Advocacy

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.

If you are a family caregiver caring for someone across state lines, or perhaps you are taking care of loved one with Alzheimer’s and simply need a break, you don’t want to miss some good news on “Without Limits.”

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.

CHARLOTTE - Take one look at Bob Roberts on his bike and you're likely to be inspired. At 69 years old, Bob is an avid rider and, in many ways, a model boomer. He takes care of himself and has an active lifestyle, still works in a rewarding field and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. But a closer at Bob - and his helmet adorning the phrase "We are not done" - reveals that his passion for life extends further beyond his own personal fulfillment.

As state lawmakers deliberate the idea of capping state income taxes at 5.5 percent, AARPNC wants to take a closer look to determine if this is a sweet deal that could turn sour.

Any family on a fixed budget understands the tradeoffs when balancing a checking account each month. An unexpected home repair may mean cutting the cable or dining in instead of out. It may also mean renting a Red Box instead of a trip to the Cineplex. So when it comes to responsible state budgeting, lawmakers also need some flexibility.

North Carolina lawmakers are once again considering a constitutional amendment that would tie the hands of state budget writers for years to come, greatly impact the state’s credit rating and the ability of our state to pay its bills, and put vital programs for seniors, families and kids at risk.

This week AARP North Carolina President Bob Palombo and State Director Doug Dickerson are in Washington, DC, advocating on behalf of AARP members and all older Americans on the crucial issues of family caregiving and Social Security.

By Jo Ann Pfirman, Cary, NC

ASHEVILLE -- Reflecting the increasing number of older adults in North Carolina, the 1.1 million-member state affiliate of AARP is also growing and is extending its service to communities in Western North Carolina. AARP has hired Rebecca Chaplin as its new Community Outreach Associate State Director to serve the mountain region of the state.