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Assemblymember Reyes Secures Additional Funding to Protect Seniors

For immediate release:

Sacramento- Introduced at the start of Assemblymember Reyes’ first year in office, AB 550 advocated for the wellbeing of our seniors by requesting an increase to the base allocation for local Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman programs. The current funding allocation for the LTC Ombudsman organization was established in 1989, and the existing formula has not been updated for inflation in 27 years. With the signing of the 2018-19 State Budget by Governor Brown, the yearly allocation for these programs will now be $2.3 million per year, providing an increase of 185% per program. 

“AB 550 was a critical step in ensuring that we effectively serve and provide for the growing population of seniors in long-term care. The signing of the Governor’s trailer bill, revised the Department of Aging funding formula to ensure the sustainability of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.” said Assemblymember Reyes. “ This new allocation will allow Long- Term Care Ombudsmen to provide advocacy services on behalf of residents in licensed long-term care facilities such as skilled nursing homes and residential care facilities.”

In California, LTC Ombudsman organizations monitor and assist seniors in both skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly. Ombudsmen are able to intervene on behalf of a resident and identify, investigate and resolve complaints before they result in more serious and costly cases of elder abuse or neglect.

"We want to thank and applaud Assemblymember Reyes' efforts in securing additional funding for improved advocacy services provided by the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs,” said Leza Coleman, Executive Director of the CA Long Term Care Ombudsman Association. "These needed funds are crucial for keeping the smaller programs open, providing assistance to residents living in rural care facilities, and overall ensuring that our seniors receive the highest quality of care possible."

Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.

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