BILL STATUS UPDATE: House Bill 1087 passed the House on Feb. 21 (see AARP Statement) on a vote of 63-33. It passed the Senate on April 16 on a vote of 26-22 (see AARP Statement). The House concurred with Senate amendments on April 23, clearing the way for Governor Inslee's signature.
The 2018 elections are some of the most important in our lifetimes. Issues like Medicare, Social Security, prescription drugs, family caregiving, age discrimination, and Medicaid are on the line.
AARP has launched “Be The Difference. Vote™,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support Americans age 50-plus as they vote in the 2018 midterm elections.
The AARP Washington State Office is currently recruiting our next Volunteer State President to help guide our work, act as an ambassador for AARP in our state and lead our corps of dedicated volunteers. With the State Director, and in collaboration with other volunteers and staff, the State President is a partner in the AARP WA strategic state plan.
Sixty days and more than 4,000 bills later, Washington State legislators have closed this year’s 2018 session. Of the many bills AARP targeted and focused on, those that help put money back into the hands of consumers were standouts. The elimination of credit freeze fees; more money for those living in care facilities; relief from some property tax levies; restoration of funding for hearings aids; and the defeat of an attempt to reduce homeowner protections are now in the “win” column.
The 2018 midterm election is one of the most important in our lifetimes. Why? Because Medicare, Social Security, and other critical issues are on the line. As the largest voting bloc in the country, voters 50 and older will decide whether our elected officials get to work or put our future at risk.
Would you like to talk with your state Senators and Representatives? Many are holding in-district Town Halls over the next few weeks. Below are the events we know about and we'll be adding to the list as more are announced.
2019 UPDATE: After substantial improvements made to the "Long-Term Care Trust Act" over the legislative interim, AARP now supports the measure. This year's version of the bill offers an expanded array of care choices, providing Washingtonians with flexible and meaningful benefits, ensuring families can choose the care setting and services that best meet their needs. The bill now also honors the important role of family caregivers and provides the opportunity for them to be compensated under the Long Term Care Trust Act after completing a limited amount of training. Click here for the latest news on this bill.