AARP New Mexico

With just over 18 days left in the 2023 New Mexico Legislative Session, things are moving slowly but in traditional fashion expected to start speeding up with marathon sessions taking place in both houses as the days start to dwindle. To date, there are no bills on the Governor’s desk but 20 have passed both houses and are waiting nearby. “Given that there are only a few weeks left in the 60-day session, Things seem to be moving unusually slow with many bills stuck in committees,” said Othiamba Umi, Advocacy Director for AARP New Mexico. “Two of our priority bills on financial exploitation of elders and supported decision making, an alternative to guardianship, cleared their first committee in late January but are still waiting for a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.”

Women's History Month is underway, and we're excited to celebrate the ground-breaking contributions of amazing women to communities nationwide. Originating as Women's History Week in 1981, March was officially dedicated to honoring women's achievements in 1987. And AARP joins in the nation in celebrating women for their leadership, mentoring, and dedication to their communities in ways that have changed the course of history.

AARP New Mexico is joining with America Walks to offer a six-month, distance-learning fellowship program for people interested in advocating to make their communities more walkable. Participants, known as fellows, will complete a series of modules covering leadership development, coalition-building, walkable community design, local public policy, and strategic planning.

Christmas came a little early for Rose Artemis this year – two months early in fact at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

AARP New Mexico staff and volunteers will be walking the halls of State Capitol come January 17, focusing on several bills that will address such issues as financial security, support for family caregivers, guardianship reform and expanding broadband.

AARP New Mexico is once again a proud sponsor of the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association New Mexico Chapter Caregiver Conference. This year’s event will feature a special concert by country artist Jay Allen, a previous contestant on NBC’s the voice. Allen's performance is open to conference attendees only but there is still time to register.

AARP New Mexico recently announced four organizations throughout the state will receive 2022 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50 and over.

A new state law eliminated the state income tax on Social Security benefits for most retirees, starting with the 2022 tax year.

AARP New Mexico seeks nominations for its 2022 state Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors 50 plus New Mexicans who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. “AARP New Mexico is excited to highlight and honor individuals who are using what they have learned in life to make a difference in their communities,” said Joseph P. Sanchez, AARP New Mexico State Director.

Volunteering and helping others has been at the heart of everything Louise Tracey-Hosa, of Las Cruces does.