Recent layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have resulted in a dramatic reduction of staff across key federal programs focused on aging, disability, and poverty alleviation. This significant downsizing has raised serious concerns regarding the future of these essential services that millions rely on.
According to Alison Barkoff, the former director of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)40% of the staff received layoff notices, with many employees turned away at the door when they reported for work. The ACL is responsible for coordinating federal policies related to aging and disability, and its programs are critical to the well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The ACL plays a vital role in funding programs that run senior centers and distribute an impressive 216 million meals annually through the Meals on Wheels initiative. Barkoff emphasizes the profound impact these programs have, stating that they significantly enhance the lives of tens of millions of older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. "There’s no way to have these reductions in force (RIFs) without affecting the programs and those who depend on them," she noted.
Last week’s announcement regarding the impending layoffs indicated that the ACL's responsibilities would be redistributed across various divisions within HHS. However, the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which aims to reshape government, had proposed that the ACL assume responsibilities for special education services following the potential dismantling of the Department of Education. This raises questions about who will handle these crucial tasks moving forward.
In addition to the layoffs at the ACL, all employees from the Division of Energy Assistance have been let go. Andrew Germain and Vikki Pretlow, two employees who lost their jobs, reported that the office oversees the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This critical program supports approximately 5.9 million low-income households in managing their heating and cooling costs, as well as financing home repairs to enhance energy efficiency.
The unexpected layoffs—affecting around 20 employees—have left staff members concerned about the continuation of LIHEAP, especially with funding set to expire at the end of September, just as colder months approach. Germain emphasized the program's life-saving capabilities, particularly for low-income individuals who rely on electricity for medical devices or need refrigeration for essential medications like insulin.
Germain, who previously managed compliance monitoring for LIHEAP, expressed apprehension about the program’s future without federal oversight. While Congress has allocated $4.1 billion to LIHEAP for fiscal year 2024, the lack of staff raises uncertainties about whether the program can sustain itself beyond the current funding period. Pretlow, who served as a program specialist, shared her sentiments regarding the workforce, stating, "You can be paid much more in a different place, you can be praised more in a different place, you can be appreciated more in a different place. But the people I worked with have a great heart for service."
The recent layoffs at HHS mark a troubling chapter for critical programs aimed at supporting the aging population and those with disabilities. As the Administration for Community Living and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program face an uncertain future, the well-being of millions hangs in the balance. The implications of these staffing cuts extend far beyond the immediate workforce, raising serious questions about the continuity of essential services that many vulnerable individuals depend on for their daily survival.
