AARP advocates made a big impact during a short session

RALEIGH -- If you are one of the hundreds of AARP members who took action this session by contacting your elected leaders in Raleigh, pat yourselves on the back. Your voice gained important improvements for those taking care of loved ones across state lines, provided a future break for people taking care of those with Alzheimer's and could save you from added property and sales taxes during an economic downturn.

The North Carolina General Assembly passed an Act that will make caring for loved ones across state lines easier. North Carolina was one of only a handful of states without the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings and Jurisdiction Act, uniform laws that simplify the process of establishing legal guardianship when it was first established in another state. This Act will reduce the legal fees, delays in care and the red tape guardians often face when bringing their loved ones to North Carolina.

AARP advocates also helped convince lawmakers to provide over a half-million dollars for Project CARE, (Caregivers Alternatives to Running on Empty) a best-in-its class program for respite relief for people taking care of those with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Your action also helped beat back a tax proposal that sounded good on the surface, but would limit revenue sources for the state and could have ended up costing people more through increased taxes on sales, services and personal property.

This year, AARP advocates really made a difference. AARP's growing team of volunteers and partners provides a stronger voice than ever before. Although we can take some time to celebrate, the hardest work is yet to come in 2017 and beyond when AARP works for continued support for family caregivers, improving the savings rates of workers of all ages, and works to build age-friendly communities across the state. If you are not receiving AARP Action Alerts, sign up today and help us work for a better North Carolina for all.