Advocacy

Texans receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should prepare for reduced payments starting in March. February will be the last month of SNAP Emergency Allotments,

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.

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.

No matter the forecast, making a disaster plan is essential during Hurricane season. AARP has resources.

Steps older Texans and state leaders can take to reduce electric rate shock and boost the resiliency of utility customers and the electric grid.

AARP Texas is working to bridge the digital divide. Those without access to high-speed internet tend to be older adults living in rural areas, regions that also lack access to health care.

This year major wireless carriers will shut down their third generation (3G) networks, making older cell phones and devices, including home security and medical alert systems, useless. This will impact many older adults in Texas and millions across the country who use mobile phones from 2012 or earlier.

Texans are able to stay connected with the Affordable Connectivity Program that works to give residents fast, affordable high speed internet.