July 31, 2025
The Honorable Mary Miller
15th Congressional District of Illinois
1740 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Miller,
On behalf of AMAC Action, the advocacy affiliate of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), with over 2 million members nationwide, I write to express our strong support for the Ensuring Access to Affordable and Quality Home Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act. This crucial legislation reserves the longstanding companionship services and live-in domestic services exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, even when these services are provided through third-party employment.
For the vast majority of older Americans who do not require comprehensive medical care, living at home with a trusted companion is the preferred, most comfortable, and most humane option. Yet under current regulations, caregivers who assist with basic daily tasks, like helping with meals, light housekeeping, and transportation, often do not qualify for the federal exemption that once made such services affordable and widely available. The result has been fewer options for seniors and more families being forced into costly institutions or off-market arrangements.
As conservatives, we believe strong families, not bureaucracies, should be the foundation of elder care. The 2013 Obama administration rule change that restricted these exemptions disrespects that principle by inserting unnecessary red tape into personal caregiving decisions, discouraging lawful employment, and punishing families trying to do the right thing for their aging loved ones.
Affordable, non-medical in-home care is not a luxury, it’s a vital support for millions of families. By restoring the exemptions for companionship and live-in services, this bill ensures that families can access trusted, personal care without being burdened by intrusive federal mandates. It also helps seniors remain in their homes longer, preserving both their dignity and their independence.
This legislation represents a step towards restoring common sense, personal freedom, and respect for the family unit in elder care. Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. Mangione Jr.
Senior Vice President
AMAC Action
The sentence in this article -” As conservatives , we believe strong families, not bureaucracies, should be the foundation of elder care.” That thought is the foundation for maintaining Independence and maintaining the strength, courage and wisdom that will help matters in every aspect of aging. Having knowledge about biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology is something that will help as well. In the 1970’s I started making tools for a living . Something else started in the 1970’s was an interest in anatomical drawing , for the purpose of becoming a medical illustrator. Still designing and making tools at 75 , never got that good at the anatomical drawing to become a medical illustrator – but it was no waste of time b y. any means. The research done with each body part,organ or system I practiced drawing was valuable stuff for sure. Think of the importance of maps when learning about geography , and the importance of maps in connection with travelling to a place you have never been to before.That is how the anatomical drawing helped with health care matters over the years and still does.. Knowledge is synonymous with Independence It is good to keep up on the developments mentioned in this letter to Rep.Mary Millet – it is appreciated Andrew.- Well done !
While all the aforementioned issues have great merit, the breakdown of family is one of many things responsible for the elderly facing this dilemma. Families seem to no longer stay together or help one another.
There is no such thing as affordable and quality care because government is irresponsible, incompetent, lacks oversight and ripe for fraud. Unearned entitlements given can be taken back. Responsibility should not be placed solely on American taxpayers by magnanimous elected officials. Poor personal choices are high on the list as a root cause for this potential government bailout. What will be the criteria to participate is also a factor.