Indy Standard

Washington, April 16th, 2024 - Today, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Ranking Member Mike Braun made a powerful opening statement at the Long-Term Care Workforce Hearing, alongside Chairman Bob Casey. The hearing focused on addressing shortages and improving the profession within the long-term care workforce.

During his remarks, Braun emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "By 2030, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in our history." He also pointed out the existing shortage of long-term care workers, noting that it is expected to worsen. Braun highlighted Indiana's proactive approach in training the next generation of long-term care professionals and called for innovation at the state and local levels to meet the growing demand.

Expressing his stance on federal intervention, Braun remarked, "We don’t need the federal government forcing a one size fits all approach." He also raised concerns about the potential impact of proposed staffing minimums for nursing homes, stating that such measures could lead to closures of facilities lacking the required staff.

Braun advocated for bipartisan solutions that offer flexibility, highlighting initiatives such as the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Act and the JOBS Act, aimed at enhancing safety standards and facilitating job training in the long-term care sector. He stressed the importance of removing barriers to entry into the workforce and expanding educational opportunities to support the growth of the care profession.

In concluding his statement, Braun reiterated the need for productive approaches and expressed eagerness to hear about state innovations and solutions to address the challenges faced by the long-term care workforce.

The hearing shed light on critical issues affecting the long-term care sector, with Ranking Member Braun's opening statement setting the tone for a discussion on impactful strategies to support both care workers and those they serve.