Heather Heppner

What is Livability? A livable community is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing, diverse transportation options, and supportive community features and services. Once in place, these resources enhance the personal independence and health of community residents and enable residents of all ages to engage in a community's civic, economic and social life. Policy makers at the federal, state and local levels play a huge role in designing and maintaining cities, towns and neighborhoods so they are active places where residents of all ages can live, work and play.

AARP is fighting to make prescription drugs more affordable for New Jerseyans and all Americans. On March 12 th AARP launched the Stop Rx Greed campaign, a nationwide effort aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. It is unfair that Americans pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world. AARP is calling on the President, Congress and the NJ Legislature to cut drug prices now.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes individuals who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich their communities. Recognize a deserving volunteer in New Jersey today! The nomination deadline is July 15, 2019.

On March 28, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program Act – a law that will create a workplace retirement savings option for private sector workers in the Garden State.

The vast majority of people age 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. That's why AARP's Livable Communities work encourages communities to welcome housing options and develop homes that are accessible to residents and guests of all ages and abilities. Across the United States, however, there is a mismatch between the available housing stock and what the market wants and needs. This is partly due to shifting demographics, such as a rapidly aging population and shrinking household sizes, and partly due to the growing demand for walkable living.

You’ve been looking forward to that summer vacation trip for months. But be aware that traveling puts you in the path of scam artists who want to separate you from your vacation dollars.

AARP New Jersey has a fun-filled summer lined up! We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event so we can get to know you better - and so you can learn more about what we're doing in your community!

By Evelyn Liebman, AARP New Jersey Advocacy Director

Join AARP New Jersey for a free shredding and medication disposal event on Sunday, October 20, 2019.

The New Year rang in a new commitment to family caregivers in New Jersey. As a result of the hard work of AARP staff and volunteers, coalition partners and the leadership of Assemblywomen Lampitt, Mosquera, and Vainieri Huttle as well as Senators Vitale and Greenstein and the Governor, a bill to create a New Jersey Caregiver Task Force (A3514/S959) was signed into law December 28, 2018. Soon after, a bill to significantly expand our state’s Paid Family Leave Insurance Program (A3975/S2528) passed the Legislature under the leadership of Senate President Sweeney and Senators Diegnan and Ruiz and Assemblywomen Quijano, Downey and Assemblyman Giblin on January 31, 2019 – and was signed into law by Governor Murphy on February 19, 2019.