Red Shirt Day Success

Despite inclement weather following tornadic activity in the state, an estimated 150 members, volunteers and guests attended the AARP Arkansas Red Shirt Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 5. The event was designed to give AARP Arkansas an opportunity to interact with legislators, attend committee meetings and enjoy a lunchtime reception.  
 
“Events like Red Shirt Day at the State Capitol truly showcase the power of the energized 50-plus population in our state,” said Ashley McBride, AARP Arkansas State Director. “Our advocates are passionate and engaged. They traveled from the Delta and across Central Arkansas to have a front row seat to see democracy in action, and witness lawmakers discuss bills that have a direct impact on the lives of their constituents. Moreover, we were honored to receive a gubernatorial proclamation and two legislative resolutions on Wednesday commending the work of AARP and AARP Arkansas, to include the significant contributions from our devoted volunteers.”  
 
The proclamation was declared by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the two resolutions were presented by the Arkansas House of Representatives and the Arkansas State Senate, all of whom noted the work that AARP Arkansas does to improve the lives of Arkansans ages 50-plus and their families.  
 
“We appreciate Gov. Sanders and the members of the legislature who recognize the value of the work done by AARP Arkansas,” said Maria Hoskins, Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach. “This session we have focused on bipartisan issues such as broadband, fair utility costs, caregiving and making it easier for workers to save for retirement. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with our state’s leadership as we continue to advocate for our key demographic.”  

State Rep. Charlene Fite spoke to the group about the work of the House Aging, Children and Youth Legislative and Military Affairs Committee. Fite received a round of applause when she said, “We know that we are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.” She cited legislation that was passed to lower taxes, strengthen rural hospitals and increase services to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Fite went on to share in a Facebook Live video that can be seen at facebook.com/AARPArkansas that, “With a vote of 99 to 0, the House voted in favor of increasing the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $375 per year to $425 a year. We also voted in favor of a bill that exempts disabled veterans, surviving spouses and dependents of disabled veterans from property taxes.”   
 

State Rep. Joy Springer represented the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus Committee and Lisa Lamkins, Campaign Regional Advisor for AARP’s Central Region, shared with the group the importance of advocacy.  

The Philander Smith Choral Group were unable to perform due to inclement weather. Yet volunteers demonstrated perseverance through joyful songs in the Capitol Rotunda prior to the event’s commencement. 

AARP Arkansas will host or take part in a series of events this spring including:  

• Thursday, April 13, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hub 2 Quarterly Meeting, State Office, 1701 Centerview Dr Suite 205, Little Rock 
• Thursday, April 13, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Hub 7/Delta Volunteer Engagement Event, Phillips County Community College, 1000 Campus Rd, Helena-West Helena  
• Thursday, April 13, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Hub 7/Delta Financial Planning Program, Phillips County Community College, 1000 Campus Rd, Helena-West Helena  
• Monday, April 17, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Aging Symposium, Hendrix College, Worsham Hall within the Hendrix College Student Life and Technology Center    
• Thursday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Hub 2/Central Arkansas Volunteer Engagement Event, State Office, 1701 Centerview Dr Suite 205, Little Rock 
• Saturday, April 22, Party at the Plaza with Arkansas Hospice, Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock 
• Thursday, April 27, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Hub 1/Northwest Arkansas Volunteer Engagement Event, Scott Family Amazeum, 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville 
• Thursday, April 27, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Hub 1/Northwest Arkansas Financial Planning Program, Scott Family Amazeum, 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville.  
• Wednesday, May 3, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Tele-Town Hall Event on Fraud with AARP National and the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, virtual 
• Saturday, May 6 8:00 a.m., UAMS Walk for a Cure, with UAMS, War Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive, Little Rock  
• Saturday, May 6, 8:00 a.m., Shred Fest, Central Arkansas, State Office, 1701 Centerview Dr Suite 205, Little Rock 
• Saturday, May 20, 8:00 a.m., Shred Fest, Northwest Arkansas, TBD     

Some events require registration, and all AARP Arkansas events are free. Membership in AARP is open to anyone, and full benefits are active after age 50. You do not have to be a member to volunteer or take part in many of the events. More information about AARP Arkansas and their events can be found at states.aarp.org/arkansas.