AARP LOBBY DAY - Bringing Wyoming Voices to Washington

Last month, AARP Wyoming State President Stella Montano and I joined AARP leaders from across all 50 states as we took to Capitol Hill with a clear, unified message: do right by America’s 50+ population.

As part of AARP’s 2025 Lobby Day, volunteers and staff held over 400 meetings with lawmakers in the House and Senate to press for action on the issues that matter most—protecting Social Security, preventing harmful cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and providing real support to the nation’s 48 million family caregivers.

More than 17 million Americans aged 50 and older rely on Medicaid as a lifeline, covering services like home care, long-term supports, and prescription medications. Yet proposed “work requirements” and added bureaucratic red tape in the bill threaten to strip coverage from those who need it—not because they don’t qualify, but because the system is too complex to navigate. SNAP is also under threat, despite the fact that over 12 million older adults face food insecurity. Passing costs down to already overburdened state budgets will only make matters worse. These aren’t handouts—they’re basic necessities.

While many AARP state leaders could only meet with congressional staff—or were denied meetings altogether—Wyoming’s delegation showed up. Senators Barrasso and Lummis, and Representative Hageman each met with us personally. While we didn’t see eye to eye on everything, the conversations were frank, respectful, and focused on the real needs of older Wyomingites. We made AARP’s positions clear, and we appreciated the chance to be heard.

This kind of advocacy isn’t flashy, but it’s what makes a difference. We’ll keep showing up, speaking out, and holding leaders accountable—because that’s what you deserve.

Sam Shumway

State Director, AARP Wyoming

P.S. Wyoming’s own Stella Montano was interviewed during Lobby Day and featured in an article you can read here
an article you can read here.