Waltham's Rep. Tom Stanley To Chair Committee On Elder Affairs

WALTHAM, MA — Waltham's Rep. Tom Stanley will chair the House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs during the 2021-2022 legislative session along with Somerville's Sen. Patricia Jehlen.

The Committee on Elder Affairs tackles legislative issues that span everything from the care of elderly, nursing facilities, prescription drugs, reverse mortgages and senior pharmacy.

"In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that older
citizens receive critical services and resources," said Stanley.

Since taking office in 2001, Stanley said he has worked on issues important to seniors such as health care services, housing, long-term care, transportation, economic well-being, nutrition, family and community support and security. Most recently, he said he has focused on getting a more effective coronavirus response from the state administration.

"The state’s rollout of the vaccine has been frustrating. It should not be this difficult for our older residents to get vaccinated," he said.

The appointment to the committee comes as Stanley has championed turning the old Waltham armory into affordable housing.

"Supplying homes that are affordable for long-time Waltham residents, young families, seniors, veterans and local workers is an important part of maintaining the stability and diversity of our community," Stanley said in a report as chairman of the Waltham City Council’s ad-hoc Committee on Affordable Housing.