Support for family caregivers, property tax relief top AARP legislative priorities in 2015

Strengthening supports for Nebraska’s 300,000 family caregivers so their loved ones can live independently in their homes and communities tops the list of measures AARP Nebraska will champion during the 2015 legislative session.

AARP is calling on state lawmakers to pass LB 320, the Aging and Disability Resource Center Act introduced by State Sen. Kate Bolz of Lincoln. The ADRCs would be easy-to-find places in communities across the state where Nebraskans can seek help with the caregiving and long-term care needs of their loved ones and make informed decisions about their care.

“As we traveled the state last year, caregivers told us again and again that they don’t know where they can turn for help.  We heard their concerns loud and clear,” said Mark Intermill, advocacy director for AARP Nebraska.

Nebraska’s family caregivers provide unpaid care to their loved ones valued at $2.2 billion annually while saving the State of Nebraska millions of dollars in Medicaid costs. Home care is about one-third the cost of institutions.

The ADRCs would provide family caregivers and older Nebraskans information about supportive services that are available in the community, how and where they can apply for assistance, counseling to resolve caregiving challenges and help sorting through their care options.

Other key caregiving bills that AARP endorses include tax credits for family caregivers; development of a state plan to address Alzheimer’s and the impact on families; and granting nurse practitioners more independence to treat patients, especially important in medically underserved rural areas with an aging population.

Read Nebraskans' personal caregiving stories and add your voice to the effort to highlight the vital role of family caregivers. 

In addition, AARP supports legislation protecting Nebraskans’ financial security through property tax relief for low- and middle-income households, reducing state income tax on Social Security benefits and extending affordable health care coverage to thousands of uninsured hard-working residents.

Sign up to receive timely legislative updates and alerts from AARP Nebraska. For more information about AARP's legislative work at the State Capitol contact Mark Intermill at mintermill@aarp.org.