AARP Minnesota Advocacy Hub

Minnesota Lawmakers had the opportunity to make needed reforms to strengthen the Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) for older adults devastated by the coronavirus. The gravity of the workforce crisis requires additional resources and investments to protect residents in nursing homes and other residential facilities, individuals who need assistance in their homes and communities, and support for family caregivers. Seniors Deserve Better: Tell MN lawmakers to support Minnesota workers and family caregivers. 

Learn more about our 2022 legislative priorities, review our 2021 legislative priorities, take action and sign up to become an AARP advocacy volunteer.

Minnesota Elections

Americans 50+ are our nation's most powerful voters - and they will be the deciders in the 2022 elections. Visit the AARP Minnesota Elections Hub to learn what questions to ask candidates and find fact sheets on the issues, listen to a telephone town hall about voting in Minnesota with Secretary of State Steve Simon and read the latest polling from AARP.  

Landmark Bill to Cut Prescription Drug Prices Signed Into Law

President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on Aug. 16. This historic legislation will help millions of Medicare enrollees better afford their life-sustaining medications, and millions more Americans will be able to pay their Affordable Care Act premiums.

AARP Files Comments with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Opposing Xcel Energy’s Request To Discontinue the In-Person Visit Before Disconnecting Electric Services

AARP believes that the health and safety of impacted individuals could be threatened by eliminating an in-person visit attempt. Requiring a door hanger to be left at the house may be the most effective way to reach many such individuals. Use of telephone or other electronic communications may not reach the vulnerable populations. Our concerns about safety in this regard are especially true since our summers are getting hotter and the disconnection of electric service could put health at risk without having air conditioning. Since filing our comments, Xcel Energy has reached out to us and is interested in seeing if there is any compromise we might reach before a hearing at the PUC.

READ THE LETTER

Session Ends without Major Tax and Budget Agreements, Despite $9.5 Billion Surplus

Minnesota’s 2022 Legislative Session ended on May 23 with much unfinished business, including a historic tax agreement reached by the House and Senate conference committee that was not enacted into law.  AARP is deeply disappointed that lawmakers did not finish their work and have urged them to come back to the table in a special session to address the needs of older Minnesotans. Fortunately, some bills did overcome the gridlock and were passed into law by Governor Walz. AARP successfully worked to expand access to high-speed internet, addressed food insecurity for seniors, hero pay for front-line workers, and taxpayer accountability provisions in nursing homes.

JOIN THE ADVOCACY TEAM

• Educate and advocate for issues that are important to AARP members and Minnesotans 50+. 
• Participate in monthly calls and regular meetings to stay informed about AARP-led state and federal advocacy efforts. 
• Work alongside AARP Minnesota staff to visit local, state, and federally elected officials to discuss the benefits of legislation or policies
• Write letters to the editor, participate in and track issues during the legislative sessions, and more.

If you’re interested in learning more or becoming a member of the Advocacy Team, fill out this short application and a member of the AARP MN Team will follow up. For more information on how to get involved contact Meghan Redmond at mredmond@aarp.org.

TAKE ACTION

Sign up below to become an AARP Activist, and you'll receive the AARP Advocate, a free monthly e-newsletter; e-mail action alerts on the issues you care about; and the latest news on Congress and the White House.