The fiscal 2024–2026 budget includes funding for hundreds of new slots for services provided in homes and community settings, such as adult day health care, which help people to live independently at home.

The new slots will help to cut down waiting lists, says Dwight Butler, a retired member of the Kentucky State House of Representatives who now serves on AARP Kentucky’s Executive Council. “It’s a good step in the right direction, but the need is huge,” Butler says.

The new budget also includes nearly $1.5 million in additional money for the Kentucky Office of Dementia Services and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. The state’s more than 80 volunteer ombudsmen regularly visit and monitor conditions and care at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, working to investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents.

The budget also increases the monthly personal needs allowance that nursing home residents with Medicaid can use for personal expenses. That allowance will increase from $40 to $60. The budget also includes $20 million in funding over the two-year period to expand senior meal services.

AARP Kentucky advocated for the funding increases. AARP’s priorities received bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans, says Eric Evans, the organization’s state advocacy manager.

AARP’s advocacy volunteers play a key role in educating legislators, Butler says. One phone call or one letter can make the difference between legislation passing or not passing, he says. —David Lewellen

Envision the future A new exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Center reimagines the city’s central business district in a post-COVID-19 pandemic world.

“Loop as Lab: Reshaping Downtowns” explores topics such as creative ways to reuse empty office space, how to better incorporate green space and methods to help residents navigate downtown more easily.

As an exhibit sponsor, AARP Illinois is offering a 10 percent discount on tickets for the exhibit and will host a virtual event with leaders of the architecture center. Learn more at aarp.org/il.

Prepare to vote AARP is hosting a series of voter engagement events this summer.

AARP Wisconsin will be on hand at a Forward Madison professional soccer game on Wednesday, July 24, and at a Milwaukee Milkmen professional baseball game on Thursday, Aug. 22. AARP will talk about efforts to strengthen Social Security and provide attendees with a free ticket to the games.

AARP is also planning a summer tour of the historic Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee to see the graves of famous Wisconsinites who fought for the right to vote. For more details, go to aarp.org/wi and select Events.

Get involved Learn how to advocate on behalf of Iowans 50-plus at an online informational session hosted by AARP on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Advocacy volunteers help educate elected officials about policy issues that affect older adults. AARP Iowa’s legislative priorities next year will include supporting tax relief for family caregivers, capping insulin costs and making it easier to build accessory dwelling units, such as in-law suites, on existing lots. To register for the session, go to aarp.org/IAevents.

Focus on retirement AARP is meeting with state lawmakers and business leaders to rally support for legislation to help Michiganders save for retirement.

The bill would create the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program for private sector workers who don’t have access to a retirement plan through their jobs. Employees would be able to contribute to an IRA via automatic payroll deduction.

AARP members can voice their support at aarpmi.org/save. —DL