Nonprofits and seniors urge restoration of proposed cuts to D.C. aging services at EAL budget hearing

The Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, chaired by At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds, heard more than two dozen witnesses on June 11, 2025, urging the council to restore proposed reductions to the District’s Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL) budget for fiscal 2026.

Witnesses from senior centers, nonprofit providers and advocacy groups told the committee that the mayor’s FY26 proposal—cited in the hearing as $62,200,000 and 122 FTEs, reflecting a roughly 4.32% reduction—would translate to cuts in services that many seniors depend on.

Why it matters: DACL funds lead agencies, senior wellness centers, home-delivered meals, transportation and caregiver supports that, witnesses said, prevent hunger, isolation and unnecessary institutionalization. Providers said recent local restorations and one-time enhancements helped but warned proposed cuts would erode capacity at a time of rising demand.

Providers described specific program impacts and local needs. Maria McPhail, president and CEO of VIDA Senior Centers, told the committee VIDA delivered 115,332 services in FY24 and said VIDA provided “over 27,000 culturally appropriate congregate meals” with DACL support; VIDA…