Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.) announced the relaunch of the Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance. The caucus, co-chaired by Reps. Adam Smith and Young Kim, is a bipartisan effort to examine the way the U.S. currently delivers foreign assistance, explore success stories in the delivery of assistance, and identify ways to improve U.S. foreign assistance and development to maximize its impact and benefit.
 
“U.S. international development programs are instrumental in creating a more peaceful and prosperous world. Working with partners and allies, our foreign aid helps reduce poverty and instability and promotes economic and political development,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “I am thrilled to relaunch the Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance today with Rep. Young Kim to continue the long-standing bipartisan efforts to promote the importance of U.S. foreign assistance and maximize its impact. As the world faces a multitude of crises, it is as important as ever to keep finding ways to both support and improve our international development programs.”
 
“Deploying low-cost, evidence-based resources to areas that need support the most around the world saves lives, boosts U.S. global leadership, and protects our national security. As we work to rein in federal spending, ensuring every dollar is spent as effectively as possible is more important than ever,” said Rep. Young Kim, who serves on the Africa Subcommittee and as Chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “I’m proud to re-launch the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance with Rep. Adam Smith to bring innovative ideas to the table about how to make our aid programs more effective and as impactful as possible around the world while saving taxpayer dollars.” 
 
Reps. Smith and Kim hosted an event today in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the relaunch of the caucus. The event featured remarks from Reps. Smith and Kim followed by a panel discussion focused on U.S. foreign assistance with former USAID Administrators Gayle Smith, CEO of the ONE Campaign, and Ambassador Mark Green (ret.), President and CEO of the Wilson Center. The panel discussion was moderated by Tessie San Martin, Co-Chair of the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network and CEO of FHI 360.
 
See below for photos from the event.

RENTON, WA – On Wednesday, August 24, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) hosted Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), for a visit to Evergreen Treatment Services in Renton. Rep. Smith and Dr. Delphin-Rittmon sat down for a discussion about the nationwide substance use crisis and the steps we can take at the local, state, and federal level to address this crisis.
 
“We are grappling with a nationwide substance use crisis, and it is having a deep impact on families and communities here in King County. Yesterday I welcomed Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon to the Ninth District to visit Evergreen Treatment Services, an organization working to combat this crisis,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “During the visit, we learned more about their stabilization and recovery programs for people experiencing substance use disorder and we heard from providers about the need for stronger workforce development programs to make it easier for people to enter the behavioral health care workforce. Dr. Delphin-Rittmon and I then sat down for a conversation focused on the impact of the substance use crisis here in King County and how we can better support providers through SAMHSA block grant expansions and technical assistance and training. Substance use, mental and behavioral health, and homelessness are some of the biggest challenges we face in King County. Evergreen Treatment Services recognizes the interconnectedness of these crises and is working to create a continuum of care to put people on a path towards stabilization and recovery. I appreciate Dr. Delphin-Rittmon taking the time to visit the Ninth District and look forward to continuing to work with her and President Biden to expand prevention efforts, support providers, and provide equitable access to treatment to advance the health, safety, and well-being of all community members.”
 
Tour Participants
  • Congressman Adam Smith
  • Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon
  • Steve Woolworth, CEO of Evergreen Treatment Services
  • Becca Judy, Chief Transformation Officer at Evergreen Treatment Services
  • Dr. Paul Grekin, Medical Director at Evergreen Treatment Services
  • Sean Soth, Director of Health Innovation & Integration at Evergreen Treatment Services
  • Cathy Perez, South King County Clinic Manager at Evergreen Treatment Services
  • Shekh Ali, CEO of Valley Cities
  • Richard Geiger, Chief of Inpatient and Residential Services at Valley Cities

SEATTLE, WA On Friday, August 18, Representative Adam Smith hosted a roundtable with representatives from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and community partners and stakeholders to discuss broadband access in Washington state and newly announced funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021.  

“High-speed internet is essential for connecting people to school, work, health care, and more, and we have a lot of work to do to expand broadband access in King County and across Washington state. It was great to sit down with local, state, and federal stakeholders on Friday to discuss the ongoing efforts to implement funding under the BEAD program,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “$1.23 billion is coming to our state for broadband infrastructure and digital equity projects to make sure that everyone, including rural and underserved communities, has internet access. During the roundtable, we talked about the need to build broadband infrastructure quickly and expand programs to make internet affordable for everyone in the state. I’m grateful to the roundtable participants for their work to connect everyone in Washington to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to closing the digital divide and investing in America.”

Roundtable Participants

  • Sabra Schneider – Chief Information Officer, City of Bellevue
  • Tommy Lee – Project/ Program Manager, King County
  • Bre Urness-Straight – Director of Educational Technology, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
  • Monik Martinez –   Director, 4Tomorrow
  • Tracey Blackburn – Federal Program Officer, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Mike Buschman –Library Development Manager and LSTA Coordinator, Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State
  • Mark Vasconi – Director, Washington State Broadband Office, Washington State Department of Commerce

Background
On June 26, the Biden-Harris Administration announced over $40 billion for high-speed internet infrastructure deployment through the BEAD program - the largest internet funding announcement in history. Washington recently received $1.23 billion to connect more people to broadband, including unserved and underserved communities. Thanks to funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021, the BEAD program is connecting everyone in America to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet and is a crucial part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

From left to right: Mike Buschman (Washington State Library), Monik Martinez (4Tomorrow), Sabra Schneider (City of Bellevue), Bre Urness-Straight (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction), Mark Vasconi (Washington State Department of Commerce), Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), Tommy Lee (King County)

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SEATTLE, WA – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after introducing the Expanding Service Coordinators Act with Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.). This legislation would increase funding for and make reforms to service coordinator programs to expand the national service coordinator workforce, which is currently strained. Service coordinators connect individuals and families living in federally assisted housing with a wide range of social services, including health care, meals, transportation, job training, and education.
 
“Federally assisted housing offers individuals and families permanent and supportive housing and supportive services they need to lead stable and productive lives. Service coordinators are essential to these programs, but unfortunately, federal programs that employ service coordinators are severely underfunded. The legislation I’m introducing today would increase federal funding for service coordinator programs and make important reforms to these programs to improve the capacity and retention of service coordinators,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “There are many incredible organizations in Washington’s Ninth and across the country providing crucial social services, and service coordinators help people navigate this system. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act is a significant step towards ensuring we have the service coordinator workforce we need for residents of federally assisted housing to thrive.”
 
“Investing in service coordinator programs will ensure that older adults and those living with disabilities in my district and across the country have access to pivotal services that for too long have gone overlooked and underfunded,” said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. “I’m proud to partner on this essential bill, the Expanding Services Coordinators Act, with my colleagues Reps. Smith and Bonamici to increase the funding needed to adequately support service coordinator programs, which will ultimately improve housing stability and prevent residents from falling into homelessness.”
 
“Service coordinators help older adults, adults with disabilities, and families in federally subsidized housing navigate everyday challenges and reach long-term stability,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Increasing the role of service coordinators can improve quality of life, address isolation, and help the most vulnerable stay housed. I’m pleased to introduce the Expanding Service Coordinators Act with Reps. Smith and Beatty to make more service coordinators available and provide them with the support they need to be successful.”
 
The Expanding Service Coordinators Act is endorsed by American Association of Service Coordinators, LeadingAge, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority, Tacoma Housing Authority, Public Housing Authority Directors Association, B’nai B’rith, Compass Housing Alliance, CSI Support & Development, Life Steps, Local Initiatives Support Coalition, New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc., Wesley Housing Corp., Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators in Housing, HumanGood, Sage Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, United Church Homes, Volunteers of America National Services, MJ Housing Services, National Church Residences, National Centers for Assisted Living, New Hampshire Association of Professional Service Coordinators, Embrace Living Communities, WinnCompanies, National Affordable Housing Managers Association, USAging.
 
Statements of Support for the Expanding Service Coordinators Act
 
“This historic federal funding bill prioritizes the needs of older adults, empowers families with the resources they need to become self-sufficient, and grows supportive affordable housing across the country – in short, it is everything that a bill from Congress should strive to do. Service Coordinators are essential to the health and safety of older adults by connecting them with vital resources and allowing them to age in their own communities. They provide families the tools they need to become and remain self-sufficient, reducing other costly taxpayer-funded programs. Finally, Service Coordinators are a crucial part of solving our nation’s affordable housing crisis – by helping break down the barriers so many face while trying to access the necessary services and supports that keep them healthy, happy, and housed. With this legislation, and the continued leadership of Representative Smith, we are one step closer to changing the narrative and making a substantial difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country.” – Michelle Missler, President & CEO, American Association of Service Coordinators
 
“Service coordinators are the linchpin connecting low-income older residents living in federally assisted housing to such critical services as transportation and physician appointments. The work they do helps to reduce older adults' need for emergency room visits, longer stays in the hospital or transfers to higher levels of care. Mission-driven affordable senior housing providers, including thousands of LeadingAge members, are eager to hire more service coordinators. The Expanding Service Coordinators Act would help to achieve that goal by expanding the number of service coordinators in Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-assisted homes, creating the first pool of federal funding for service coordinators in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) communities, and supporting service coordinator training and education.  LeadingAge is grateful to Representative Smith for being a champion of service coordinators and recognizing their critical role in affordable housing communities.” – Katie Smith Sloan, President and CEO, LeadingAge

“I applaud Congressman Smith for introducing this critical legislation, which recognizes the need to provide supportive and connecting services to people living in federally assisted housing. The extra support provided by a service coordinator can make all the difference for a family taking that next step toward economic independence, improved health, or maintained social wellbeing.” – Robin Walls, Executive Director/CEO, King County Housing Authority

“The Seattle Housing Authority appreciates Representative Smith introducing this legislation to increase funding for support service coordinators. We are continuing to see an increasing need for this type of service for our residents. We have first-hand experience that shows these types of partnerships, personal connections and culturally appropriate services make a difference in whether our residents struggle or thrive. We provide these services but resources fall far short of the need.” – Rod Brandon, Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority
 
“We are happy to continue supporting the Congressman’s efforts to increase and incentivize the supportive services needed to stably house households. Placing a high value on the critical work that Service Coordinators perform while supporting their education is an admirable step.” – April Black, Executive Director, Tacoma Housing Authority

“New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc. (NERSC) supports the Expanding Service Coordinator Act, as it would make critical investments and expansions to the Service Coordinator Program.” – Jannel Satterwhite-Williamson, Board President, New England Resident Service Coordinators Inc.

“We thank Representative Adam Smith for re-introducing this important legislation that will help support and better fund our nation’s service coordinator programs. Service coordinators play a critical role in ensuring seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to affordable assisted living and other social services. At NCAL, increasing the availability of affordable assisted living is one of our main priorities. We look forward to working with Congress on advancing the Expanding Services Coordinators Act and streamlining access to quality care.” – Christopher Donnellan, Senior Director, American Healthcare Association

“I write to express my support and that of Wesley Living for the Expanding Service Coordinator Act. Through my 25 plus years of affordable housing, I have found that the most beneficial program for our resident’s welfare is the service coordinator program. Our service coordinators assist our residents in health care management, transportation, nutrition, smoking cessation, fitness, dementia support, fall prevention, and wellness as well as assisting residents in personal needs when necessary. Our service coordinators find outside organizations and volunteers who provide resources, money, time, and education which allow our seniors to age in place. There is a great return on investment for this program and the dollars that the government puts into the program are returned three-fold in savings on things like Medicare and Medicaid, and local funds expended on unnecessary ambulance and fire calls. Additionally, service coordinators prevent evictions which can be devastating to an elderly person and balloon operating costs for housing operators.
 
“On the personal side, our service coordinators allow our residents to have a quality of life they otherwise would not experience. The programing that results in better health lifestyles provides for reduced falls, preventive health screening and timely treatment of disease before becoming debilitating. The program prevents large numbers of seniors from becoming prematurely institutionalized or in most cases, institutionalization at all. Service coordinators allow for the dignity of life our elderly residents deserve.
 
“So, we strongly and enthusiastically recommend and support the passing of the Expanding Service Coordinator Act and appreciate Representative Smith’s work to enhance this program.” – Ron Budynas, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Wesley Housing Corporation

“As an agency that provides Resident Services to over 100,000 individuals in more than 39,000 homes, LifeSTEPS supports expanding Service Coordinator legislation. Not only do Service Coordinators save millions by providing much needed housing stabilization services to those in poverty, they are a lifeline to saving billions in healthcare costs. Service coordination has proven that with proper support seniors can maintain their dignity and prevent premature placement in a Skilled Nursing Facility. Seniors want, need, and deserve to maintain their home and age in place.” – Beth Southorn, Executive Director, LifeSTEPS

“On behalf of The Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators in Housing (MARSCH) we strongly endorse your legislation to expand funding for Service Coordination.” –Donna L. Coyle, President, Massachusetts Association of Resident Service Coordinators

“Once again, I am writing in support and to endorse the Expansion of the Service Coordinator Act.  HumanGood began employing resident service coordinators in our affordable housing communities in the 1990’s beginning with approximately 5 resident service coordinators.  With our continued growth, we now employ 70+ resident service coordinators in almost all of our 100+ communities in California, Washington, Oregon and Pennsylvania.  As an organization, we have come to know resident services as an invaluable component of property management. Our services team not only links our residents to supportive and medical services, but also provide case management to our most vulnerable population.  The program has evolved in the last fifteen years where the demands of the health and well-being of our residents has grown substantially and we are striving to meet their needs so they can continue to age in place.  Necessary training on entitlement programs, dementia, mental health conditions, adult protective services, hospitalization and nursing home admission, mitigating isolation are some of the required trainings that enable our service coordinators to be equipped to empower residents to live independently and increase self-sufficiency.  Resident services provides a positive financial impact by reducing turnovers, evictions, property damage and helps address compliance issues.  We continue to find creative ways to expand our partnerships with county providers, educational institutions, health care providers to allow us to develop new approaches and resources to address our residents’ needs.” – Linda Coleman, VP of Resident Services, HumanGood

“I am the President of MJ Housing & Services, an Affordable Housing company that services over 20K seniors and families in 16 states. We are fully endorsing this bill which is scheduled to be reintroduced next week. This additional funding will help aid in the independence of such a vulnerable population. Seniors, in particular, are living longer and yet our systems are not growing equally to sustain their needed services. It is with enthusiasm that on behalf of MJ Housing & Services that I offer our endorsement. Thank you for leading the charge in the much-needed area.” – Charles A. Brown, President, MJ Housing Services
 
“On behalf of the New Hampshire Association of Professional Service Coordinators, I am writing to inform you our Association’s support and endorsement of the Expanding Service Coordinators Act.” – Karen Graveline, President, New Hampshire Association of Professional Service Coordinators

“On behalf of Embrace Living Communities, we fully support the Expanding Service Coordinators Act. Embrace Living Communities is an owner/manager of 30 affordable housing properties in Illinois, Missouri and Florida which serve 2,500 older adults and persons with disabilities. We are fortunate to have at least one service coordinator in assisting residents within our communities - however, it is not nearly enough. Service coordinators are needed in more areas to assist vulnerable populations and expanding this opportunity is desperately needed.” – Jennifer Truppa, Director of Social Services and Quality Assurance, Embrace Living Communities
 
Background
 
The Expanding Service Coordinators Act would make critical investments and reforms to service coordinator programs to aid those in federally assisted housing. Specifically, the bill would:
  • Authorize an additional $100 million each year for five years to the Multi-Family Housing Service Coordinator program.
  • Authorize a total $45 million each year for five years for the Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency service coordinator program.
  • Authorize a new $37 million grant program through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award 150 grants to eligible properties to fund service coordinators.
  • Establish a training set aside to improve capacity and retention of service coordinators.
  • Extend qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to service coordinators.
  • Direct GAO to report on the availability and work of service coordinators in rural areas.
 
Service Coordinators are a critical and underfunded resource in federally assisted housing. They help individuals navigate a complex network of social services that can make a difference in an individual’s ability to thrive. It is crucial now more than ever to invest in this critical workforce. 
 
A fact sheet for the Expanding Service Coordinators Act can be found here.
 
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after he voted against the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill advanced by House Republicans.
 
“Yesterday I voted against the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill for FY 2024 because it falls short on our commitments to veterans, servicemembers, and their families. The bill slashes funding vital for military construction projects like housing and child care centers, PFAS remediation and cleanup, and climate resiliency. It fails to make the necessary investments in programs that veterans rely on for education, job training, housing, and child care. House Republicans also included extreme provisions in the bill that would make it harder for veterans to access essential reproductive health care, including abortion care, and worsen the quality of life of our veterans and their families. House Republicans are unfortunately continuing down the reckless path of holding the passage of appropriations bills hostage for their extreme and unpopular demands, creating chaos and uncertainty for our veterans, servicemembers, their families, and our national security.”
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