Seventeen LeadingAge Wisconsin members, associate members, and staff traveled to Washington, DC, April 20–22, to participate in the LeadingAge Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. The group gathered on Monday, April 20, and Tuesday, April 21, to learn, share ideas, and build national connections during the Leadership Summit. The event offered timely insights into policy, innovation, and leadership trends shaping aging services, while also providing meaningful opportunities to network with colleagues from across the country.

LeadingAge Wisconsin members were well represented on the national stage during the Summit. Nicole Pretre of Cedar Community moderated the session, The Transformative Power of Repositioning, and Justin Smith of Direct Supply participated in the panel, The Next Horizon for Emerging Technologies. Their leadership and expertise helped highlight the strong contributions Wisconsin providers and partners are making to the future of aging services.

On Wednesday, April 22, the group headed to Capitol Hill to deliver LeadingAge Wisconsin’s advocacy priorities directly to members of Congress and their staff. Meetings were held with the offices of Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Ron Johnson, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Glenn Grothman, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, and Rep. Tony Wied. Discussions focused heavily on workforce challenges and the urgent need for policy solutions that support providers and the older adults they serve.

Key advocacy issues included several bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening the health care workforce. Members urged support for the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act (S. 2759 / H.R. 5283), which would recapture 40,000 previously authorized but unused visas, designate 25,000 specifically for nurses, and help relieve the backlog of EB‑3 green cards used to recruit nurses from abroad. The group also advocated for the Certified Nursing Assistant Workforce Improvement Act (H.R. 3471), which would allow registered nurses with at least two years of nursing experience, regardless of care setting, to supervise CNA training programs. Additionally, members supported the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 7096), which would modify the two‑year CNA training lockout so nursing homes that have resolved compliance issues may continue CNA training when penalties are not related to resident care quality.

Improving Medicare Advantage was another major focus. Advocacy priorities included the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S. 1816 / H.R. 3514), which would standardize prior authorization processes, expedite decision‑making, and strengthen plan accountability. The group also supported the Prompt and Fair Pay Act (H.R. 4559), which would align Medicare fee‑for‑service rates with the Medicare Advantage floor and standardize payment timeframes for health plans.

LeadingAge Wisconsin’s presence at the Leadership Summit and Lobby Day made a strong impression. By sharing real‑world experiences and clear policy solutions, members reinforced the vital role aging services providers play and the importance of federal action to sustain and strengthen care for older adults.