AARP Joins the Transportation for America Campaign, Seeks Transportation Reform To Help Americans Live Well Independently
Source: AARP Press Center | 2009-03-24
Contact:
Nancy Thompson
202-434-2560
AARP Joins the Transportation for America Campaign, Seeks Transportation Reform To Help Americans Live Well Independently
As Congress debates budget priorities, AARP this week joined the Transportation for America Campaign endorsing its call for renewal of our national transportation program for the 21st Century. Following is a statement by AARP Executive Vice President for Social Impact Nancy LeaMond:
“AARP is delighted to join T4America, the Transportation for America Campaign, an impressive group of organizations, elected officials and businesses with the shared goal of building a modernized infrastructure to support livable communities where people can live, work and play. America is aging rapidly and transportation policy and spending must acknowledge this demographic shift. The upcoming transportation authorization can help the nation prepare both for its graying years and a greener future by making roads safer for drivers of all ages and also offering more user friendly options for pedestrians and transit users.
“In 2030 nearly 71 million people will have reached age 65+, doubling the retirement age population since 2000. Seventy-eight million Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 began turning 62 this year and the last of this group will turn 65 in 2029. In order to help them reach their goal of moving about safely into their 70’s, 80’s, and beyond, federal, state, and local policymakers need to improve the safety of roads, bridges, and sidewalks, but also improve the availability and accessibility of public transportation and paratransit services.
“AARP looks forward to working with T4America, Congress and the Obama administration to advance a transportation system that provides mobility for all regardless of age or functional ability.”
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
