AARP Oklahoma Recognizes Four State Legislators with the AARP Oklahoma Legislative Leadership Award

AARP Oklahoma has recognized four legislative leaders who have significantly contributed to AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they age and live independently with dignity and purpose. The 2019 AARP Legislative Leadership awards were presented to State Sen. Kim David (R) of Porter, State Sen. Stephanie Bice (R) of Oklahoma City, State Rep. Harold Wright (R) of Weatherford and State Rep. Tammy West (R) of Bethany during the annual AARP Oklahoma Advocacy Day at the Oklahoma Capitol on March 14.

The AARP Oklahoma Legislative Leadership award recognizes legislators who have authored legislation which significantly improves the lives of seniors across the state. Sen. David led efforts in protecting funding for home and community-based services and authored legislation to ensure seniors are provided with multiple long-term care options. Sen. Bice worked diligently to reduce the overuse of antipsychotics in nursing home residents. Rep. Wright authored numerous senior protection bills including the landmark CARE Act, which has a lasting impact on patient care following a hospital stay. Rep. West worked to ensure seniors residing in assisted living centers have access to back-up power during storms. This year, Rep. West is working to protect nursing home residents from improper use of antipsychotics.

“These legislators have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing legislation to improve the quality of life of older Oklahomans,” said Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma state director. “We greatly appreciate their work and the voice they bring to the Capitol to ensure all Oklahomans can thrive throughout their lives.”

“I am impressed with the commitment each of these legislators has shown to protecting the health and well-being of Oklahoma’s seniors,” said Joe Ann Vermillion, AARP Oklahoma state president. “Oklahoma’s seniors can take comfort in the fact that we do have key members of the Legislature looking out for interests.”

Each year, AARP Oklahoma volunteers from across the state meet their representatives and advocate for issues important to AARP members and Oklahomans age 50-plus during the AARP Oklahoma Advocacy Day at the Capitol. 76 volunteers from across the state attended the 2019 event.