Minnesotans who have been defrauded now have a better chance of financial recovery, thanks to a new bipartisan law championed by AARP Minnesota. The Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, the first of its kind in the nation, was signed into law in 2025 with strong bipartisan support. This innovative fund will help victims of fraud recover lost money—especially in cases where scammers are untraceable or bankrupt.
A new AARP survey, released in conjunction with Social Security’s 90th anniversary, confirms that Americans highly value Social Security, and even more so than five years ago. The vast majority of Americans – 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents – consider Social Security vital to the financial security of all Americans, and 67% believe it is even more important for retirees than it was five years ago.
Six communities throughout Minnesota will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants to fund quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.
The State Legislature bridged a historically narrow political divide to pass a two-year state budget during a special session. Despite facing challenges such as vacancies in both chambers, federal budget uncertainties, and a looming structural deficit, the Legislature successfully advanced several of AARP Minnesota’s key legislative priorities.
AARP is working to educate caregivers about the state’s paid family medical leave program, which has been increasing by double-digit percentages each year since 2021. It is also pushing for a comprehensive caregiver bill that would create a tax credit for family caregivers, expand respite care vouchers for middle-income families and ensure that people who leave jobs to care for family members can collect unemployment.
Eleven North Carolina entities received 2025 AARP Community Challenge grants for projects focused on either bike or pedestrian safety. They include Bike Durham, which is using its $15,000 grant to support an Oct. 5 event that will close a 1.2-mile stretch of downtown Durham’s streets to vehicles.
Gov. Mike DeWine has thrown his full support behind an initiative for Ohio to become the 13th state member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. DeWine told the Bulletin that he wants people to think of Ohio as “the best place to grow old in the nation.”
Multidisciplinary artist Jonathon Stalls is teaming up with AARP Rhode Island, America Walks, community groups and elected officials for a series of walk audits in Providence. The goal is to identify where accessibility and pedestrian safety can be improved.
Several new AARP-backed laws passed during Connecticut’s 2025 legislative session. The laws are aimed at lowering prescription drug prices; curbing utility costs; making it easier for people to cancel subscriptions; and eliminating excess fees by requiring companies to disclose the total price of all goods and services.
Nine entities in Georgia received 2025 AARP Community Challenge grants, ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 and totaling nearly $110,000. Projects focus on disaster preparedness, home safety, internet access and digital literacy.
AARP Michigan is working on the “Menopause: It’s a Movement!” campaign, led by the Michigan Women’s Commission. Since March, women from across the state have attended panels in which menopause experts seek to help them better advocate for their midlife health. Their stories — and potential policy changes — will be included in a March 2026 report detailing possible next steps.
September is National Preparedness Month, which AARP Washington will observe with virtual training sessions to help older adults and the families that care for them stay safe. The programs will discuss how to create plans, protect property and finances, and learn about Washington’s natural risks.