Advocates for older Virginians urged the joint appropriations committees to increase state funding for Area Agencies on Aging, sustain the RAFT older‑adult mental health teams and consider a state supplement to the federal SNAP minimum benefit.

The Nut Graf: Witnesses said demographic shifts mean sharply rising demand for aging services across the Commonwealth and asked for a combined package of investments — $4.35 million for AAAs, ongoing support for RAFT (the Regional Older Adults Facility Mental Health Support Team), expansion funds for community “villages” and a state supplement to raise the SNAP minimum benefit for older adults.

Terry Lynch, speaking for the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging, requested a $4,350,000 Commonwealth investment to address growing unmet needs and the expected demographic changes: Lynch said Virginia’s population will grow and the age‑60+ population will expand substantially, noting the population age 85 and older “will more than quadruple.” Lynch described AAA services including home care, transportation, meals, long‑term care ombudsman and Medicare counseling.

Bob Eifert, representing the Northern Virginia Aging Network, echoed the request and warned the Older Americans Act reauthorization uncertainty could affect federal funding. Jane King of the Northern Virginia Aging Network and organizers from the Virginia Villages Collective described village programs that reduce social isolation; Carol Paquette asked lawmakers to support amendments to expand the statewide village network, saying Virginia villages delivered more than 2,000 social programs and logged over 43,800 volunteer hours in 2023.

Erica Wood described RAFT’s 15‑year history serving older adults discharged from psychiatric hospitals and asked for continued funding; she noted annual RAFT funding has remained “just over $1,000,000 since its beginning in 2009” while costs and demand have increased.

On food security, Jane King and other witnesses urged a state supplement to the federal SNAP minimum. King noted the federal minimum SNAP benefit in Virginia is effectively $23 per month and requested a $27 supplement to bring the minimum to $50 per month for older recipients, saying low SNAP benefits can leave eligible older adults uninterested in applying.

What lawmakers heard: Advocates stressed that investments in community‑based aging supports can reduce higher‑cost placements and improve health outcomes. Witnesses tied requests to demographic forecasts and existing program performance but offered no single legislative vehicle — testimony was presented for committees to consider during the budget process.

Ending: Advocates asked that the committees restore or continue funding in the upcoming budget so AAAs, RAFT and village programs can expand services and that lawmakers consider a SNAP supplement to help older Virginians cover basic food costs.