On June 11, 2025, the District of Columbia's Committee on Executive Administration and Labor convened a budget oversight hearing that highlighted a critical crisis in the long-term care workforce. The meeting, chaired by Anita Bonds, featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including advocates for seniors and individuals with disabilities, who underscored the urgent need for increased funding and support for long-term care services.

A key focus of the discussions was the alarming shortage of caregivers, exacerbated by low wages and insufficient training infrastructure. The coordinator of the DC Coalition on Long Term Care emphasized that this issue is not merely a workforce challenge but a public health emergency. With 16,000 baby boomers retiring daily across the country, the demand for long-term care is set to rise sharply, yet the city is unprepared to meet this need. The coalition urged the council to fully fund the Certified Nurse Aid Amendment Act, which mandates wages at 120% of the district's minimum wage, projecting a cost of $90 million over three years—less than 0.5% of the district's budget.

The testimonies also raised concerns about the prioritization of funding. Advocates questioned whether the city should allocate hundreds of millions to a new football stadium while neglecting essential care for vulnerable populations, including seniors facing housing insecurity and chronic health conditions. They called for a portion of the stadium's net revenue to be redirected to strengthen long-term care services.

Additional discussions highlighted the need for better coordination among agencies involved in elder care and the importance of training programs to address the projected 3,000 annual job openings in direct care. The budget cuts to the University of the District of Columbia's workforce development program were particularly alarming, as they threaten the city's capacity to train new caregivers.

The hearing also featured testimonies from representatives of local organizations, such as Capitol Hill Village, which provide vital support to seniors. They expressed gratitude for past funding but voiced concerns over proposed budget cuts that could hinder their ability to serve the community effectively. The executive director of the DC Villages Collaborative noted the importance of restoring funding to previous levels to maintain and expand services for older adults.

In conclusion, the budget oversight hearing revealed a pressing need for the District of Columbia to prioritize long-term care funding and workforce development. As the population ages and demand for services increases, stakeholders are calling for immediate action to ensure that seniors and individuals with disabilities can live with dignity and independence in their communities. The council's decisions in the coming months will be crucial in addressing these challenges and shaping the future of elder care in the district.