Advocacy

The North Carolina House and Senate have major differences in their budget bills when it comes to meeting the needs of family caregivers and those with high medical costs. Earlier this month, the House approved budget reinstated the NC medical expense tax deduction that helps protect people from the impact of high medical expenses. They also restored one million dollars in funding that was taken away from the Home and Community Care Block Grant program that supports programs that help people age in their own homes.

When the state Senate revealed its budget proposal Monday night, it did NOT include fully-restored, uncapped medical deductions, or increased funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant that helps people live independently in their own homes. Instead, the Senate proposed a $20,000 combined cap for all itemized deductions and no change to the Block Grant funding.

In the past, the state budget debate may have been something North Carolina’s non-political junkies generally overlooked or did not closely follow. But this legislative session, more age 50-plus voters have been paying close attention because tax law changes that went into effect hit them where it counts, right in the pocketbook.

AARP came out against State House Bill 405 – the Property Protection Act also known as the ‘Ag-Gag’ bill in recent weeks. Last week, AARP asked the Governor to veto this bill after it passed the Senate because the bill goes too far and applies to all businesses, not just agricultural businesses, and could discourage whistleblowing by employees. We need employees ready to blow the whistle when abuse, neglect or unethical acts are occurring in and around our most vulnerable populations of seniors and kids.

AARP is asking for your help in urging Governor McCrory to veto House Bill 405 – The Property Protection Act also known as the Ag-Gag Bill.

By Charmaine Fuller Cooper

Are you upset about lost medical expense tax deductions in North Carolina? If so, it’s time to take action. Many older adults and families in North Carolina did not realize the full impact of this tax law change until filing their 2014 tax returns this spring. But legislative leaders still have an opportunity to restore the medical expense deductions that provide some needed relief from the high cost of health care for people of all ages.

By Charmaine Fuller Cooper

RALEIGH – AARP North Carolina is urging State Legislators to pass a law already adopted in forty states to recognize adult guardianship orders uniformly across state lines and allow guardians to provide for their loved ones regardless of where they live. State House Bill 817, the Uniform Adult Guardianship Act, would create a simple solution to iron out costly and timely jurisdictional issues for family caregivers.

RALEIGH -- AARP North Carolina is urging State Legislators to pass a law already adopted in forty states to recognize adult guardianship orders uniformly across state lines and allow guardians to provide for their loved ones regardless of where they live. State House Bill 817, the Uniform Adult Guardianship Act, would create a simple solution to iron out costly and timely jurisdictional issues for family caregivers.