Working with our members and supporters throughout the United States, our Senior Advocacy Initiative advances B'nai B'rith's agenda on a range of seniors' issues including social security, stem cell research, Medicare, and minimum wage, to policy makers in Washington, D.C., and across the country.

BBI works in Washington, D.C., to inform elected officials how seniors feel regarding various legislation, including these key issues: 

• Housing – For nearly 540 years, BBI has led in providing housing for low-income older adults.  We are the largest Jewish sponsor of subsidized housing for the elderly, and we continue to look for new ways to build new housing and preserve existing units.  Of the challenges posed by an aging population – and the eventual retirement of the baby boomers – housing might be the most overlooked.  With fewer dollars available from the federal Section 202 program, we also find existing housing in need of repair and modernization.  That places a squeeze on the number of units available for low-income elders at a time when our country is getting grayer.  We are continue to support funding for the Section 202 program while also developing new models for building and preserving appropriate housing for older adults.  Having a safe, accessible home in which to "Age in Place" should not be a luxury out of reach for millions of Americans.  Click here for more information on Senior Housing.  
• Medicare - B'nai B'rith International supports universal, comprehensive health care coverage for older Americans and a Medicare program that continues to provide quality coverage for older people.  The new Part D prescription benefits should be improved and integrated into Medicare so that beneficiaries have comprehensive coverage they can understand and use.  We support legislation that would allow Medicare to directly negotiate prices, as well as legislation that would improve access to extra help for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Click here for more information on healthcare for all. 
• Minimum Wage - Many older Americans are delaying retirement for professional and economic reasons.  In addition, many retirees take low-wage jobs to supplement income and savings.  The federal minimum wage affects the pay these workers receive, as well as the pay of the caregivers who work in nursing homes and as home health nurses and aides.  Because of our commitment to retirement security and to healthy aging, we support legislation to raise the federal minimum wage. 
• Social Security - B'nai B'rith International supports maintaining and strengthening the Social Security system as a social insurance program for both retired Americans and those living with disabilities, as well as their spouses and children.  We also believe it is important to help older Americans safeguard their retirement savings.  Therefore, we conduct educational seminars for older adults (and their families) on issues including how to avoid identity theft and fraud,  and we support legislation to protect seniors.  
• Stem Cell Research – Jewish tradition teaches us that pikuach nefesh, saving life, is our paramount moral obligation.  In keeping with this tradition, every major Jewish denomination has endorsed all stem cell research, including embryonic. B'nai B'rith International supports responsible embryonic stem cell research. A critical element in the scientific research has been public funding. We ask that the ban on federal funding for research on new embryonic stem cell lines be lifted.  Many aging Americans suffer from diseases such as Parkinson's or diabetes and other degenerative conditions that have a devastating impact on both individuals and their families.  B'nai B'rith actively supports a public commitment to research, and we therefore support the congressional Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 [HR. 3/S5].  The promising science of stem cell research, including embryonic stem cells, must be allowed to compete on a level playing field on the quality of the science. For information about B'nai B'rith stem cell programs, click here.
• Healthcare for All – Because of our work with older populations, we have seen the impact that a lack of access to affordable health care can have.  Older people who have not had access to care during their lifetime are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions, which cost more to treat.  Healthcare access therefore is both a moral and an economic issue.  Diagnosing conditions early, promoting early diagnosis and treatment is more humane AND more cost effective that allowing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or other conditions to go untreated for years.  Our perspective is a little different from many of the supporters of broad health care access, but we all agree that finding comprehensive ways to make health care affordable for everyone is the right thing to do, and that now is the right time to do it. For more information about healthcare for all, click here.  BBI's principles for healthcare reform can be found here.

B'nai B'rith's Senior Advocacy Initiative serves older adults in their community through a variety of programs.  We work directly with seniors through forums and programs on issues such as aging in place, healthcare for all, identity theft, and stem cell research. 

We believe that advocacy is key, and we make it part of all of our programs.  When we come to your town to talk about Aging In Place, we will also give you an opportunity to write to your member of Congress about the issue and pending legislation.  We also help to arrange visits for older adults to talk to their members of Congress directly.   

In Washington, D.C., we talk to Congress and to the executive branch.  However, we are much more effective when we can demonstrate that we have the support of people in the community.  That is why we send out "Action Alerts" to let people know what is going on with legislation and how they can contact elected leaders quickly and easily.  To sign up for Action Alerts, email seniorservices@bnaibrith.org. 

Click here to learn how to be an advocate in your community!

Washington advocacy is an important part of what we do, but you really are the key to having an impact here and around the United States.  We want to keep you informed and to let you know when we need your help – in making calls to Congress, sending emails to the president, or talking to friends about how Medicare prescription drug coverage works.   

CSS Update is a regular publication of B'nai B'rith International's Center for Senior Services.  The update includes information about events in your area, issues on the legislative calendar, ways you can make a difference, and other important news about aging and health issues. To sign up for CSS Update, click here.

B'nai B'rith believes in aging well.  Our advocacy initiatives promote healthy aging and support programs that give people access to services that help them age gracefully and independently.   

Please support our new campaign called "Gray . . . goes great with everything" and help us make healthy, active aging a reality for all.  Click here to see the fun gifts and products in our "Gray... goes great with everything" store.