Editorial: by our new State President George Meldrum

I recently had the opportunity to join the dynamic staff and volunteers at AARP for their annual Lobby Day at Legislative Hall in Dover. It was my first time in my new role as AARP Delaware State President. The person in this top volunteer role represents AARP to a variety of governmental, corporate and community partners in the state and helps drive the mission of AARP – to make life better for those over age 50, and their families.

AARP has a terrific team of advocates that work closely with staff to maintain credible relationships with Delaware’s elected officials. They are known as the First State Action Team, or FSAT, and they are a force to be reckoned with.

The day began with a morning strategy session to get everyone ready with information. The energy in the room was exciting. Then, the group moved to the House Chambers to give the AARP Capitol Caregivers Awards to Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall Long, Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, Sen. John Walsh, and Rep. Paul Baumbach. You can still take a look at our “Facebook Live” coverage on the AARP Delaware Facebook Page.

The day concluded with a meeting with Gov. John Carney. The Governor had a conversation with the group on two key issues that AARP is addressing during this 2018 Legislative session:

• The “Share the Care” Act – This piece of legislation aims ease the burden on unpaid family caregivers by introducing a piece of legislation that makes it possible for nurses aides or home health aides to administer medication to those receiving care. Under current code, a nurse must supervise all home health services. Family members end up being the person to manage and administer medications, resulting in missed work time, and added strain and expenses. We should allow families to get the help they need at home!
• A Senior Property Tax credit – AARP is asking lawmakers to amend HB 268 to allow those who moved to Delaware before 1/1/2018 to qualify under the old 3-year waiting period, rather than the current proposal which would delay their eligibility for the important credit for 10 years.

As a team, AARP Delaware is grateful for the interest and support of Delaware’s federal, state and local elected officials. We aim to work closely with them in many ways. We are the voice for Delaware’s 187,000 AARP members statewide, and we’re growing. With the amazing influx of retirees to Delaware, we know how important it will be to keep the cadence rolling well into the future.  When you consider that by 2030, the U.S. Census predicts that the number of Delawareans over age 50 will more than double, it’s hard to sit back and just wait for good things to happen. We work to move things forward for YOU so you can enjoy life in your own home and community for as long as possible.