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AARP West Virginia Members Outline Top Priorities for 2026 Legislative Session

AARP

Published January 19, 2026

Legislative action to support family caregivers and strengthen protections against fraud and scams top the list of priorities AARP members in the Mountain State want lawmakers to address during the 2026 Regular Session of the West Virginia Legislature.

Ahead of the start of the legislative session, AARP West Virginia asked its Mountain State members about the issues most important to West Virginians age 50‑plus and their families. An overwhelming 90% of respondents to AARP WV's 2026 State Legislative Issues Questionnaire ranked support for family caregivers providing in‑home care for older adults as the number one issue AARP should champion at the State Capitol.

According to the latest AARP estimates, 375,000 unpaid family caregivers provide more than $3 billion in annual care to adult loved ones in West Virginia.

AARP is continuing its advocacy for the creation of a state caregiver tax credit, which would help offset out‑of‑pocket expenses incurred by unpaid caregivers—costs that average $7,200 per year. Support for such a tax credit is strong: 86% of respondents said the proposal is important to them and their families.

Questionnaire responses show that caregiving is a near-universal experience among AARP West Virginia members:

80% have either served as unpaid caregivers themselves or know someone who has.
Nearly 70% have personally spent their own money to provide care.

Other Key Findings from the 2026 Legislative Issues Questionnaire

84% want the West Virginia Legislature to strengthen laws that combat frauds and scams.
72% want lawmakers to preserve and enhance retirement benefits for West Virginia’s public-sector employees and retirees.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents want continued investment in the expansion of high-speed internet across the state.

“We look forward to working closely with lawmakers throughout the 60‑day session to ensure the voices and concerns of 50‑plus West Virginians and their families are heard at the State Capitol,” said Gaylene Miller, AARP West Virginia State Director.

AARP, which represents a quarter‑million members statewide, remains focused on bipartisan solutions that deliver meaningful support and relief to West Virginians. Questionnaire responses were collected online from AARP West Virginia members statewide between December 7, 2025, and January 10, 2026.

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AARP WV Media Contact: Tom Hunter, 304-340-4605, tphunter@aarp.org