Advocacy

How to strengthen and preserve Social Security for future generations is one of the most important decisions facing federal policymakers. This campaign season, questions about Social Security’s fate belong on the forefront.

AARP and a statewide coalition of partners worked diligently to introduce the Share the Care Act into the 2018 legislative session. The group fought hard for the bill, which would allow family caregivers to get the help they need as they balance family, work and caregiving. For a variety of reasons, the bill never made it out of committee. AARP is already building another strong grassroots effort for next year to re-introduce this important piece of legislation and ensure it passes.

More than 123,000 Delawareans care for older parents, spouses, children and adults with disabilities or other loved ones, helping them to live independently in their homes and communities – where they want to be.

AARP supports House Bill 400, the “same day voter registration bill.” Under the bill, Delawareans can register to vote and cast their ballot on the same day. The bill is aligned with AARP’s policy on voting issues and would benefit Delawareans of all ages, encouraging more engagement with the voting process.

If you’re 50 or older and live in Delaware, you’re probably doing more than your share to boost the state’s economy. A recent report by Oxford Economics for AARP dispels the myth that older people are a fiscal burden.

As you know, catastrophic budget cuts to Delaware’s Grant in Aid were passed in last year’s State budget. Much of the funding that was once provided to Delaware’s senior centers, health clinics, and veteran’s programs was reduced, resulting in a loss of services to residents age 50 and over.

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.

Each day, more than 123,000 Delawareans serve as caregivers for family members. Families are doing their best to care for loved ones at home. But they cannot do it alone. They need help to balance work, family and caregiving. Why does Delaware law say you cannot have a nurse’s aide come into your home and administer medicines to your loved one while you’re at work? AARP and a coalition of partners want to change this law, and let families get real help at home.

Strokes, surgeries, and trauma from falls or other injuries sometimes result in patients needing extensive care by physical, occupational or speech therapists. But because of inaction by Congress, many seniors on Medicare are facing expensive out-of-pocket costs for treatments they need to remain independent.

AARP Delaware is applauding the Delaware Public Service Commission for taking swift action to lower the rates that homeowners and businesses are charged for electricity, natural gas and other utilities after a federal tax overhaul took effect on Jan. 1.