AARP Louisiana Legislative Update 2007
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-07-19 15:37:49.181104-04:00
The Louisiana Legislature wrapped up its session on June 28 and the Louisiana office diligently worked in partnership with legislators, stakeholders, members and volunteers to influence bills that will improve the lives of all Louisiana residents.
AARP knows that its members want to age at home to maintain their independence and dignity. Accordingly, AARP worked with legislators to craft and pass legislation that funds additional home and community based services for elderly and adult disabled Louisiana residents. This additional funding means that folks who would have waited up to three years for services will only wait for six months.
“Before this legislation, options for aging Louisianans were limited. You can enter a nursing home at any time, but that is not what people want. They want to stay at home with their families, and sometimes family member need assistance in caring for aging loved ones,” Julia Kenny, AARP Director of Advocacy says. “This is an unprecedented amount of money devoted to ensuring our citizens have the choices they deserve. It was hard work, but our legislators really listened to what AARP members want and need.”
While AARP made great strides to ensure people can age at home with their families, it is important to note that sometimes nursing home care is the best option for frail adults. AARP worked with legislators on HB 246 which creates the position of Certified Medication Attendants in nursing homes. This bill increases staff in nursing homes which enhances patient care.
“Upon first reading the proposed legislation early in the session, we weren’t satisfied with the parameters. AARP worked to strengthen the bill so that people occupying this new position are well-trained, certified and experienced,” Gayle Joseph, AARP advocacy volunteer says. “As a volunteer, I was able to personally appeal to legislators which made the difference between a weak bill that would not have improved quality and a strong bill that will actually be beneficial to nursing home residents.”
AARP Louisiana worked to pass bills that usher in Healthcare Reform in Louisiana. On May 23, AARP rallied in support of Sen. Joe McPherson’s SB 1, which is the foundation for creating a healthcare system that will be accessible and affordable for all Louisiana residents.
“A better Healthcare system means healthier citizens,” McPherson says. “Louisiana leaders have recognized for a numbers of years that the health care system in Louisiana isn’t working. This legislation is the first step toward quality healthcare for all; reflecting the ideals of many stakeholders with an interest in assuring better health outcomes for Louisiana residents,” says Senator Joe McPherson.
The session lasted 60 days and during that time AARP worked with members, volunteers, legislators and more than 40 stakeholder groups to improve proposed legislation, defeat detrimental bills and pass meaningful laws that will improve our state for years to come. Without these valuable partnerships, AARP’s legislative successes would not have become a reality. Pledge to be a part of real change in Louisiana by signing and submitting the Divided We Fail pledge card included in this publication. What does that mean to you? With your pledge card, AARP can demonstrate to our leaders that Louisiana residents want Healthcare Reform and more Long Term Care choices as they age. As we proved this legislative session, together we can accomplish great things but divided we fail.
The next legislative session begins in March of 2008 and we want you to be a part of the action. From simply signing a pledge card to joining AARP's advocacy team lobbying the legislature, there is an opportunity for you to make a difference in your state. For more information on the entire legislative agenda, visit www.aarp.org/la. To become involved in advocacy issues, contact Julia Kenny at 225-376-1146 or e-mail her at jkenny@aarp.org.
preview