AARP Michigan Sets its State Legislative Action Agenda

Advocacy efforts play a key role in the mission of AARP to lead positive social change, and AARP Michigan relies heavily on the commitment and efforts of our 1.4 million members and 200+ state volunteers in these efforts. Current state legislative issues include:

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act – Health Insurance Exchange Legislation

AARP Michigan supports implementation of a health insurance exchange in Michigan in accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as an important step toward our vision of affordable, quality, secure health care for all. Having an effective state exchange that focuses on the consumer’s best interest will help ensure the affordability of individual and small group health coverage.

We will advocate for passage of health insurance exchange legislation in the Michigan House and work with Governor Snyder and his Administration to facilitate implementation of Michigan’s exchange.

Age-Friendly Communities

AARP supports state and local legislative efforts to ensure that Michigan residents can meet their desires to stay in their homes and communities as they age, and to ensure that seniors can get where they need to go.

We will provide information about World Health Organization (WHO) age-friendly community certification for Michigan communities, and work with local communities to pursue this certification.

Home Heating Assistance

AARP Michigan supports the protection of, and strengthening of, programs that help the 50+ meet their home fuel costs and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

AARP will work with coalition partners to develop a sustainable long-term solution to the need for low-income heating assistance in Michigan beyond the 2011-2012 heating season.

State Pension Tax

AARP Michigan opposes Michigan’s new pension tax because it is unfair and creates an undue hardship on Michigan retirees. Retirees made retirement and financial planning decisions based on the tax exempt status of our pensions.

We will keep up the pressure on the Michigan Legislature to repeal the pension tax and help educate the 50+ about the new tax, and how it will impact us.

Long Term Care/Long Term Supports & Services (LTSS)

AARP Michigan is committed to ensuring that the design and delivery of long term supports and services meet a comprehensive set of principles, including that the system promotes consumer independence, choice, dignity, autonomy, and privacy.

We will provide the Legislature with policy recommendations to move Michigan toward a comprehensive LTSS system that provides coordinated, integrated, affordable and high-quality long term care services, and that includes consumer choice and support for family caregivers; and advocate for expanded availability of Home & Community Based Services.

Food Assistance Eligibility

AARP Michigan opposed efforts by the state Department of Human Services to impose a new asset test for food assistance in Michigan, and we oppose legislative efforts to codify the DHS policy or establish further restrictions on food assistance eligibility for low-income older households.

We will continue to defend food assistance programs.

Freedom from Exploitation

AARP supports stronger protections for Michigan seniors against fraudulent or unfair practices, including practices that place seniors’ homes or investments at risk.

We will advocate for passage of the bipartisan package of “Senior Protection” bills in the Michigan House.

Elections and Participatory Government

AARP believes the right to vote is the most basic of political rights. We oppose the imposition by government of hindrances to voting, include registration impediments and voter identification requirements that discourage or prevent citizens from voting.