Preview of Next Legislature

With the election season in full-swing and all Minnesota Constitutional offices and every House and Senate legislative seats on the ballot, the election chatter has focused mostly on how to approach the state’s budget deficit.

The $5.8 billion budget deficit is one of the key issues facing the next governor and the next Legislature. Solutions being discussed in the campaigns include raising taxes, cutting services, reforming government and a hybrid of all of those ideas.

As the next session of the Legislature approaches, AARP staff and volunteers are turning attention to these and other issues that will affect older Minnesotans.

“These issues are about real people – and solutions will have real impacts on Minnesotans,” said AARP State Director Michele Kimball. “AARP staff and volunteers will work to ensure that vital services do not take a disproportionate share of cuts in the final solution. At the same time, we will also advocate for laws that protect consumers from fraud and help older Minnesotans age with dignity and independence.”
 
Issues that AARP could focus on at the upcoming session of the Minnesota State Legislature include:

• combating consumer fraud
  
• implementing reforms in prescription drug laws
  
• implementing federal health care reform
  
• enhancing long-term care services, supports and consumer protections – including retaining our rate equalization law
• advocating for a balanced budget approach in the debate to raise taxes and/or cut state services
  

Grassroots Engagement is Key

Because of the unique partnership between AARP’s staff and active volunteer force, AARP can truly make an imprint on public policy here in Minnesota and in Washington.

Volunteers on AARP’s Grassroots, Elections and Advocacy Team (GREAT) use their experience, talents – and especially their voices – to pass, improve and move laws and regulations that improve the lives of their fellow Minnesotans.

Make a difference by volunteering your time, you energy - and your voice.

Training and regular updates will be provided to help each volunteer prepare for a variety of responsibilities, including:

• visiting with state and federal elected officials
  
• speaking on behalf of AARP in communities and at the Capitol
  
• acting as a legislative liaison with other groups and organizations
  
• supporting the grassroots legislative initiatives in the state
  
• collaborating with AARP's volunteer leaders and staff, and with AARP teams and community groups across the state

Don't miss this chance to make a difference in your community and your state. Use your voice and your talents on our team. For more information about becoming a GREAT member this session, contact us via email at aarpmn@aarp.org.