A new online tool from the Kaiser Family Foundation called the ACA Federal Funds Tracker tracks funds received by states, local governments, employers, community organizations and other entities to implement provisions in the Affordable Care Act. The tool allows you to see a profile of any state's health reform-related grant information and data on per capita funding.

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The US Department of Labor recognized SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership’s registered apprenticeship program as a “Trailblazer and Innovator.” The program is aimed at increasing the skills and opportunities of Home Care Aides by offering basic and advanced training, peer mentorship and a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship. The Home Care Aide Apprenticeship program is a collaboration between the SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership, SEIU Healthcare 775NW, and three home care agencies. It is currently in a pilot phase.

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Did you know about two online tools that can help you stay connected with the activities in Congress?

GovTrack.us allows you to easily track legislation in Congress, keep tabs on members of Congress, and access data like congressional district maps and voting records. The website is free to use and collects data from official federal government websites to allow users to easily track stats, facts and figures.

POPVOX.com allows you to find information about bills in Congress, support or oppose the bill, and share your opinion with Congress. The website aims to streamline communications between the public and Members of Congress. By providing information and easy to use tools, the public can take action by giving their opinion and contacting Congressional staff and lawmakers. POPVOX then verifies and simplifies the information and provides it (in a nonpartisan way) to Members of Congress so they can better understand the voice of their constituents.

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In 2002, the Pennsylvania Ombudsman Program started a training program of residents living in long-term care facilities called Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents or PEER. In this program, certified ombudsmen teach residents about their rights and how to advocate for themselves and other residents. More than 1400 residents have been trained statewide. For more information, visit the PEER website.

Watch a video of PEER graduation. The event was supported in partnership with the State LTC Office, the local Area Agency on Aging, elected officials, community-based organizations and a long-term care facility.

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In July, Alaska’s Governor signed SB86 into law which enhances protections for vulnerable adults. In particular, Alaskans can now petition the court for protective orders from financial abuse. Elder fraud attorney Scott Sterling with assistance from State LTC Ombudsman Diana Weber drafted the law using California’s forms as an example. Sterling and Weber worked with the court system, representatives from Alaska’s Elder Fraud and Assistance Office, the State Attorney General’s Office, the State Office of Public Advocacy and Adult Protective Services to draft the forms.

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