Advocacy

As Labor Day Weekend approaches, things are slowing down in the Capital. One meeting that took place before the holiday weekend centered around long-term services and supports (LTSS). Many people only think of nursing home care when they hear the term long-term services and supports, but home health care, family caregiving, adult day services, home modifications, and a host of other community-based services are all a part of this system.

AARP Pennsylvania today testified at a hearing of the PA House of Representatives Consumer Affairs Committee to support HB 1417, that will protect landline telephone service for consumers in the state's rural communities by extending funding for the Universal Service Fund until the end of 2021.

It has gotten hot in Pennsylvania over the last few weeks – oh, and the weather is pretty uncomfortable too. As the Commonwealth continues to operate without a budget, the Governor and the Republican majority in the General Assembly continue to accuse each other of failing to negotiate in good faith. But without anything new to report on this, let’s take a look at another public policy issue that’s in the news and of critical importance to Pennsylvanians.

The cost of electricity is a big concern to most Pennsylvanians. As a state which has de-regulated its electric generation service, consumers may choose which company provides the electricity that runs your appliances and turns on your lights. But electric distribution service, the wires and poles that bring electricity to your home, is still regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Changes to both sides of the electric utility equation are being considered which could impact your electric bill.

AARP released results of a new survey to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Social Security on August 14. Americans of all ages continue to have strong feelings of support for Social Security, and the survey found several key themes. According to the national survey of adults, Social Security remains a core part of retirement security, and remains popular across generations and political ideologies. Americans want to live independently, but face challenges around saving for retirement that underscore the importance of Social Security for future generations of beneficiaries.

You would think that the big news coming out of the State Capitol this week would be the crisis caused by entering a sixth week without a state budget. But, sadly, you would be mistaken. It seems the state budget is taking a backseat, at least in the attention of elected officials, the public, and the media, to the storyline of Attorney General Kane.

Earlier this year AARP PA State President Jim Palmquist and staff met with Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation to discuss a number of issues affecting older Americans. A few of the issues that were discussed have moved forward recently. Here’s a “then and now” that describe the issues and recent developments:

Whoever said “no news is good news” wasn’t thinking about missed state budget deadlines. We are now a month into the budget impasse in Pennsylvania and if anything, the sides appear farther apart.

AARP Applauds State House Approval of CARE Act

House Committee Approval of CARE Act Praised by AARP Pennsylvania