The first regular session of the 122nd South Carolina General Assembly will convene on Tuesday, January 10, 2016. AARP South Carolina is ready to work on behalf of its 615,000 Palmetto state members. Need to find contact information for your House or Senate member? >> Click here
AARP South Carolina believes that today, a secure retirement is out of reach for millions of Americans, especially those who work for small businesses. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, the conservative estimate of the total U.S. retirement savings deficit is $6.8 trillion. Nearly half of workers age fifty and older have less than $25,000 in savings and investments. The average 401(k) account balance in South Carolina is $20,630, ranked 50th in the US.
Did you know South Carolina ranks third lowest in the nation for food security for individuals age 60 and older? Hunger is a condition that is invisible to the naked eye. Many people underestimate the day-to-day struggles of those who are age 65-plus. With the average Social Security check just over $1200 per month, it is hard for many seniors to deal with their monthly expenses and pay for nutritional food.
To recognize his leadership and support of older South Carolinians, caregivers and their families, AARP named Lt. Governor Henry McMaster as a 2015 “Capitol Caregiver.” He joins a bipartisan group of state legislators, lieutenant governors, and governors from 25 states. These elected officials have advanced policies to help family caregivers who are making it possible for older adults to live independently at home—where they want to be. Specifically, Lt. Governor McMaster worked to secure funding for respite care vouchers, additional dollars for home and community based services, and help for vulnerable adults.
If you would like to attend a free AARP seminar to learn about options that can help you have a comfortable and safe home as you age, p lease register at this link. You will need to click through the story to get to the active registration link. The seminar will be held on Monday, March 18 at 1:00 pm at the Capital Center Center 1650 Park Circle at Maxy Greg Park.