Caregiving, Guardianship Modernization Among AARP Alabama's Top 2024 Legislative Priorities

William Herndon

The 2024 session of the Alabama Legislature opens on Tuesday, February 6. AARP Alabama has developed a series of priorities for this legislative session that are critically important to our more than 400,000 members, and all Alabamians age 50-plus.

Support Family Caregivers — Alabamians provide more than $8.3 billion in unpaid care annually to adult loved ones who need help to live independently by helping with daily activities like managing medications, preparing meals, bathing, feeding & dressing, providing transportation to medical appointments, and handling financial & legal matters. And most of these everyday heroes are doing all that while also trying to work. Many are forced to reduce their hours or quit entirely. The physical, emotional & financial toll of family caregiving is enormous.

Modernize the Adult Guardianship System — Outdated state guardianship laws and standards must be strengthened to stop the abuse of vulnerable seniors, hold bad guardians accountable, and make sure the courts (and good guardians) can do their jobs. Right now, the state does not have access to basic, critical information, like a comprehensive list of active guardianships and where they’re located.

Protect data privacy — AARP research finds that 34 percent of people 50 and older cite privacy concerns as a barrier to adopting new technology, like high-speed internet. AARP supports laws protecting data privacy and allow Alabamians to control how their personal information may be collected, analyzed, shared, and sold.

Improve Food Security — All Alabamians need access to nutritious food without having to sacrifice other essentials. AARP supports making sure all older adults have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life

Reform Our System of Long-Term Care — AARP urges lawmakers to take steps to fundamentally reform the way long-term care is delivered to expand home- and community-based services and supports, increase equity in the long-term care system and efforts to build a quality workforce.

Ease Financial Stress, Protect the Hard-Earned Money of Retirees — AARP urges state lawmakers to carefully consider all impacts of tax proposals that would disproportionately shift tax burdens. AARP will work to improve retirement income security and ensure the rights and benefits of current pension recipients are not undermined or reduced.

Access to Affordable, Quality Health Care: Support access to health coverage for the 340,000 working Alabamians currently uninsured.

Support Veterans — AARP seeks to honor and support our veterans by helping veterans and their families connect with benefits and employment opportunities.

AARP's strength comes from our members. Stay in touch with our work throughout this legislative session by signing up for our advocacy alerts, or becoming an advocacy volunteer. To get our advocacy alerts, text JOIN to 22777 or sign up at aarp.org/GetInvolved