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2002 AARP New Mexico Legislative Priorities Survey

AARP Member Opinion Research

by Anu Hyvarinen, AARP Knowledge Management, AARP Research, November 2002

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This 2002 survey explores several member, consumer, and legislative issues in the state of New Mexico. A sample of 2,000 AARP members in New Mexico completed questionnaires and were asked to rate a list of legislative priorities for AARP in the state.

Overall, members' legislative priorities are consistent with AARP's strategic priorities in the state. In particular, members believe AARP should focus its legislative efforts toward access to affordable prescription drugs; availability, cost, and quality of health care; availability of adequate water sources; remaining in their own homes or communities as they age; consumer protection standards for health insurance, including managed care plans; availability, cost, and quality of long-term care (LTC) services; and consumer protection against fraud.

Specifically,

  • Over four in five support increasing funds for services that would allow persons to stay in their own home as they age, even if it meant an increase in taxes. Nine in ten support using New Mexico's tobacco settlement dollars to ensure LTC program funding.
  • Respondents continue to be targeted for home equity loans, with nearly half being contacted six or more times in the last twelve months. Between two-thirds and three-quarters support consumer protections on "high-cost" home equity loans.
  • The majority want consumer protections to ensure good utility services and rates. Energy conservation is also important to New Mexico members, with over half strongly or somewhat supporting requiring electric utility companies to promote energy conservation, even if it means a small increase in electric rates.
  • Many support actions to conserve New Mexico's water supply, specifically enforcing mandatory water conservation, placing limits on growth and development, and increasing taxes to treat contaminated water sources.

A total of 1,197 AARP New Mexico members aged 50 and older completed a mail survey in July-August 2002. For more information, contact Joanne Binette at 202-434-6303. (38 pages)