AARP Indiana staff and volunteers engage lawmakers in Virtual Lobby Week

The AARP Indiana team took to its phones and screens over the last two business weeks to engage with federal lawmakers and their staffs across the state as part of a Virtual Lobby Week effort.

“We’re grateful for the time our elected officials gave us,” AARP Indiana State Director Sarah Waddle said. “There’s never been a more important time for lawmakers to be briefed on the needs of people 50 or older.”

Members of Indiana’s congressional delegation who gave their or their staff’s time to AARP Indiana included:

· Senator Todd Young

· Senator Mike Braun

· Representative Pete Visclosky

· Representative Jackie Walorski

· Representative Jim Banks

· Representative Trey Hollingsworth

· Representative Susan Brooks

· Representative Greg Pence

· Representative André Carson

· Representative Jim Baird

A large array of issues was covered with the lawmakers.

“Beyond what the federal government can do for Hoosiers in the times of COVID-19,” Waddle said, “we covered issues that will continue to impact communities for years to come.”

Issues discussed included (but were not limited to):

· Partnerships with healthy food providers and transit in Gary, Ind.

· Nursing home needs during COVID-19

· Virtual visitation for nursing homes and support for federal legislation to increase access to that service during the COVID-19 pandemic

· Prescription drug pricing and ensuring any future COVID-19 vaccine is affordable for all

· SNAP expansion

· Access to broadband internet in rural areas

AARP Indiana will continue its efforts to improve the lives of Hoosiers that are 50 or older, as well as their communities, through proactive advocacy.