As 2024 comes to a close, AARP Delaware’s advocacy work hasn’t slowed down. We’ve won in our efforts to advocate for you as 2024 bills are signed. We’ve been supporting local efforts to create affordable housing throughout the summer and fall. Here’s a re-cap and a look ahead:
Con artists have latched on to gift cards as a convenient, untraceable form of payment in their scams. That’s why AARP Delaware supported a new law, which was sponsored by State Representative Larry Lambert, requiring retailers selling third-party gift cards to post signage alerting customers to protect themselves from gift card scams and telling them how to report it. The bill is aligned with AARP’s efforts to prevent fraud through its Fraud Watch Network, and had AARP Delaware's full support as it sailed through the Legislature and passed unanimously.
Wendell Alfred of Lewes has been selected as the new state president of AARP Delaware, the state office’s top volunteer role. AARP has more than 190,000 members in the state and is instrumental in improving the lives of older adults through information, advocacy, community service, local offerings and events. They’re mission is to give Delawareans more choices as to how they live as they age.
AARP strongly supports and urges co-sponsorship and enactment of the bipartisan Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act (ABC Act, S. 3109), introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), to help reduce red tape for family caregivers. Senator Chris Coons, (D-DE) is in full support of the ABC Act as a Co-Sponsor. AARP looks forward to working with him to enact it.
Older adults are often a vulnerable and overlooked demographic when addressing the opioid abuse crisis in America. Considering the threefold increase in overdose deaths among older adults, there is a pressing need to address care concerns and navigate the challenges associated with this demographic. Forty percent of Delaware's population is over the age of 50, and 80 percent of those over the age of 50 are using two or more prescription medications, so educating clients and raising awareness for prescribers is vital.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is providing free in-person and virtual tax assistance and preparation now through April 15. The nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program helped secure more than $1.1 billion in refunds for more than 1.5 million taxpayers last year. Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required.
AARP Delaware’s new advocacy blog, First State Action, tells you all you need to know about the State Office’s efforts to make life better for you and your family. You will learn about legislative issues impacting you including caregiving, fraud, Social Security, Livable Communities, Financial Health and Voter Engagement.
AARP Delaware awarded Christine Powers with the 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award. AARP Delaware selected Ms. Powers for her remarkable service, which has greatly benefited her community.
Social Security programs touch the lives of more than 71 million people. We work hard to ensure critical benefits and other services are accessible to you. Consider the start of the new year as an opportunity for you to engage with Social Security online. This begins with creating your free and secure personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you create an account, you can: