Advocacy

Sustainable Communities

If you live in or around Burlington, chances are you have driven North Avenue. This important street is the backbone of the New North End as well as a key connection between the New North End and the Waterfront and Downtown. What is less likely is that you have biked North Avenue, or walked along it for any distance.

AARP knows that fraud will never be eliminated entirely, but there is a lot more that can be done to arm consumers with tools to detect and avoid fraud. That’s why AARP launched its Fraud Watch Network because of the serious fraud threats here in Utah, where it’s a multi-billion dollar industry, as it is all across the country. Fraud isn’t just limited to “too good to be true” offers. According to recent report by Javelin Strategy and Research, more than $20 billion was stolen from approximately 13 million identity theft victims in 2012. Whether it’s over the phone, through the mail, online or even at your door, scam artists are out there and they are looking for new ways to get you and your loved ones to open your wallets.

Let’s talk about housing needs in Burlington! The Mayor’s office recently released a comprehensive housing strategy report outlining a number of recommendations to improve and grow the housing stock in downtown Burlington, addressing issues of affordability and availability. Appropriate and affordable housing is a key component to the development of a livable community. The first opportunity for the public to weigh in on the report is June 12 at 7 p.m. in Contois Auditorium at City Hall.

Frauds and scams will be the focus of this month’s AARP Live airing Thursday, May 22 nd at 10 p.m. ET on the RFD-TV network.

Governor Peter Shumlin today signed a bill into law that effectively prevents predatory online lending institutions from preying upon older Vermonters. The legislation, drafted by AARP Vermont and others, impacts companies offering cash advances to pensioners in exchange for part or all of their pension payments – often at very high interest rates. The new law requires these companies to register with the state and comply with strict regulations on interest rates, disclosures, etc. -- or face stiff penalties. Regulators are confident that these companies will not comply and therefore will effectively be unable to operate in Vermont.

Seniors, families and friends, and professionals are invited to learn how to navigate this complicated Medicare provision when faced with a hospital short stay. “Observation status” is a Medicare designation for a hospital stay that patients experience as inpatients receiving care, but that Medicare considers outpatient. Increasingly, many Vermonters, like seniors across the country, have already suffered financial hardship particularly with rehab and nursing home bills when they transfer from the hospital from a short stay because Medicare will not cover them if they have been on “observation status.”

Every day another older Vermonter is ripped off by a telephone,

Four small organizations with big plans have been selected to receive Community Action Grants from AARP Vermont supporting their efforts to make Newport a more “Age-Friendly” city. In partnering with AARP Vermont, Newport has committed to embrace the changing demographics of an aging population by focusing on safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services and community engagement opportunities for all ages. These Community Action Grants support that direction by funding small, grassroots organizations that are working to advance the Age Friendly movement.

A number of important issues ranging from health care to financial security are being debated this legislative session, learn more about AARP-VT's efforts in the legislature to improve the quality of life for the 50+ population across the state. To find ways to get involved and take action please contact us!