The Committee on Executive Administration and Labor convened on June 23, 2025, to discuss the District of Columbia's budget proposals and their implications for senior services and programs for people with disabilities. Chairperson Anita Bonds led the meeting, focusing on the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) and its funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposed budget for DACL in Fiscal Year 2026 stands at $62.2 million, reflecting a decrease of 4.3% or approximately $2.8 million from the previous year. This budget supports 121.8 full-time equivalent positions, also a reduction from FY 2025 levels. Despite the overall budget cuts, the committee highlighted critical investments aimed at enhancing senior programs.

Significant funding transfers were discussed, including a one-time transfer of $200,000 to support the Veeder Senior Center, which provides essential health and social services to seniors, particularly those who speak languages other than English. Additionally, the committee secured recurring transfers from the Committee on Human Services: $350,000 for the Dementia Navigators Program, which aids individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and $250,000 to support senior villages, which help older residents live independently.

The meeting also addressed transportation needs for seniors, with a one-time transfer of $350,000 allocated to the Connector Card program, which has a waiting list of 600 seniors. This program offers a debit card for various transportation services, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges faced by older residents.

Further enhancements included a $1.2 million capital transfer for constructing an elevator at the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center, improving accessibility for seniors. The committee also allocated $200,000 in one-time funding to the Club Memory program at Sibley Hospital, which supports individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Additional funding of $150,000 was designated for the Connected Card Program, specifically for returning citizens, and $100,000 was allocated to support senior villages in Ward 7. The committee emphasized the importance of community-based resource centers, which assist seniors in accessing services locally.

In conclusion, while the proposed budget for DACL reflects some reductions, the committee's efforts to secure additional funding and transfers aim to restore and enhance vital programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities in the District of Columbia. The meeting underscored a commitment to ensuring that essential services continue to be available to the district's aging population.