and cultural “ambassador” and as the deputy director of the Leon Mathieu Senior Center. He has been appointed to the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Aging by five different governors and, in 2021, was tapped by Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio to serve on the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Treatment.

Weiss’s impact extends beyond his writing: one local restaurant even named a lobster salad (delicious) and a hamburger (dangerous) in his honor. Recently, a small café also named a decadent breakfast sandwich after him, called “The Herb Weiss Breakfast Sandwich.”

Weiss hopes that the archive will provide researchers, students, and journalists with valuable historical context on aging policy and community issues from the past four decades. His work, particularly in understanding aging-related public policy, will be a helpful resource for professionals in aging services, healthcare, social work, and gerontology.

The Value of the Collection at RIC

Housed in RIC’s Special Collections, the Weiss archive is poised to benefit generations of students, researchers, and professionals. The collection not only preserves the history of aging policy in Rhode Island and in Congress but also serves as a vital resource for anyone involved in or studying aging-related topics.

The value of this collection lies not only in the breadth of its coverage but also in its unique perspective—Weiss has chronicled aging issues from a journalistic standpoint, grounded in personal experience. His columns explore complex issues like healthcare, caregiving, and retirement, offering readers practical advice as well as a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by older adults.

The Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection offers insights into the evolution of aging policies and practices, highlighting both local Rhode Island issues and broader national trends, especially pulling the findings from AARP reports, studies and polls For students and professionals in fields such as nursing, healthcare administration, gerontology, and social work, the collection provides a solid foundation of knowledge. It will also inform the work of aging professionals, enabling them to better advocate for older adults and their families.

What They’re Saying About the Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection at Rhode Island College

Numerous aging network professionals, providers and elected officials have praised the significance of the Herbert P. Weiss Papers at RIC. Some have recognized Weiss for his tireless work on aging issues, others have lauded the collection’s contribution to expanding access to vital research on aging. One even commented on the collection’s role in tackling pressing issues such as Medicare reform and family caregiving. Others noted that this collection would become an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and policymakers alike.

Let us take a look at their comments…

“I am so pleased to have the opportunity to praise the action of Rhode Island College in establishing the collection of the works of Herb Weiss’s reports on aging in Rhode Island over the years. The reports have recognized the evolution of the enormous challenges faced by our large aging population and inspired the people who worked tirelessly to address them.

I met Herb when he worked for the Pawtucket Times and the City of Pawtucket. Back then, we both served as members of the Governor’s Commission on Aging. The committee members were younger then and were mostly leaders in agencies, service providers and dedicated professionals. I came to recognize the young reporter (Herb) and his deep commitment to solving the daunting challenges we faced.

Herb has never let up on his efforts and his writings are full of insights and useful information presented in multiple articles and reports which are all factual and frequently memorable. He has gained readers among leaders, researchers and others of all ages. His writings are a great resource for the public, and the state’s Office of Elderly Affairs.

Herb is a true champion for all as we age.”
Kathleen Connell, Past Secretary of State of Rhode Island, Past Director of AARP Rhode Island

“Herb Weiss’s collection at Rhode Island College is a treasure trove of invaluable insights that have not only shaped the conversation on aging, but also influenced key policies at both the state and national levels. His tireless dedication to addressing the challenges of an aging population is reflected in his extensive body of work. The establishment of the Herbert P. Weiss Papers at RIC will serve as a lasting resource for future generations of students, researchers, and policymakers, ensuring that Herb’s contributions to aging policy remain accessible for years to come. It is an honor to have his remarkable legacy preserved in such a meaningful way.”

Robin Covington, Coalition Director – Rhode Island Coalition for Elder Justice

“What an honor to hold the Herb Weiss collections at Rhode Island College and so well deserved! I especially enjoy Taking Charge: Stories on Aging Boldly where Herb Weiss offers practical tools to live a happy, fulfilled life and interviews experts and everyday people who share their keen observations about growing older.”

Patricia Raskin, Broadcaster “Positive Living and Aging”PBS and Cumulus Afffiliates and Southcoast Health Podcasts

“Herb is a respected leader and trusted authority in the aging field, as evidenced by his appointments by the last five governors to provide crucial guidance to the Advisory Commission on Aging. We are excited that his remarkable collection will be showcased at Rhode Island College’s James P. Adam’s Library, increasing visibility of his work and expanding access to his writings, which have made a significant contribution over the past 45 years in support of the nation’s aging population.”

Meghan Grady, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of RI, Inc. and Chair of the Advisory Commission on Aging.

”It’s fantastic to have the collective works of Herb Weiss’s many insightful insights on aging organized in one place for all to benefit from his years of experience in aging.”

Sarah Lenz Lock, SVP Policy & Brain Health, AARP

“Herb Weiss has an incredible dedication to shining a light on so many issues involving aging. This collection will be an invaluable resource in further understanding the myriad of important topics that he has addressed in his decades of insightful writing.”

Larry Berman, Director of Communications, Rhode Island House of Representatives

A wealth of Herb Weiss’ keen observations and insights with respect to all things healthy aging, is now housed at Rhode Island College, to the benefit of students, researchers, and professionals in aging work. This treasure trove will be a tremendous asset to those seeking context or to understand the broad range of issues facing older Rhode Islanders and their caregivers. The Weiss collection will also inform the work of countless aging work professionals and provide a solid foundation for students pursuing their education in nursing, gerontology, healthcare administration, as well as social work.

James B. Connell, Age-Friendly RI

“Herb Weiss’s reporting on aging has helped shape our state’s long-term care services. As Lieutenant Governor, I have often relied on his writing to both stay informed on the issues of the day and to learn about the history of aging policy in Rhode Island which he has covered over his long career. The Herbert P. Weiss Collection at RIC James P. Adams Library will ensure that generations to come are able to access his reporting, and I am glad to see the importance of his work recognized in this way.”

RI Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos

“Herb Weiss has long been a guiding voice in the conversation around aging, capturing both the personal journey and the broader policy landscape with clarity and depth. His work distills complex research into accessible articles that educate the public, influence policymakers, and support older adults, their families, and caregivers. His collection of articles, now housed in the “Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection at Rhode Island College’s (RIC) James P. Adams Library, tackle pressing issues such as Social Security and Medicare reform, affordable housing, and the challenges of family caregiving. His tenacity and commitment to truth make his articles an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand aging in America today. More than just a policy discussion, the collection is a roadmap for navigating the later years of life with knowledge and confidence.

Whether you’re an advocate, a professional in elder care, or simply planning for your own future, RIC’s archives of his work offers essential insights into the evolving landscape of aging—one well-researched story at a time.”

John E. Gage, MBA, NHA, President & CEO, Rhode Island Health Care Association

“Herb Weiss has dedicated his career to illuminating the complexities of aging and retirement, providing invaluable insight and advocacy for older adults. Through his thoughtful journalism and deep expertise, he has shaped public understanding and influenced policy discussions, ensuring that aging issues remain at the forefront. His work has had a profound impact, empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to navigate later life with dignity and confidence. It has been an honor and privilege to have now published three volumes of his collected works.”
Steven R. Porter, Publisher, Stillwater River Publications, West Warwick, RI

“Herb Weiss’s 3 book compendium is a one of a kind collection, illustrating the complex social, economic, and political dynamics that surround and influence elder care in our country. This is a vital resource for all professionals who have anything to do with elders and their families. Herb’s sensitivity to these matters emerges from his various roles as a professional himself – a noted author, a devotee to culture and art, a background as a former Nursing Facility Administrator and an opinion writer on all legislative issues related to elders at local and national levels. This recognition of him at Rhode Island College brings honor indeed to the institution.”

Teresa Chopoorian, EdD, MSN, FNAP, Vice President and Administrator , Mansion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Fellow, National Academy of Practice , Nursing

“Herb Weiss has worked tirelessly over many years to keep Rhode Island’s aging population informed about the issues that matter most and highlight policy areas and proposals that otherwise might not receive wider attention. Congratulations to Herb and Rhode Island College for creating this valuable resource.”

Dominick J. Ruggerio, President of the Senate

“Herb Weiss has helped countless people better understand aging, caregiving, and the politics of long term care through his clear and accessible writing. His books and articles have educated and inspired readers across Rhode Island and beyond. As a RI College alum, it is great to know that the Herbert Weiss Papers collection will be available at Adams Library for the students, professionals, and the community for years to come!”

Deb Burton, Ms., Executive Director & Gerontologist, RI Elder Info.

“Herb Weiss for many years has been a tireless, committed researcher and writer regarding the issues that face our increasingly older population. I always read his work with interest and believe his writings will be a valuable resource for students, faculty, politicians, and others who earnestly seek to address the needs of those of us who are elders in the community.”

Dr. Nancy Carriuolo, Rhode Island College president 2008-2016

“As a journalist Herb has always adhered to the most critical qualities of objectivity, integrity and just plain good understandable writing, coupled with his keen sense for a story that needs to be told,” states Bill Benson, former Acting Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Administration on Aging who leadership position in the US Senate and House of Representatives. Rhode Island College is to be commended for providing a permanent home for Herb’s collection, says Benson. “These are worrisome times with journalism under assault.” Hopefully those reviewing the Herbert P. Weiss collection in the future who care about aging in America will find inspiration and a model for quality writing on these important matters, he said.

Bill Benson, Former Acting Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Administration on Aging who spent 8 years working in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

“We appreciate Herb Weiss’s donation and believe that it will be beneficial to RIC students and the broader Rhode Island community interested in the topics of healthcare, policy, and aging.Thank you!”

Veronica L. Denison, Assistant Professor, Digital Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, James P. Adams Library, Rhode Island College

“Herb has chronicled over 45 years of aging in America and locally. No one individual has been so attentive and dedicated to older adult reporting on emerging healthcare concerns, social security and financial matters, caregiving, socialization, volunteering, nutrition, etc. This collection provides enormous historical access for social & healthcare workers, geriatric case managers, policy makers, and elected officials. Readers should want to immerse themselves in these insightful and instructive stories. Well done, Herb!”

Vincent Marzullo, former Federal Director/Corp. for National & Community Service (RI); past volunteer President, AARP RI; Board member/Senior Agenda Coalition of RI.

“We are thrilled and honored to hold the Herb Weiss collections at Rhode Island College. No one has made more contributions to the field of aging and long term care through their journalism and writing than Herb. Herb has studied and tracked policies, issues, trends, legislation, and best practices in long term care for years and provided invaluable research, commentary, analysis, and a historical perspective. Most important, he has engaged with the community, policy makers, providers, and older adults themselves and has fully immersed himself in the field.

Having his collection at Rhode Island College will provide an invaluable asset and resource to faculty, students, researchers and those shaping policies on services and supports to older adults. As the population is rapidly growing older, his work has become increasingly more relevant and important today and in the future.”

Marianne Raimondo, MS, MSW, LICSW, Ph.D., Dean, School of Business, Rhode Island College

“Until now, Herb Weiss has been a virtual walking archive of information about retirement issues and policy debates about aging in America. Now, thanks to RIC’s Adams Library, anyone, including Weiss, will literally be able to walk in (or dip in online) and access one of the rarest continuous files of media coverage on this vital topic over most of the past half century. Uniquely researched and written from the perspective of a single journalist and public policy professional, the Herbert P. Weiss Papers should stand as an historical treasury for researchers and students in the years to come.”

Paul Kleyman, Cofounder, Journalists Network on Generations/Editor, GBONewss.org.

“It is an honor to be asked for a quote on Herb Weiss’ work for your archiving his writings. As the former Chief of Staff of the House Aging Committee and since then a spokesman at the White House and after, I’ve had the privilege of working with Herb Weiss for decades. Herb Weiss is the best and most knowledgeable aging issues writer in the country. He has informed not only Rhode Island but the Nation on problems and solutions for the elderly. His work will finally be archived and protected as the national treasure that it is. His historical record is invaluable and an incomparable resource for researchers, writers, and students.”

Robert S. Weiner, Former Chief of Staff, U.S. House Aging Committee under Chairman Claude Pepper, spokesman in the Clinton and Bush White Houses, and spokesman/senior staff for Cong. Claude Pepper, Charles Rangel, John Conyers, Ed Koch, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Four-Star Gen./Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey – Winner, National Press Club President’s Award for recruiting young journalists as co-bylined oped writers (1000+ articles to date (www.weinerpublic.com/opeds).
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“Herb Weiss has set the highest standard for writing on important aging policy issues. He does more than write. He provokes people to take action. He is the best journalist advocate I know.”
Bob Blancato, Executive Director, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, DC

“Herb Weiss is an indispensable conduit for real-time news that gives us what is increasingly disappearing: honesty, transparency, fact-based And an amalgam of big-picture and personal stories about aging and the human condition—a real treasure!”

Fernando Torres-Gil, M.S.W., Ph.D., Director, UCLA Center for Policy Research on Aging; Professor, Social Welfare and Public Policy, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

“Herb’s contributions have been a guiding light in the field of aging, illuminating critical issues with compassion, clarity, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. This collection is a well-deserved tribute to his decades of impactful journalism and advocacy.”
John O’Connor, Editorial Director, McKnight’s

“For over 45 years Herb Weiss’s reporting has kept us informed about important issues touching the lives of our older population – from critical national and local policy proposals to tips for aging boldly. This collection honors his many years of journalistic excellence in reporting on aging.”
Maureen Maigret, Policy Advisor, Senior Agenda Coalition of RI

“The City of Pawtucket is proud to recognize the establishment of the Herbert P. Weiss Papers collection at RIC’s James P. Adams Library, preserving his invaluable contributions to the fields of aging, health care, and medical issues. Herb’s work has profoundly impacted our community, and this collection ensures that his legacy will continue to inform and inspire future generations.”
Mayor Donald Grebien, Mayor of Pawtucket, RI

“Herb Weiss tackles important seniors’ topics from a Rhode Island perspective, at once localizing and nationalizing them. Our organization has been happy to help share Herb’s work with a national audience over these past decades. His columns go beyond routine reporting on Social Security, Medicare, Aging, and a host of other issues we care about. Herb brings nuance, balance, and detail where it can otherwise be lacking in other media. This new collection of his works will be a valuable resource to everyone in our field.”

Max Richtman, President and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare

“Herb Weiss has been an articulate and passionate writer on so many issues related to aging and older adults in Rhode Island. His writings trace the enduring achievements and challenges of growing older, and this collection is a testament to his myriad contributions to enriching our perspectives on older adults.”

Phillip G. Clark, ScD, Professor and Director, Program in Gerontology
University of Rhode Island

From Herb Weiss: A Personal Reflection

As Weiss reflects on his decades of work, he acknowledges the unique role his writing has played in shaping public discourse on aging. Through his columns, he strives to offer practical advice and provoke action on aging issues, all while highlighting the personal and emotional aspects of growing older. His hope is that this archive will inspire and inform future generations, just as his columns have done for decades.

In conclusion, The Herbert P. Weiss Papers is a treasure trove of information that not only showcases a significant body of work in aging journalism but also offers a lasting resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of aging, caregiving, and public policy. The archive’s permanent home at RIC’s James P. Adams Library ensures that Weiss’s contributions will continue to inspire and educate students, researchers, and professionals long into the future. By preserving his comprehensive documentation of the aging landscape, RIC will allow future generations to benefit from his detailed insights and policy analysis. For anyone involved in aging-related work—whether in research, policy, or direct services—the collection will serve as a valuable touchstone for understanding the evolution of aging issues over the past four and a half decades.

This collection is an invaluable asset to the community, providing essential insights and supporting the work of those involved in aging services.

Publisher’s Note: Herb Weiss’s column on aging issues is featured every Monday in RINewsToday. We are thrilled to have Herb’s expertise with us, almost from the very beginning of our publication, 10 years ago. As we come to understand issues around aging in one of the state’s with the oldest populations, institutional history helps us know where we’ve been, what has been tried, what’s worked, what hasn’t – something all too often missing in today’s dynamic of politics and public policy.

We are grateful for Herb’s contributions to RINewsToday’s readers – and Congratulations to Herb on his collection being established at Rhode Island College! – Nancy Thomas, founder and publisher, RINewsToday.

– https://www.riamco.org/render?eadid=US-RPRC-mss-0149

HHS Shake-Up Sends Shockwaves Through Aging Network

Published on April 31, 2025

Taking a page from President Donald J. Trump’s to “Make America Great Again,” last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a major restructuring of the federal agency to “Make America Healthy Again.” The dramatic restructuring in accordance with Trump’s Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under management of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., last week announced a major restructuring and renaming of the federal agency under the initiative “Make America Healthy Again.” This dramatic reorganization follows Trump’s Executive Order, Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.

“We aren’t just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in a statement announcing the massive overhaul. “This Department will do more—much more—at a lower cost to taxpayers.”

“Over time, bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient, even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants,” Kennedy added. “This overhaul will be a win-win for taxpayers and those HHS serves. That’s the entire American public, because our goal is to Make America Healthy Again.”

During the Biden administration, HHS’s budget increased by 38%, and its staffing grew by 17%, prompting the new HHS chief to place the federal agency on the budgetary chopping block.

According to HHS, this restructuring will not impact critical services while saving taxpayers $1.8 billion per year through a reduction of approximately 10,000 full-time employees. When combined with other cost-cutting initiatives, including early retirement, and the Fork in the Road program, the total downsizing will reduce HHS’s workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees.

HHS also plans to streamline departmental functions. Currently, the agency’s 28 divisions contain redundant units. Under the restructuring plan announced on March 27, 2025, these units will be consolidated into 15 new divisions, including a newly created Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). Additionally, core organizational functions—such as Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement, External Affairs, and Policy—will be centralized. The number of regional offices will be cut from 10 to five.

As part of the restructuring, several agencies will see workforce reductions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will cut approximately 3,500 full-time employees, focusing on streamlining operations and centralizing administrative functions, though HHS asserts these reductions will not affect drug, medical device, or food reviewers, nor inspectors.

Similarly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will downsize by approximately 2,400 employees, refocusing its efforts on epidemic and outbreak response. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will eliminate 1,200 positions by centralizing procurement, human resources, and communications across its 27 institutes and centers. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will cut around 300 positions, targeting minor duplication within the agency. HHS insists these changes will not impact Medicare or Medicaid services, but improve them.

Restructuring HHS to Focus on Chronic Illness Prevention

HHS’s overhaul aligns with the agency’s new priority of ending America’s chronic illness epidemic by focusing resources on ensuring safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins.

The Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) will consolidate five agencies—the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health—into a single entity. This unification aims to enhance health resource coordination for low-income Americans, emphasizing primary care, maternal and child health, mental health, environmental health, HIV/AIDS, and workforce development.

Additionally, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, responsible for national disaster and public health emergency response, will be transferred to the CDC to strengthen its core mission of protecting Americans from health threats.

To combat waste, fraud, and abuse, HHS will create a new Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, overseeing the Departmental Appeals Board, the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, and the Office for Civil Rights.

Furthermore, HHS will merge the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to form the Office of Strategy, enhancing research to inform policy decisions.
Critical programs under the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which supports older adults and people with disabilities, will be integrated into other HHS agencies, including the Administration for Children and Families, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). HHS assures that these changes will not impact Medicare or Medicaid services.

Sounding the Alarm

Following the announcement of HHS’s restructuring plans, which would broad without a lot of detail, aging advocacy groups quickly released statements to voice strong concerns.

“For decades, the federal health programs that retirees and people with disabilities depend on have been ably administered under both Democratic and Republican administrations. However, the radical cutbacks proposed by the Trump administration place the delivery of these programs in jeopardy,” warned Dan Adcock, Director of Government Relations & Policy at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM).

Adcock also noted that HHS plans to eliminate the ALC and divide its responsibilities between two offices with no prior experience in this area. “This administration has already demonstrated a reckless disregard for public interests in favor of slashing operations and staff under the guise of ‘efficiency,’” he added. “So far, all they have done is create chaos and confusion, disrupting essential programs for seniors and the disabled. We view Secretary Kennedy’s plans with alarm.”

Nancy LeaMond, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer at AARP, also urged HHS to prioritize older Americans’ health needs. “HHS must ensure access to senior centers, community health centers, nutritious meals, Medicare assistance, and other vital services that countless older Americans rely on. Health is central to the lives, well-being, and financial security of AARP’s members and the more than 100 million Americans over age 50,” she emphasized.

Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of the John A. Hartford Foundation, echoed these concerns. “The announcement of workforce cuts at HHS comes at a time of unprecedented growth in America’s aging population. The proposed reorganization of ACL and its integration into other agencies requires careful consideration.”

Fulmer stressed that ACL administers programs essential to older adults’ daily lives, such as meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments, and chronic disease management. Absorbing these functions with far fewer staff demands careful planning. The government’s commitment to older adults requires a cautious approach, she said.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy also expressed deep concerns, particularly regarding plans to restructure ACL and consolidate oversight of Medicare appeals. “Given what we have seen with Social Security Administration cuts and restructuring, HHS’s claim that these changes won’t impact critical services rings hollow,” said Co-Director David Lipschutz.

LeadingAge, a national association representing nonprofit aging services providers, called for HHS to ensure older adults and their caregivers are not overlooked. “Cutting staff responsible for critical agency functions raises serious concerns. How will the work our members rely on get done? How will this impact quality care for older adults?” asked President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan.

Sloan also cautioned that reducing HHS’s field offices from 10 to five could impact CMS’s ability to oversee nursing home surveys and provider compliance. “A 25% workforce reduction must be undertaken with extreme care—especially given the millions of older adults who depend on these services,” she emphasized.

For a fact sheet on the HHS restructuring, visit https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/hhs-restructuring-doge-fact-sheet.html

Historic Social Security Legislation Awaits President’s Signature

Published in RINewsToday on Dec. 30, 2024

After 40 years, a polarized Congress actually worked together on behalf of millions of Americans with public pensions to push through bipartisan legislation repealing two Social Security provisions that would benefit these individuals. Just past midnight in the early hours of Saturday, on Dec. 21, 2024, the U.S. Senate took up S. 597, a companion measure to H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, repealing unpopular WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) & GPO (Government Pension Offset) provisions titles in the Social Security program.   

The House had overwhelmingly passed H.R. 82, introduced last month introduced by Reps. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).

The Senate companion measure, authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), overwhelmingly passed without amendment, by a Yea-Nay vote, 76-20 (with Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) not voting) and now goes to President Biden to be signed into law. At press time, H.R. 82 has not been signed and the President has until Dec. 31 to sign or veto the bill.

Before the historic Senate vote, at a Dec. 16 meeting with Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and Executive Director Jim Pasco met with President-elect Donald J. Trump at his home in Mar-a-Lago, President elect Donald Trump announced his support for the upper chambers’ passage of the “Social Security Fairness Act”— the “FOP’s top priority.”

Earlier this year, Collins and Brown had called on Senate leadership to immediately bring their legislation, which had 62 Senate co-sponsors—above the margin needed for passage—to the Senate floor for a vote. Collins held the first Senate hearing on this policy in 2003 as Chair of the Senate Government Affairs Committee. She, along with the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, first introduced the Social Security Fairness Act in 2005. 

Their bipartisan efforts pushed the legislative Social Security fix across the goal line, at the end of the second session of the 118th Congress.  For Brown, who lost his bid for re-election in November, passage of S. 597 was a bitter sweet moment for him as he leaves the U.S. Senate after serving as a U.S. senator from Ohio since 2007. 

In a Nutshell… 

According to Graves, WEP reduces the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security.  This financially impacts educators who do not earn Social Security in public schools but who work part-time or during the summer in jobs covered by Social Security, who have reduced benefits, even though they pay into the system just like others, Graves says.

Likewise, the GPO affects the spousal benefits of people who work as federal, state, or local government employees — including police officers, firefighters, and educators — if the job is not covered by Social Security. The GPO reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension, added Graves. 

According to the National Education Association (NEA), more than 2.8 million public sector employees in 26 states were impacted by GPO and WEP. Educators were affected in 15 of those states, because they pay into their state pension system, but not into Social Security, says NEA. 

The WEP currently impacts approximately 2 million Social Security beneficiaries, and the GPO impacts nearly 800,000 retirees.

Rally calls for passage of H.R. 82, gets Majority Senate Leader’s attention

Before Congress left Capitol Hill for recess, Graves and Spanberger, the primary sponsors of H.R. 82, had filed a discharge petition for their Social Security Fairness Act — which secured the required 218 signatures needed  to force a floor vote in the U.S. House. On Nov. 12, 2024,  a bipartisan majority voted 327 to 74, under suspension of rules to pass the legislation, sending it to the upper legislative chamber for consideration.

A week before the Senate vote on Dec. 21th, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association along with unions representing fire fighters, teachers, police officers and other public service workers rallied at 11:30 a.m., at the Upper Senate Park at the U.S. Capitol, in pouring rain outside the Capitol, calling for passage of H.R. 82. Joining the rally, Majority Senate leader Chuck Schumer.  “I’m here to tell you all today – we are going to call a vote on repealing WEP and GPO,” he said, calling the two Social Security titles “unfair and un-American.”  

 After the rally, Graves quickly issued this statement:  “The Senate Majority Leader has called for a vote on our bill H.R. 82 – provided he gets the necessary 60 votes to get it to the floor. More than 60 Senators support our Social Security Fairness Act. In the House we have led the effort for years to build the winning coalition, resulting in the most cosponsored bill – the most popular bill – in the Congress. We defied the odds and fought back sneak attacks to successfully complete a discharge petition that resulted in the first vote in history to repeal the WEP and GPO. The heavy lifting is done. The path to victory could not be clearer. A WEP-GPO repeal could be in the stockings of millions of public service retirees this Christmas. Pass H.R. 82 now,” he said.   

GOP lawmakers express concerns over financial impact

In response to a request from Chuck Grassley, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) had provided the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee with its legislative analysis. The findings showed that the elimination of the WEP and GPO, as specified in H.R. 82, would permanently increase outlays for scheduled Social Security benefits—that is, the amounts that the program would pay if it continued to pay benefits as scheduled under current law, regardless of whether the program’s two trust funds had sufficient balances to cover those payments. That increase in Social Security benefits would drive the program’s spending even further above its revenues than it is already projected to be under current law. CBO estimates that the changes will cost nearly $ 200 billion over a 10-year period.

Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Grassley (R-IA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and 16 other Republican Senators opposed passage, expressing strong concerns about the bill’s cost. This apprehension reinforced by the recently released CBO analysis.

Citing a CBO analysis of S. 82, the Republican Senators were concerned that the legislative proposal would reduce the Social Security trust fund by an additional $200 billion during the next decade, moving up the insolvency date by six months.

On the Senate floor, North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said the bill’s title made it sound like “motherhood and apple pie,” quipping “who could be against Social Security fairness?” But he argued it wasn’t the right approach to address the problem.

However, 29 Republican Senators, including Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), were not concerned about the CBO analysis, voting for passage of the legislative proposal. 

Following the Senate vote, in a video on X, Kennedy stated: “Social Security is not free. People pay into it. The money we “spent” today in this bill – all we did is give it back to the people who earned it. Today was a good day. It was a good day for fairness, it was a good day for the Social Security system, and a good day for the people of Louisiana – even if you aren’t affected by these two unfair provisions of the Social Security Act, all Louisianians I know believe in fairness. Right is right and wrong is wrong, and I think we did the right thing here, and I’m pleased.” 

With the dust settling after the Senate vote, after 40 years of trying to fix a Social Security benefits issue impacting public sector workers, Democratic and Republican lawmakers put aside political differences and finally fixed the pressing policy issue.

Celebrating the historic passage 

Following the Senate vote for passage of H.R. 82, the National Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, National Education Association, and Peace Officers Research Association of California applauded this legislation being sent to the president’s desk to enhance the fairness of Social Security to public workers. 

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) commended the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, legislation he cosponsored to eliminate two policies. “Thousands of Rhode Islanders who receive government pensions but also contributed to Social Security through private-sector employment stand to benefit from the legislation,” he says.

“I’ve worked with my colleague Sherrod Brown for years to pass this legislation in order to ensure that millions of teachers, postal workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other dedicated civil servants get the benefits they have earned, says U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “I’m glad we were able to finally deliver this correction for millions of hardworking Americans and I’m committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security to ensure all Americans are able to retire with the dignity and financial security they have earned,” he said.

Max Richman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) called for passage of this bill because it because it removes an unfairness in the retirement system by allowing teachers, firefighters, and police officers (among others) and their families to collect Social Security benefits. 

Before the Senate vote, NCPSSM announced its opposition of any amendment that diluted this legislation or cut Social Security benefits in any way — including raising the retirement age.  The Washington, DC-based Social Security advocacy group circulated a letter to all 100 U.S. Senators before the vote on Dec. 21, opposing any efforts to raise the retirement age. 

According to Richtman, nearly 3 million public sector employees are on the verge of being able to receive the Social Security benefits they’ve earned — thanks to the United States Senate. 

“We supported this bill because it removes an unfairness in the system by finally allowing teachers, firefighters, and police officers (among others) and their families to collect full Social Security benefits. Many of our own members and supporters made it clear that they want the WEP & GPO repealed,” says Richtman.

“The Senate vote delivers us to the doorstep of a long-sought goal — to restore fairness to a system that has worked incredibly well for nearly 90 years to provide American workers with basic financial security,” says Richtman. 

According to a statement issued by National Education Association, Martha Karlovetz estimated that these discriminatory laws have cost her more than a hundred thousand dollars since 1995, when she retired from teaching at the Parkway School District outside St. Louis, Missouri. And if her husband had passed away before her, the laws would have meant that Karlovetz would have received only $14 per month in survivor benefits, even though her husband paid Social Security taxes throughout his 40-year career at McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing.

“The repeal of GPO and WEP is truly a historic win for all public employees and their families,” said Karlovetz. “These unfair provisions have taken a great toll. I have lost well over $110,000 in benefits earned in the 15 years I worked and paid into Social Security before becoming a teacher in Missouri, a GPO-WEP state. Now that we have helped achieve this victory, educators like me can breathe easier. For some, this is truly life-changing,” she says.

With the 119th Congress fast approaching, Congressional lawmakers must work together to fix a financially ailing Social Security Program.  Just like they did to pass bipartisan legislation to right a wrong affecting millions of retirees and public sector workers.  

To see Nov. 8 CBO correspondence to Sen. Grassley as to impact of S. 82 on the Social Security program, go to https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2024-11/60876-HR82.pdf

 To download a CRS report that details Social Security beneficiaries affected by both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), to https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45845