Amata Holds Town Hall Meeting with Seniors
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is thanking those who attended her town hall meeting for seniors at Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) Center.
“I appreciate our seniors. They are respected elders in our communities, and it’s important to hear from them on issues and report back from Washington,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I also want to specially thank Director Paopao Kuresa Paopao. I appreciate the turn out as we had a roomful, and thank you all for attending, listening or asking questions. I plan to continue holding these opportunities as I always have in my time in Congress.”
A town hall meeting like this is both a listening session, and often an opportunity to give an update about events, legislation or discussions in Washington.
In this case, Amata spoke about her letter to officials regarding the hot meal program and how that could be improved.
The issues varied from social security benefits, Medicare, food vouchers in contrast to hot meals, the need for increased funding for caregivers programs, funding for senior citizens work programs, and other services.
Following House passage of the reconciliation bill this week, which cuts taxes for U.S. federal taxpayers, Amata also notes that Social Security benefits were not part of that bill, so they were not changed, and American Samoa’s Medicaid rate is also unchanged, at the 83 percent federal match established for fiscal year 2020 and since. Finally, the work requirements in Medicaid in the states are not applicable to the insular territories because these territories have presumed eligibility.
“Throughout the year, if you have questions like these, my staff will often be able to provide that answer, or look into it, so reach out to our office in Fagatogo with these kinds of needs,” concluded Amata. “I am humbled to be your voice in Washington, and these meetings are always a good chance to hear what is important to you.”
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