Citizen Advocates, Making Change Possible

For more than 50 years, AARP has been helping its members and their communities achieve positive social change. Since AARP Kentucky first opened its doors in 2001, we’ve worked hard to enhance the quality of life for all as we age in Kentucky. With our statewide volunteer citizen advocates, our work in Frankfort has never stopped.

See Also: Legislative Action Center

Citizen Advocacy

Our grassroots volunteers and staff have earned a reputation in the Capitol for standing up for its members. AARP focuses on the issues that matter most, including: improving long-term care options and choices, protecting consumers, enhancing work and careers after 50, and building more livable communities.

State Budget – Priorities

Any state’s budget is a snap-shot of its priorities. Kentucky routinely faces budget shortfalls due to an outdated tax code failing to provide needed revenues. AARP continues to make Medicaid and the Department of Aging Services top priorities.

In 2004, AARP successfully led grassroots efforts and organized a coalition - Advocates for Reforming Medicaid Services - to restore services and $250 million dollars cut from state Medicaid program.

AARP Key Priorities – Now Law

2002

• Telemarketing “No Call” legislation enacted protecting consumers by allowing individuals to include their name on a list that stops telemarketers from calling their home.
  

2005

• Elder Abuse law passed empowering any citizen to report suspected elder abuse.
• Homestead Exemption passed raising the exemption from $5,000 to $18,700.
• Senate Joint Resolution 94 passed urging the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to provide more access to home and community based services.
  

2006

• State Budget increased - AARP successfully worked with the General Assembly and Governor to increase the Department of Aging Services budget by $7.5 million dollars. AARP pushed citizen grassroots to restore funding for Grandparents (non-custodial) raising their grandchildren.
  

2008

• Predatory Lending law enacted to protect consumers from bad loans ending years of unethical lending practices. First introduced in 2003, AARP pushed for new protections until final passage in 2008.
  
• Long-Term Care Insurance legislation passed encouraging consumers to prepare for their future financial and long-term care needs in retirement.
  
• Christine Talley Act passed restructuring in-home personal emergency assistance services.
  

2009

• Legislation passed protecting older adults and persons with disabilities by establishing a certification process for agencies that perform non-medical personal services.
  
• Mortgage Licensing Act passed enhancing consumer protections by requiring minimum licensing requirements for mortgage originators.
  
• Transportation law changed allowing volunteers to provide rides to elderly and persons with visual impairments without requiring “livery” or taxi service licensing.
  

2010

• Assisted Living Facilities: Simple changes in the law made a big difference in giving Kentuckians new choices and control of their care. The new law improved basic care options for residents in assisted living by allowing a person of the residents’ choice to assist with taking their medications.
  
• Consumer Protection: Fair and stronger debt adjuster law passed protecting consumers’ personal information, rights and responsibilities while managing their debts.
  
• Predatory Lending: AARP sought legislation limiting payday lending interest rates to 36% (APR).
  
• Consumers’ Utilities: AARP successfully intervened saving residential consumers millions of dollars in several Public Service Commission rate cases.
  
• House Joint Resolution 141 passed directing the Legislative Research Commission to research consumer benefits of natural gas retail competition for fair and reasonable pricing.
  

AARP volunteer citizen advocates make change possible in Kentucky. Contact AARP Kentucky and learn more about becoming a citizen advocate and a voice for change in Frankfort. Call us at 1-866-295-7275 or send email to kyaarp@aarp.org.