Advocacy

Caregivers at the Polls: What's at Stake for Caregivers and their Families this Election Year

A new AARP survey of voters ages 25+ found an overwhelming majority (92%) agree that elected officials should support legislation that makes it easier for all workers to save for retirement from their paycheck. Further, 91% of voters support establishing a program if their employer does not currently offer them a way to save. More than 50 million American workers have no access to a retirement savings plan through their employers and more than a quarter (26%) of non-retired people have no retirement savings. On November 9 AARP Minnesota, Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, Bridgemakers, and Youthprise are joining forces to host a panel discussion on the challenges four generations – Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers – face while saving for their futures.

Below you will find an update on AARP Minnesota’s legislative priorities during the 2021 Minnesota Legislative Session, as well as ways you can learn more and take action.

Americans still pay the highest prices for prescription drugs in the world. It's time Minnesota legislators did something to make sure nobody is forced to choose between food and medicine. But they need to hear from you! 

AARP Minnesota Thanks Senators Klobuchar and Smith For Historic Vote Toward Real Relief on Prescription Drug Pricing

This week, AARP and consumer advocates claimed victory after coming to consensus with the long-term care industry on a bill to prevent elder abuse. More than two years ago, a Star Tribune series, Left to Suffer, unveiled a broken regulatory system that left many older and vulnerable adults at risk for abuse and neglect. Minnesota is the only state in the country that does not license assisted living facilities. Reports of elder abuse, uncovered more than 2 years ago, continue with the Minnesota Department of Health receiving approximately 400 cases of abuse and neglect every week.

AARP supports the development of a Minnesota state Drug Affordability Review Board and believes that federal, state, and local governments should ensure that prescription drug launch prices and subsequent pricing decisions are reasonable, justified, and support improved consumer access and affordability

Americans shouldn’t have to pay the highest prices in the world for the medicines they need. Minnesotans depend on their prescriptions – but from cancer treatments to EpiPens, and beyond, drug companies' skyrocketing prices are pushing life-saving treatments out of reach for those who need them. Medications don’t work if people can’t afford them. It's time to Stop Rx Greed.

New Protections to Prevent Elder Abuse Become Law

Special Session Likely in June