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Vital Voices Research Drives AARP Vermont’s 2026 Legislative Agenda
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What matters most to Vermonters as they age? Our latest Vital Voices survey asked adults 45+ across the state, and the answers were clear:
- 85% want to stay in their own homes as they age.
- 84% say being able to get to places independently is extremely important.
- Nearly half (47%) rate affordable housing options in their community as poor.
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These findings tell a powerful story: Vermonters want to age in place, but affordability, transportation, and caregiving challenges make that hard. That’s why AARP Vermont’s 2026 Legislative Agenda is focused on breaking down those barriers.
What We Heard—and Why It Matters
After years of pandemic isolation and rising costs, older Vermonters are looking for stability and connection. Our research shows:
- Housing is a top concern. Three-quarters of respondents say affordable housing options are essential, yet many communities fall short.
- Transportation needs improvement. Nearly 60% rate public bus services as poor or fair.
- Financial security is shaky. 45% of adults worry about having enough income or savings to retire.
And let’s not forget family caregivers—the backbone of Vermont’s long-term care system. With 70,000 unpaid caregivers providing $1.23 billion in labor each year, they need support now more than ever.
Our 2026 Legislative Priorities
Based on what Vermonters told us, here’s what we’re fighting for:
- Caregiver Tax Credit to help offset out-of-pocket costs for unpaid family caregivers.
- Stronger Fraud Protections, including oversight of cryptocurrency kiosks and new tools for banks to stop scams.
- Investment in Long-Term Care, with annual updates to provider reimbursement rates.
- Housing Choice and Affordability, through zoning reform and policy guidance to support the creation of Universally Designed homes which will ensure Vermonters can safely age in place.
- Accessible Transportation, ensuring safe roads and adequate funding for reliable public transit, which is essential in getting Vermonters where they need to go, such as medical appointments, grocery stores, visiting family, and more. To learn more about the future of public transit in both rural and urban areas of Vermont, view the latest fact sheets
- Age Strong Vermont, investing in the creation of a Commission to ensure the implementation of the long-term policy objectives and funding needs outlined in the plan.
Why This Matters
As AARP Vermont State Director Greg Marchildon puts it:“Family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system, yet they often face overwhelming costs and stress. By providing financial relief and investing in housing and transportation, we can help caregivers and older adults live with dignity and independence in the communities they love.”
Join Us
These priorities aren’t just policy—they’re about making Vermont a place where everyone can age with confidence and connection.
Ready to get involved? Sign up for advocacy alerts at action.aarp.org/sign or text JOIN to 22777.
RESOURCES:
View the full Vital Voices research HERE.
View AARP Vermont's full Legislative Agenda HERE
View AARP Vermont's Transit Funding Fact Sheets HERE.
