Advocacy

Governor Shapiro’s state budget proposal included an increase of $20 million for the PENNCARE line item, which is the funding that supports older adults in their communities through local Area Agencies on Aging. While we sincerely appreciate the proposed increase, it is not enough to ensure that older adults receive the services and supports they need to age in place. More is needed — $30 million — to serve a growing aging population at home, where they want to be. According to AARP’s latest “Home and Community Preferences Survey,” older adults overwhelmingly want to stay in their homes (75 percent) and communities (73 percent).

AARP Pennsylvania is celebrating a big win for Philadelphia residents 50-plus following the City’s new budget agreement. In a statement issued June 12, 2025, State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh praised Mayor Parker and City Council for advancing priorities like affordable housing, safe streets, and livable communities.

This May, in honor of Older Americans Month, AARP Pennsylvania joined PCN’s Focus on Aging Adults to discuss how Pennsylvania is supporting its rapidly growing older population. This year’s observance challenges outdated stereotypes and celebrates the contributions and potential of adults aged 50+.

On March 28th, AARP Pennsylvania joined city leaders, and community partners at the 2025 Vision Zero Conference as they highlighted progress, challenges, and the work still ahead to ensure safe, walkable communities for all. We spoke with many city leaders on hand, including City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Deputy Managing Director Michael Carroll, City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, and others.

More than one million private sector workers nationwide are now saving for retirement through state-facilitated Auto-IRA programs — a major milestone in the effort to address the nation’s retirement savings challenges. These plans help workers whose workplaces do not offer a retirement plan to automatically contribute a portion of their paycheck into a secure retirement savings account. Despite growing momentum across the country, Pennsylvania does not yet offer such a program.

AARP Pennsylvania joined Governor Josh Shapiro as he announced a significant agreement with PJM Interconnection that is aimed at protecting consumers from steep electricity price hikes. The agreement is not just a win for Pennsylvania, but for the entire PJM region, which spans 13 states and the District of Columbia. It marks a significant victory all residents, particularly older adults who are often disproportionately impacted by rising energy costs.

On October eighth and ninth, AARP Pennsylvania hosted women’s roundtable events focused on the difference suburban women will make in the upcoming presidential election in Pennsylvania.

AARP Pennsylvania recently released key findings from its second 2024 election survey showing candidates should pay close attention to Pennsylvania voters age 50 and older, particularly Black voters. The survey also revealed that the priorities and concerns of this demographic will likely influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential and Senate elections in the Keystone State.

In a poll AARP Pennsylvania released on October 1, older women voters are split on their support of the presidential candidates, with both Vice President Harris and former President Trump earning 48 percent of the vote. The poll also found Senator Bob Casey leading challenger Dave McCormick 48%-45% among 50+ women. Amongst all overs, Vice President Harris and Senator Bob Casey lead in their respective Pennsylvania races by narrow margins.

Vice President Kamala Harris leads former President Donald Trump by 2 points among voters overall, while Trump leads Harris by 8 points with voters 50 and older. Sen. Casey leads Dave McCormick by 4 points among voters overall but McCormick holds a 5-point lead with older voters.