CALA News & Views | Issue 54 | Impact

Advocacy in Action:

This year, CALA members played a vital role in advancing our advocacy efforts by participating in CALA-sponsored events that educated policymakers and their staff – at both the state and federal levels – on the value and impact of Assisted Living. Amplifying the Voice of Assisted Living Across California and Beyond

Earlier this year, Advocacy Day brought nearly 110 CALA members to the State Capitol to meet with approximately 70 legislative offices. Members discussed a broad range of issues, including the variety of services provided in Assisted Living, resident eligibility for Medi-Cal programs and CALA communities’ commitment to emergency preparedness. These meaningful conversations and ongoing relationships are essential to strengthening the voice of Assisted Living within the Legislature and shaping the future of senior living policy. For real change to happen, your voices must be heard! For years, CALA has hosted Day in Your District during the Legislature’s summer recess, when state legislators are in their district offices focusing on constituent work. Once again, this year’s event was a success, with over 50 members visiting their Senators or Assemblymembers locally. These visits help members build on relationships established during Advocacy Day and other events, while sharing the real-life stories of Assisted Living residents and the quality care provided within each legislator’s district. For the second consecutive year, CALA also held a Federal Day in Your District , giving members the unique opportunity to educate federal representatives about Assisted Living, Memory Care and Continuing Care Retirement Communities – and their critical role in residents’ and families’ lives. CALA members also reinforced Argentum’s federal priorities, including expanding access, addressing workforce challenges, promoting social connection among older adults and encouraging representatives to join the Congressional Long-Term Care Caucus in Washington, D.C. Many CALA members have used these advocacy events as opportunities to invite their representatives to community celebrations such as Veterans Day or Labor Day – further strengthening those personal connections. Now that the Legislature has adjourned for the year, CALA’s focus has shifted to coordinating site visits for state legislators at CALA member communities across the state. Legislators are eager to experience Assisted Living firsthand in their districts – after all, your residents (and many of your team members) are also their constituents.

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You are the experts on Assisted Living. If you’re interested in hosting a legislator for a tour of your community or inviting them to an upcoming event, please visit our Advocacy in Action page on our website at this link or contact Daniel Gonzalez, CALA’s advocacy engagement specialist.

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 54 | NOVEMBER 2025 14