Make Your Voice Heard and Become an E-Activist Today

The Montana State legislature convenes for only 90 days every two years.  With the 2013 session on the horizon, AARP Montana is encouraging member participation in the legislative process by signing up as an e-activist.

Nearly 30,000 AARP members raised their voices last legislative session, urging their legislators to reverse the devastating cuts to Big Sky Rx. If passed, these cuts would have threatened access to prescription drug assistance for certain seniors.

Legislators heard AARP advocates loud and clear, and continued to fund this critical program.

With the 2013 legislative session just weeks away, AARP Montana is gearing up for a robust session, focusing on important issues to the 50+ population including protecting existing senior services and programs as well as strengthening consumer protection measures. 

In an AARP survey, 97 percent of respondents said that they wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. That’s why AARP Montana will be at the Capitol in Helena each day during the 90-day session fighting to expand options for home and community based services and working to keep funding intact.

Now more than ever, AARP members need to make their voices heard by their elected officials. 

Throughout the session, AARP Montana will send out legislative updates to those registered as  e-activists to keep them informed on issues of importance and activate them to “make their voices heard” on key pieces of legislation.  After being inundated with phone calls and e-mails, legislators will have a greater understanding of aging issues and how important they are to Montanans.

“Ethel Percy Andrus, the founder of AARP, once said that an army of useful citizens can do what no one person can do alone.  An overwhelming response from AARP members on the measures that are important to seniors will deliver the message to Montana’s elected officials that aging issues are of great importance to Montanans," said Joy Bruck, AARP Montana President.

AARP Montana e-activists will be part of a powerful network that connects them to political and legislative programs, activities and initiatives in the state. AARP members are encouraged to sign up online to become an e-activist at www.aarp.org/getinvolved .

Social media is another important tool for people to stay in the know.  Find AARP Montana on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AARPMontana and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AARPMontana .

“Individuals are more powerful than they think -- especially when they join together with thousands of others to make their voices heard,” said Bob Bartholomew, AARP Montana State Director.  “AARP e-activists have already made a difference for older Montanans throughout the state and have done some amazing things during past sessions -- AARP Montana’s success at the capitol is due in large part to the thousands of volunteer voices heard throughout the halls .”

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