Arizona Sets 2007 State Legislative Agenda
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-02-23 12:31:39.809914-05:00
As the 2007 Arizona Legislature begins work at the state capitol in Phoenix, AARP volunteers in Arizona's advocacy network are geared up to work on a number of issues that make up AARP's state legislative platform. Here is AARP Arizona's platform for the 2007 session.
Health Care
AARP Arizona will to secure affordable, quality healthcare and prescription affordability for all Arizonans. We continue to promote preventative health measures and mental health parity for all.
Long-Term Care
AARP Arizona supports the reinstatement of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for Home and Community-Based Services. We promote the delivery of quality, efficient and cost effective services, including respite care, within the continuum of home and community-based services.
Grandparent Issues
AARP Arizona supports permanent funding of the subsidy granted to grandparent caregivers during the 2006 legislative session. And we will continue to inform grandparents of programs and community resources available to assist them as they take on the role of primary caregivers.
Consumer Protections
AARP Arizona promotes legislative and regulatory efforts to protect consumers against predatory lending practices, including payday loans. We continue to work towards eliminating malicious financial scams. We support legislation to enact credit-freeze protections as a deterrent against identity theft crime.
Utilities
AARP Arizona will carry out community education to inform the public on ways to achieve conservation and cost-reduction measures with their utility bills. We will actively promote the Arizona Corporation Commission's requirement for automatic enrollment in state low-income utility assistance programs.
Fiscal and Tax Reform
AARP Arizona opposes legislative or initiative efforts to institute tax-proposals that attempt to cap state-spending limitations, except as currently set in the Arizona Constitution. This includes TABOR-like proposals that would establish fixed spending caps that could critically inhibit the growth of the state and damage legislators' ability to act decisively in cases of emergency.
Financial Security
AARP Arizona will work to protect Social Security solvency. We will work to protect pensions and other retirement programs; and to preserve the rights and protections of older workers.
Medicare Part D Outreach and Advocacy: AARP Arizona promotes access to affordable prescription drugs through advocacy and consumer education. We will continue to educate all persons eligible for the Medicare Part D Limited Income Subsidy.
Medicaid
AARP Arizona opposes congressional or state attempts to curtail funding or service levels under Medicaid (AHCCCS) to Arizona's frailest individuals. Program changes dictated by the Deficit Reduction Act legislation passed by Congress in 2005 will be closely followed and monitored for their affect to Medicaid program participants.
To get involved as an advocacy volunteer for AARP Arizona, call our toll free number at 1-800-349-5649.
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