AARP Arkansas 2007 Legislative Priorities
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-01-23 16:06:59.259267-05:00
Fifteen AARP Arkansas-sponsored buses from around the state brought hundreds of AARP members to the State Capitol Jan. 10, during the first week of the 2007 Arkansas Legislative Session.
During a news conference, Billie Ann Myers, AARP Arkansas state president, announced the state AARP's legislative priorities and urged lawmakers to protect Arkansas consumers by passing two new proposals.
- A bill sponsored by Representative Sandra Prater requiring Arkansans who are looking for long-term care services and providers in Arkansas, be informed of all the care options offered in their area, and of the factors to consider when choosing long-term care services and providers. This " options counseling for long-term care " will protect Arkansans ' choice to get care in the least restrictive setting available.
- House Bill 1036, which sets a fine for payday lenders found guilty of charging consumers more than the 17% consumer interest limit set by the state constitution. This measure will protect consumers from the outrageously high interest rates payday lenders are charging Arkansans. Senator Shawn Womack and Representative David Johnson are the lead sponsors of this legislation.
Other issues which AARP Arkansas expects to impact the 86th session of the Arkansas General Assembly include transportation safety, the state tax on groceries and video cameras in the rooms of nursing home residents. If so-called tort reform legislation is introduced, proposing to give nursing homes more protection from liability for abuse and neglect of the nursing home residents entrusted to its care, AARP Arkansas will oppose it.
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