AARP Oklahoma is fighting for 50+ Oklahomans on state issues.

During the upcoming legislative session we will:

• Fight to make sure older Oklahomans have real choices for long-term services and supports
  
• Fight to make sure consumers have affordable energy and utilities
  
• Fight to protect older Oklahomans from fraud
  

See Also: Alternative Housing Options for Long-Term Care

Much like years past, AARP will focus its efforts during the session, which starts Feb. 6, on funding essential services for Oklahoma’s most frail and vulnerable citizens. This includes expanding access to home and community-based services and funding senior nutrition programs. Last year, despite a $500 million state budget deficit, AARP advocacy efforts paid off big as home and community-based serviced were not cut for fiscal year 2012.

See Also: Long Term Care Calculator

We also will work on preventing any attempts to roll back regulatory oversight for long-term care facilities. In 2011, AARP successfully advocated for legislation that established greater regulatory oversight for long-term care administrators by moving “certified nursing facility administrators,” “assisted living facility administrators” and “adult day center administrators” under the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners for Long-Term Care Administrators.

AARP also began important work in 2011 by supporting legislation that now prohibits debt collectors from threatening debtors with a lawsuit over debt barred by the statue of limitations or using obscene language to collect debt. This year we will support legislation that will protect consumers from debt buyers – companies that purchase delinquent debts at a discount. Oklahoma is one of only 10 states without state governance of the practice of debt collection.

And, once again, AARP will continue its work fighting utility rate increases and harmful legislation that would increase utility rates.

AARP Oklahoma’s 770 Volunteer Team will play an active role at the State Capitol by meeting with legislators and urging them to support our priority legislation. Join the 770 Team and become a volunteer.