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AARP Georgia was successful with many of its top legislative priorities during the 2008 state legislative session. Among the key items:

Identity Theft - House Bill 130, designed to block identity thieves, passed. HB 130 establishes a credit freeze for consumers, which allows them to block access to their credit reports. Because potential creditors must review a credit report before approving new accounts, a credit freeze effectively blocks some types of identity theft. All consumers will be charged $3 each time they place, temporarily lift, or remove a credit freeze at each of the top three credit reporting agencies. AARP Georgia successfully fought to lower the fee from $10 to $3. The credit freeze is free to all Georgians 65 or older. AARP Georgia wishes to thank Representatives Rich Golick, R-Smyrna; Tommy Benton, R-Jefferson; Rob Teilhet, D-Smyrna; and Senator Bill Hamrick, R-Carrollton, for their tremendous work and leadership on this issue.

Taxes - After months of discussion and countless proposals, no significant tax reform legislation passed in 2008. AARP Georgia opposed many of those proposals throughout the legislative session. Some proposals would have shifted taxes, creating a whole new class of taxes on services. Others would have taken control away from local government and created massive holes in future state budgets. None spelled out which areas of state government would be cut to pay for these changes. AARP Georgia supports a comprehensive look at Georgia’s tax system, and it will support reforms that are responsive to the needs of the state as a whole.

Long Term Care - AARP Georgia worked to protect funding for two key programs that help Georgians in need of long-term care services remain in their homes and communities. Funding for Meals on Wheels and Adult Protective Services was kept intact, a clear victory for those who need just a little help to avoid losing their independence. AARP Georgia will work in the coming years to expand programs such as these.

Health Care Reform - House Bill 977 passed, despite opposition from AARP Georgia. HB 977 represents a $146 million give-away to insurance companies to promote the sale of high-deductible health insurance plans, when paired with Health Savings Accounts. With deductibles of more than $2,200, these plans will do little to help those without health insurance in Georgia.