St. Louis Older Adults Speak Out Against Federal Cuts

“They’re Coming for Our Future”: St. Louis Older Adults Speak Out Against Federal Cuts

Hundreds respond within hours to Oasis survey opposing proposed slashes to critical aging programs

St. Louis, MO — In a powerful outpouring of voices, more than 200 older adults in St. Louis responded within hours to a call from Oasis to share how their lives would be impacted by proposed federal cuts to aging services. A webpage that is being developed to share testimonials from the survey can be found at stloasis.org/agingontheline.

This grassroots momentum comes as part of Aging on the Line, a national campaign running April 22–24 to spotlight how proposed federal budget reductionsthreaten to gut core programs like the Older Americans Act (OAA), Medicaid, and Social Security.

“They’re coming for our future. If these programs go, so do our chances to age with dignity,” said one 74-year-old Oasis participant from Kirkwood.

“Without Oasis and Medicaid, I would be isolated, inactive, and in worse health,” said another respondent.

“I depend on my Social Security benefits to meet my daily needs. For the past two months, I’ve found myself checking anxiously to ensure my monthly payment has been deposited into my account—because I no longer trust the government to fulfill this basic obligation. I am 77 years old, a widow, and I began working at the age of 16. I am furious by the disregard our elected officials show toward the people they are supposed to represent. Brenda, Oasis participant

Programs funded through the Older Americans Act support millions of older adults nationwide, providing access to:

• Health and wellness classes
• Home- and community-based care
• Caregiver support
• Transportation
• Medicare navigation and chronic disease management

“These programs aren’t extras — they’re lifelines,” said Paul Weiss, President of Oasis St. Louis. “Our community is raising the alarm loud and clear. These stories are a reminder that behind every budget line item is a human life.”

Oasis is compiling the stories collected through its survey into a formal testimonial packet and delivering it to legislators at the state and federal level. The organization is also encouraging participants and the public to join #AgingOnTheLine, a national mobilization effort April 22–24 coordinated by leaders like National Council On Aging, Justice in Aging, and USAging.

“Cuts like these will not go unnoticed. The people affected are paying attention — and they’re speaking out,” said Weiss.