AARP New Mexico

It’s official. Governor Susana Martinez March 30 signed into law House Bill 91, which would allow drivers to take a safety course at a younger age. The new law allows people to take a driver refresher course beginning at age 50 instead of having to wait until they turn 55. It goes into effect July 1, 2015.

While some legislation appears to be languishing in the final days of New Mexico 2015 Legislative Session, House Bill 91, which would allow drivers to take a safety course at a younger age, is moving through the process at a steady pace. HB 91 permits companies, such as AARP, to offer driver refresher courses to people beginning at age 50 instead of age 55 as currently listed in the law.

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Event Highlights House Bill 139 -- the CARE Act

Every year more than 419,000 family caregivers in New Mexico help their loved ones to live independently -- keeping them out of costly institutions, such as nursing homes. In New Mexico, family caregivers provide unpaid care valued at about $3.1 billion annually.

The stories are all too familiar – shuttling loved ones off to appointments when they refuse to get dressed, relationship problems that don’t magically go away because you are now caring for that person; and finding the strength to do what needs to be done.

When Betty’s husband suffered from complications during surgery, caring for him also became much more complicated.

To recognize their work to support family caregivers in New Mexico, AARP named New Mexico State Sen. Michael Padilla and State Rep. Tomas Salazar as 2014 “Capitol Caregivers”,a bipartisan group of 46 state legislators and three governors from 19 states. These elected officials have advanced policies to help family caregivers who are making it possible for older New Mexicans to live independently at home—where they want to be.

Dorothy “Dottie” Hu of Corrales is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t just give of her time to others, she ensures that children are taken care of in the most desperate of times and encourages others who might be feeling forgotten or left out, to accompany her on her journey.

Do you have questions about issues facing New Mexico’s senior population? Get those questions answered and take an opportunity to voice your concerns or share your suggestions with New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department Cabinet Secretary Gino Rinaldi.