Advocacy

TALLAHASSEE -- Across Florida, almost 2.7 million Floridians perform a labor of love, caring for older parents, spouses and other loved ones so they can stay at home—where they want to be—and out of costly institutions. It’s often more than a full-time job, and for millions of these caregivers, the responsibilities are overwhelming.

Washington, DC— Today AARP praised Congress for passing, and President Obama for signing into law, the bipartisan Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) which addresses the disturbing trend of rising pedestrian fatality rates. The FAST Act will provide states and communities with the certainty they need to plan transportation projects that, in many cases, have been delayed or constrained. AARP is pleased that, for the first time, the bill specifically targets standards for the design of roads that safely and adequately accommodate all users of the transportation network, regardless of how they may travel. Until today, Congress had not passed long-term surface transportation legislation in a decade.

News From AARP Florida

News From AARP and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay

By Jeff Johnson

AARP's Florida state director, Jeff Johnson, issued the following statement on news that there would be no cost-of-living increase for Social Security beneficiaries for 2016:

If you're a fan of the arts in the Big Bend area, you have a treat coming. From October 1-31, AARP members will save $10 on most tickets to Opening Nights performances. Discounts do not apply to previously purchased tickets, $15 tickets, or any events in The Broadway Series. Discounts may not be combined with any other discount, including student rush tickets.

TALLAHASSEE – The city of Tallahassee today became the second Florida city to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, joined leaders from the employer, health care, venture funding, entrepreneurial, and consumer advocacy communities today for a discussion on the challenges facing—and potential solutions for—the 40 million Americans who provide care for their parents, spouses/partners, and other loved ones. The “Forum on Family Caregiving: Perspectives from Policymakers and Thought Leaders” was convened by AARP as part of its ongoing work to support family caregivers.

Improving state services that help you remain in your home as you grow older, battling against unfair utility rates and fighting for better state health services for Floridians 50+ are among the top areas AARP Florida will focus on in the 2015 state legislative session, the state’s top AARP leader said.