MPA Senior Leadership students discuss issues surrounding aging population
On Friday, May 8, Clark University’s MPA Senior Leadership program gathered for a residency in Springfield, Mass., to hear from a panel of experts on issues surrounding our aging population. Panelists including Jen Benson, president, AARP Massachusetts; Caitlin Hodgkins, policy director and subcommittee staff director, House Committee on Rules at U.S. House of Representatives Jim McGovern’s Office; and Anna Randall, executive director, Greater Springfield Senior Services, discussed the potential impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on elder care, family caregivers, local governments, and nonprofit service providers, and explored how communities can respond to the evolving needs of an aging society. The panel was moderated by Joseph O’Brien, legislative consultant, and faculty member in the MPA-SL program.
A key challenge discussed included “interconnected program fragility,” where cuts or changes to one program (SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, transportation, senior centers) ripple across others and deepen crises. These issues, amidst the rising cost of living, food and fuel insecurity, and caregiver workforce shortages, present challenges for nonprofits and municipal leaders nationally.
MPA students discussed their personal and professional experiences with these issues, and the solutions they are implementing in their communities.
Clark’s MPA for Senior Leadership program cultivates ethical, innovative, and effective leaders and problem-solvers who address complex public challenges and advance the public interest; past programs have focused on issues such as voter engagement, disaster management, crisis in mental health, gambling legislation, art and public funding, and more.
