AARP Pennsylvania

Over the past few weeks, our round ups have focused on the upcoming elections, but that doesn not mean nothing else of importance was going on that impacts 50+ Pennsylvanians. Here is a quick summary of a few items and issues we’ll talk about in depth over the coming weeks.

Who would have known that the numbers 203, 105, 98, and 12 would play such an important role in the Pennsylvania elections this year? Of course 203 has an important role every two years – but there are 203 seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives up for election on November 8. However, only 105 of those races have two major party candidates on the ballot for State Representative, while 98 of them have one candidate on the ballot or have a major party candidate facing only a third-party candidate. Lastly, there are only 12 days until Election Day on November 8, so if you aren’t a “Numbers Person” now is the time to change your mind!

New law will improve health care access for older adults and their family caregivers

One-half of all Pennsylvanians will get to vote for their member of Pennsylvania State Senate this year. The term of office for a State Senator is four years, and there are 50 State Senate seats, but only half of them are up for election every two years.

Article by Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director

In recent weeks many publications have touted Pennsylvania as the key state in this year’s Presidential race. We are also playing a “keystone” role in another important outcome of the November election – party control of the United States Senate.

On October 3, AARP Pennsylvania hosted a volunteer recognition event to thank the PA volunteers and recognize all of their hard work. Jean Purvis of Butler was selected to receive the 2016 AARP Pennsylvania Andrus Award for Community Service -- the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

By Hilary Appelman

Last week we began a preview of the 2016 election in Pennsylvania with an overview of the statewide offices and a more detailed look at the Attorney General’s race. This week we will look more closely at the functions of the State Treasurer and the Auditor General, why these offices are important to you, and who the candidates are in the November election.

At a ceremony held on September 21 st, the Borough of West Chester was inducted into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, which helps participating communities become great places for all ages by adopting such features as safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services, and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities. As a member, West Chester will be part of a growing national movement of livable communities striving to meet the needs of their 19,000 residents.