Advocacy

AARP Idaho is taking part in “Be the Difference. Vote,” a multifaceted campaign designed to maximize the influence of Idaho’s 50-plus voters in this year’s elections.

New research released today from the Association of Young Americans AYA (AYA) and AARP show student loan debt preventing Americans across three generations from saving for retirement or buying a home. As many students begin their academic year, nearly half of those with student loan debt say they owe more than $30,000. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, borrowers have over $1.4 trillion in student loan debt. The new research specifically shows that of those who have student debt, 45 percent of Millennials, 48 percent of Generation Xers, and 50 percent of Boomers owe $30,000 or more.

Right now, PhRMA is trying to convince Congress to rescind a provision of the bipartisan budget agreement that lowers drug costs for seniors struggling to afford their medicine.

Medicare contributes $2.9 billion to Idaho's economy, equivalent to 23% of state and local government spending in the state, according to a new report from AARP. Medicare also covers more than 290,000 Idahoans.

This month AARP launched “Be The Difference. Vote™,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support Americans age 50-plus as they vote in the 2018 midterm elections. The campaign will provide information on where politicians stand on the issues and help these decisive voters hold politicians accountable for their positions this November.

Today AARP Idaho leaders and volunteers visited Capitol Hill to urge their elected representatives to make permanent the 7.5 percent medical expense tax deduction threshold, protect and strengthen the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and support family caregivers by joining the Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Caucus. AARP Idaho State Director, Lupe Wissel and AARP Idaho State President, Tom Trail, will meet with Idaho’s members of Congress to discuss these and other issues important to older Americans.

On Thursday, February 8, more than 125 volunteers and staff will be in Boise advocating on behalf of AARP members and all older Idahoans on the crucial issue of Family Caregiving. While meeting with members of the legislature, these volunteers and staff will ask lawmakers to support Senate Bill 1262, the Patient Caregiver Support Act.

AARP IDAHO TO HOST TELEPHONE TOWN HALL WITH IDAHO PRESIDENT PRO TEM OF THE SENATE AND SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Boise, ID – In Idaho, more than 200,000 hardworking family caregivers are performing largely unnoticed but critical at-home medical services on family members and loved ones. Institutions and healthcare professional play a role in helping Idahoans live independently, but family caregivers in the Gem State are equally important by contributing an estimated $2 billion worth of unpaid care.

AARP Idaho is hosting its annual Lobby Day on Thursday, Feb. 8. AARP members can visit the Statehouse in Boise, watch lawmakers in action and show support for key issues, such as the Idaho Caregiver Act and access to telehealth. Participants will attend committee meetings and observe House and Senate action.