Advocacy

Today, AARP announced U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett as a recipient of the 2016 “Champion of the 50+” legislative leadership award for his significant achievements during the 114th Congress that benefit the lives of the 50+ and our families.

By Mark Hollis

por Tracy Sutton Schorn

By Tracy Sutton Schorn

Wall Street speculators want to take over Texas’ largest electric utility. Hedge fund managers and bankers could snag a $250 million a year tax windfall, hurting millions of Texans. Let’s be clear: A proposed sale of Oncor is a handout to Wall Street speculators.

Elder abuse, like many other forms of domestic abuse, is an often hidden phenomenon that affects many older Texans. Financial exploitation is the most prevalent form of elder abuse. Every year, abuse and exploitation rob older Americans of $3 billion—and this is only the amount reported. When criminals take advantage of older people by forging a signature or coercing them to sign a will, the impact goes far beyond the pocketbook and affects the physical and emotional health of the victim. Those who perpetrate these crimes can be a stranger, such as an aide who comes into the home to assist with daily activities, or they can be someone in a position of trust, such as a family member.

Charlene Hunter James, a long-time volunteer and community advocate in Houston, has been named AARP Texas state president.

The 140-day Texas legislative session flew by--a blur of busyness. So too did this summer. Now, September is around the corner. With it's arrival, many new laws go into effect. So what changes do you need to know about? Here are some of the changes that will most impact Texans age 50+ and their families:

AUSTIN, Texas – After three decades as an educator, Mary Ragland is drawing from two pensions and modest Social Security earnings to make ends meet in retirement.

The recently completed 2015 Texas legislative session posted significant gains for older Texans in key areas including increased spending for home- and community-based care programs, consumer protections against surprise medical billing, and progress on a consumer and homeowner issues for middle class Texans, AARP Texas Director Bob Jackson said.