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Welcome to AARP Tennessee's advocacy hub, a place where you can find the latest information about our advocacy initiatives, legislative priorities and key resources as we work with elected officials at the local, state and federal level.
Advocacy Updates
2025 Legislative Recap: Advancing Practical Solutions for Tennessee Families
This year’s legislative session delivered meaningful progress for caregivers, public employees, and older Tennesseans—demonstrating a shared commitment to policies that are fiscally responsible, family-centered, and forward-looking.
✅ SB 322 / HB 915: Paid Family Leave for State Employees
Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey and Representative Mike Sparks
This bipartisan legislation provides six weeks of paid family leave to state employees who need time off to care for a loved one with a serious health condition. This common-sense policy ensures public servants are supported during personal health crises without compromising job or income stability.
✅ Caregiving Caucus Established – A First for Tennessee
Tennessee has launched its first-ever Caregiving Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers focused on strengthening policy for family caregivers. This marks a significant step toward developing long-term solutions to support working families, reduce institutional care burdens, and better address the realities of aging and caregiving across the state.
✅ SB1390 / HB782: PACE Program Expansion Under TennCare
Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson and Representative Greg Martin
This legislation directs TennCare to pilot a new PACE program (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in a grand division of the state currently without access. It also allows existing PACE programs to expand into eligible neighboring counties, improving care access for seniors who wish to age at home with dignity.
Together, these wins reflect thoughtful collaboration and a growing focus on practical solutions. As we look ahead, our priority remains clear: strengthen families, support caregivers, and deliver policies that work for Tennesseans.
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Calling Tennessee Caregivers

There are nearly 1 million family caregivers in Tennessee who help their older parents, spouses, and other loved ones with everything from grocery shopping, finances, and medications, to helping with bathing, dressing, transportation, and more. Do you help care for an older loved one? If this sounds like your experience, we want to hear from you.
AARP is fighting for a federal tax credit for caregivers, and we need your help. Our elected officials need to know about your caregiving experience. Please take a moment to share your caregiving experience >>
Help Protect Social Security
We’re gathering the names of advocates like you to show just how much we care about Social Security. For 90 years, Social Security has been there for multiple generations — and AARP fights every day so that it stays strong for you and generations to come.
Add your name and pledge to be part of the fight: We earned our Social Security through every paycheck and deserve every penny and great customer service.
Sign the Online Pledge to Protect Social Security >>

Resources
Elected Official Contacts
Tennessee Mayors
Tennessee General Assembly
United States House of Representatives
United States Senate
Fact Sheets
AARP Family Caregiving Package
Tennessee Fact Sheet
Contact: Makayla McCree, AARP TN Advocacy Director (mmcree@aarp.org)