Advocacy

Remarks by Tim Morstad of AARP Texas on the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission meeting involving the Public Utility Commission and the Jan. 12 Open Meeting of the PUC.

Nearing the two-year anniversary of the deadly winter storm that led to power outages for millions of Texans, AARP Texas is pushing for reforms to help protect residents during natural disasters.

AARP Texas is praising the Austin City Council for rejecting a proposed $ 25-a-month electric service customer charge. The City Council instead approved on Dec. 8 changes to its rates that will result in an overall $9 a month increase, which includes a $3 a month hike in the customer charge. AARP Texas had expressed concerns that a higher customer charge would have hit hard many Austinites, particularly older residents on fixed incomes and others struggling to make ends meet.

A demographics reporter who has covered voting rights issues in Texas is being honored by AARP Texas for producing impactful journalism projects that address the interests and needs of older Texans and their families.

AARP Austin in partnership Safe Streets Austin has helped create public spaces designed for residents of all ages, abilities and needs. The "Healthy Streets" initiative, allowed for the closing of a 10-mile stretch of Austin's roads to vehicles so that it would be open to walkers and cyclists. This temporary pandemic closure has now become permanent. AARP continues to fight for a healthier Austin.

Amid growing food insecurity, during the holidays, Texans should be aware of signs of hunger in their relatives and friends.

AARP Texas has announced that Andrea Earl of Austin has joined its State-Federal Advocacy Team as an associate state director of advocacy.

National Nurse Practitioner Week is recognized Nov. 13-19. AARP Texas celebrates nurse practitioners as crucial players in the health care system.

The Texas Utility Help program has reopened to provide utility bill assistance to Texans.

AARP Texas has announced its top priorities and funding requests for the 2023 legislative session. The priorities aim to help Texas face the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly aging population.