The Budget Oversight Hearing for the District of Columbia's Executive Administration and Labor Committee took place on June 11, 2025, chaired by Anita Bonds. The meeting focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget and its implications for various community services, particularly those affecting seniors.

The session began with testimony from Betty Gentle, Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Sum Incorporated, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing poverty and homelessness in the district. Gentle emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding access to essential services for seniors, including affordable housing, food security, and transportation. She highlighted the need for the committee to protect funding for senior wellness programs, which are crucial in combating isolation among older adults.

Gentle expressed concern over a proposed $517,000 cut to transportation services, which she argued are vital for seniors to access medical care and community resources. She urged the committee to restore and enhance financial support for transportation, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

Food insecurity among seniors was another critical issue raised. Gentle noted that the district has one of the highest rates of senior food insecurity in the nation and criticized the exclusion of $50 million in funding for SNAP benefits in the proposed budget. She called for increased collaboration to raise SNAP benefits for seniors, especially in light of looming federal cuts.

The testimony also addressed cuts to consumer information and outreach services, as well as case management, which Gentle argued are essential for connecting seniors with necessary resources. She urged the committee to reconsider these reductions, emphasizing the transformative impact of outreach and support services.

Lastly, Gentle highlighted the urgent need for affordable senior housing, citing that over 1,264 individuals aged 55 and older are currently unhoused in the district. She called for cross-agency collaboration to advocate for new investments in senior housing and rental subsidies, stressing that housing stability is crucial for the health and dignity of older adults.

Following Gentle's testimony, Nicholas Del Don from the DuPont East Civic Action Association addressed the committee, focusing on street safety and bicycle concerns. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the district and the need for strategic budgetary decisions to support their well-being.

The hearing concluded with a commitment from the committee to carefully consider the implications of budget cuts and to prioritize investments that ensure all residents, particularly seniors, can thrive in the community.