Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

AARP AARP States Florida Caregiving

AARP Florida Congratulates Election Winners

aarp florida logo

Nov. 9, 2016

CONTACT
Dave Bruns, 850.228.2759
dbruns@aarp.org

Calls on new leadership to address Social Security, Medicare and Caregiving

St. Petersburg, Fla. – AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson issued the following statement commenting on the outcome of the 2016 elections in Florida:

“AARP Florida congratulates the winners of the 2016 Congressional and legislative elections.  As AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said earlier today, ‘Now the real work begins.’ AARP Florida stands ready to work with the state’s elected leaders to improve the lives of Floridians of every generation.”

Johnson noted that Florida voters Tuesday rejected Amendment One, which would have put existing laws regarding solar power generation into the state Constitution.  AARP Florida argued that it would be better to deal with solar power regulation in state law rather than in the Constitution, which is more difficult to change as new technology or markets emerge.

Despite deep partisan divisions on many issues, Johnson noted that Florida voters share broad agreement on some issues, notably keeping Social Security strong.  In August, AARP surveyed Florida voters and found that 76.2 percent of Republicans, 81.7 percent of Democrats and 79.2 percent of unaffiliated voters said that it was extremely or very important to them that the next president and Congress make changes to Social Security so it is available to current and future beneficiaries.

Johnson urged Congressional and legislative leaders of all political backgrounds to work together on issues important to Floridians 50-plus, including:

  • Social Security:  Congress and the Administration should find a bipartisan solution to make Social Security financially sound and adequate for future generations.
  • Medicare:  Washington should improve Medicare and keep it strong by finding ways to reduce high prescription drug costs, improve health care outcomes, and eliminate waste and fraud.
  • Caregiving:  The federal and state governments should take action to support America’s 40 million family caregivers who help make it possible for older parents, spouses, children and adults with disabilities and other loved ones to live independently at home and in their communities—where they want to be. 

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

About AARP Florida
Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.