Christina Clem

AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2018 Washington Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Washingtonians 50 and better who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members.

In an age of data breaches and sophisticated identity thieves, protecting your digital information is more important than ever. According to the California-based Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, there were over 738 data breaches in 2017 exposing more than 2-billion individual’s records. In fact, experts say very few of us haven’t been affected.

By Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director

What does it take to change behavior behind the wheel?

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced the nation’s first online portal where businesses and individuals can comparison shop for low-cost, state-verified retirement savings plans. The Retirement Marketplace at www.retirementmarketplace.com was created to help approximately 2 million Washingtonians who do not have access to retirement savings plans through the workplace.

Sixty days and more than 4,000 bills later, Washington State legislators have closed this year’s 2018 session. Of the many bills AARP targeted and focused on, those that help put money back into the hands of consumers were standouts. The elimination of credit freeze fees; more money for those living in care facilities; relief from some property tax levies; restoration of funding for hearings aids; and the defeat of an attempt to reduce homeowner protections are now in the “win” column.

The 2018 midterm election is one of the most important in our lifetimes. Why? Because Medicare, Social Security, and other critical issues are on the line. As the largest voting bloc in the country, voters 50 and older will decide whether our elected officials get to work or put our future at risk.

2019 UPDATE: After substantial improvements made to the "Long-Term Care Trust Act" over the legislative interim, AARP now supports the measure. This year's version of the bill offers an expanded array of care choices, providing Washingtonians with flexible and meaningful benefits, ensuring families can choose the care setting and services that best meet their needs. The bill now also honors the important role of family caregivers and provides the opportunity for them to be compensated under the Long Term Care Trust Act after completing a limited amount of training. Click here for the latest news on this bill.

By Christina Clem, AARP Washington

By Cathleen MacCaul, Advocacy Director, AARP Washington