AARP Delaware's 2006 Legislative Agenda
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-04-06 15:46:00-04:00
Each year, the volunteer Executive Council for AARP Delaware sets a strategic direction for the state that aligns with AARP's priorities and with the state's unique combination of social, economic, political and geographic forces.
The selection of the state legislative priorities is based on the needs of the state's residents as determined by member polls and surveys, general member communications and AARP-sponsored hearings and events. Throughout the year, AARP Delaware volunteer leaders and state staffers communicate these priorities with state lawmakers, the governor and other state officials. We may also work on other legislative and regulatory proposals as they arise.
2006 Priority Issues
AARP Delaware has identified state and federal legislative priorities for our agenda for 2006. We look to our enthusiastic and well-trained volunteers to work in with AARP staffers to represent the needs of Delaware's 153,000 members and all Delawareans 50+.
Brian Posey, AARP Delaware's Associate State Director for Advocacy, outlines this year's legislative focus:
Money Follows the Person
Money Follows the Person is a concept that enables individuals to remain in their home or community as they age. Currently individuals must often enter a long-term care facility like a nursing home to be eligible for state and federal funds to assist with the high costs of care. Money Follows the Person provides alternatives for individuals who do not necessarily need the level of care of a nursing home, but need financial assistance with paying for home and community-based services that allow them to remain at home or move into an assisted living facility or with a relative.
AARP Delaware and several Delaware disability organizations commissioned a report to identify ways that Delaware may approach creating a Money Follows the Person system. A final report was delivered in February, and AARP is considering the best direction to take to help create a Money Follows the Person program in the state. Ongoing discussions will help AARP, advocates for individuals with disabilities, and leading state legislators to determine what steps to take to make this dream become a reality.
Energy
AARP Delaware is deeply concerned about the pending 60% home energy increase scheduled to occur this spring. After years of relatively stable home energy prices, many older and limited income Delawareans will face huge ongoing energy costs that could severely impact their ability to pay their bills. To date, AARP has represented our members' views by testifying at numerous energy hearings in the last six months and will continue to investigate alternatives and approaches that may lessen the impact of the increase.
We have also addressed energy concerns at the national level by supporting budget provisions that increased assistance available to limited income Delawareans. We commend our legislative leaders, Senator Biden, Senator Carper and Representative Castle, for recently voting to add more than $4.7 million to assist low income Delawareans with rising energy costs.
Medicare Prescription Drugs
AARP Delaware continues to reach out to individuals who may benefit from enrolling in the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, also known as Medicare Part D. Through a statewide collaboration, AARP Delaware has partnered with Delaware's faith community to provide enrollment opportunities for church, synagogue and other faith-based organization members. At these events, members receive hands-on help in evaluating their options for coverage with the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program.
Along with the Interdenominational Ministers Action Council (IMAC), the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance (IMA), the Delaware Ecumenical Council, the Delaware Region Health Ministries and the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL), AARP Delaware is supporting the efforts of ElderInfo, the Social Security Administration and the Medicare Rx Access Network volunteers who can actually help individuals sign-up for the plans.
Other Issues
In addition to the issues we consider our top priorities there are a number of important areas that we are keeping our eye on. AARP Delaware is monitoring manufactured housing concerns, identity theft and reports of nursing home abuse; issues that we have been working on for a number of years.
By becoming an active AARP Advocacy Volunteer, you can personally help influence the issues we target in the legislative process. The more members who choose to serve as volunteers, the more effective AARP will be in protecting the needs of Delawareans over 50.
If you are interested in becoming an AARP Advocacy Volunteer—to pro-actively work to influence legislation and public policy relating to AARP priorities—please review our volunteer opportunities. Then, just send us an e-mail indicating your interest. A member of the AARP Delaware team will contact you to discuss your volunteer interest in more detail.
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