AARP Georgia Announces 2008 State Legislative Priorities

Source: AARP.org | December 14, 2007

AARP Georgia is an active voice for seniors and all consumers at our state capitol during the Georgia General Assembly. Staff and volunteers meet with legislators and attend committee hearings to advocate for issues to improve the lives of AARP members. Staff and volunteer leaders selected the following legislative priorities for 2008 which are consistent with the public policies adopted by AARP's National Board of Directors. These priorities are based on the needs of Georgia's residents and developed from feedback from members in Georgia.

1. Long Term Care- Provide additional funding for key long term care programs, especially those providing services that help seniors stay in their homes and communities.

2. ID Theft- Pass legislation to give citizens the ability to lock access to personal credit information. Known as a security freeze, this tool allows citizens to combat identity thieves and prevent new account fraud.

3. Health Care Reform- Support efforts to decrease the number of uninsured and underinsured as well as efforts to improve health care delivery.

4. Tax Reform- Ensure that Georgia's tax structure is fair, stable and able to produce enough revenue for the growing needs of our state. AARP Georgia will work to ensure that any proposed changes to our tax system are responsive to the needs of the state as a whole, as well as specific problems facing our most vulnerable citizens.

5. Affordable Prescription Drugs- Promote options for Georgia to save money on prescription drug purchasing and promote overall efforts to make prescription drugs more affordable for Georgia consumers.

Every Georgian has two legislators elected to represent them at the capitol. Let yours know how you feel on these important issues. If you want help in contacting your legislators or if you want to know more about AARP's efforts during the legislative session, contact Brenda Lemon at (404)-870-3782 or via email. AARP can help make sure your voice is heard.