AARP Florida Names Senator Ileana Garcia as a 2023 “Capitol Caregiver"

To honor her work in supporting caregivers across the state, AARP Florida has recognized Senator Ileana Garcia as a 2023 Capitol Caregiver. AARP’s Capitol Caregiver Award was created to recognize remarkable leadership by elected officials in states across the country. As a family caregiver, Senator Garcia understands the challenges of taking care of a loved one and is committed to helping older adults through her work in the Florida legislature. Her work includes advancing policies that serve Florida’s older adults, expanding elder abuse protections and supporting family caregivers.

This year, Senator Garcia championed SB 232, Exploitation of Vulnerable Persons. This legislation created a new way to prosecute crimes of exploitation committed against adults aged 65 and older without consideration of the victim’s physical or mental capabilities. Until now Florida’s criminal exploitation laws have only applied to cases involving victims with disabilities or age-related vulnerabilities.

“Throughout my childhood, my grandmother would often tell me, ‘The way you perceive me today is how you'll perceive yourself in the future.’ As a youngster, it was hard to grasp this concept, but as I aged, it became clear never take life for granted and always set a good example,” said Senator Ileana Garcia. “I am privileged to be the State Senator of the place where I was born and raised, standing shoulder to shoulder with those who have shaped Miami into the city it is today. Our elderly population is our treasure, our priceless gems, and I guard them as if they were my own family”

“AARP Florida is thankful for Senator Garcia’s passion for enhancing the lives of Floridians 50+. SB 232 is a step in the right direction to protect older adults across our state,” said AARP Florida Director Jeff Johnson. “AARP will continue to fight for expanded protection for our most vulnerable population.”

In Florida, AARP will continue to advocate for topics that matter most to the 50+. To learn more about AARP Florida, visit AARP.org/FL