Sarah Hollander

Missouri is in the last leg of a major push by the government, private companies and nonprofits, including AARP, to extend high-speed internet access to every state resident. Missouri has allocated $261 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funding for broadband efforts. And, last year, the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program awarded the state an additional $1.7 billion — the biggest public investment of its kind in Missouri to date.

AARP Illinois pushed for creation of a retirement savings plan, as well as its latest expansion. Nationwide, AARP has pushed state legislators to support retirement savings programs, and has partnered with organizations on education efforts.

AARP Texas is planning events around the state this year to raise awareness about Social Security’s fiscal challenges, mobilize voter support for long-term solutions and urge lawmakers to act.

Legislators in Harrisburg are deciding how much to spend on Aging Our Way, PA: A Plan for Lifelong Independence, the state’s first-ever master plan to improve services such as housing, transportation and health care for older adults. AARP's The Bulletin discussed the plan with Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) in February.

In 2023, Federal Trade Commission data shows that Illinois consumers reported total losses from fraud of $244.7 million. To help bring those numbers down, AARP Illinois is working with law enforcement agencies, the Better Business Bureau, Area Agencies on Aging, the Illinois attorney general’s office and other organizations. And AARP is ramping up its education efforts with a five-part online fraud prevention series.

Americans reported $9 billion in losses to fraud in 2022—from fake sweepstakes to romance scams. In the current legislative session, AARP Minnesota is pressing state lawmakers to pass a bill that would create a state-level restitution fund for fraud victims. AARP is also targeting 40-year home contracts.

As retirement anxiety looms high in Michigan, many advocates are pushing for a state-facilitated program that will improve retirement savings for employees of small businesses.

Six grants totaling $65,000 were awarded to Oregon nonprofits this year, as a part of AARP's 2023 Community Grant Challenge. The program funds projects that improve quality of live for people of all ages. This year's winners will focus on improving public spaces, digital connections, equity, transportation and housing.

The topics for the event, hosted by AARP Michigan, will include ways to prevent or delay cognitive decline, tips to recognize symptoms and get a diagnosis, treatment and resource options and racial and ethnic disparities in brain health.

New Gov. Katie Hobbs is facing a growing older population and is working to beef up Alzheimer's research and housing assistance.