AARP IDAHO: Older Idahoans benefit from legislative session. Here’s how.

Earlier this yr, throughout our annual AARP Idaho Day of Motion on the Capitol, Gov. Brad Little instructed us, “In the event you’re not on the desk of public coverage discussions, there’s a superb probability you’re on the menu. AARP advocates are on the desk and that’s essential.”

He’s proper and all through this previous legislative session workers and volunteers labored diligently to advance laws that will not solely profit these 50 and older however Idahoans of all ages. And whereas there are at all times winners and losers throughout the legislative session, there is no such thing as a query Idaho’s older inhabitants benefited drastically.

For instance, because the Idaho inhabitants continues to develop and residential costs proceed to rise, we fought for reasonably priced housing choices, smart property tax options and truthful rental insurance policies to guard Idahoans dwelling on a set earnings. We advocated for modifications to the circuit breaker program to ensure those that didn’t qualify final yr might qualify in future years.

We supported Home Invoice 51 and extra clear property valuation notices. We additionally supported Home Invoice 238 which protects householders towards unfair service settlement and predatory housing practices. We spoke in favor of Home Invoice 166 which permits non-public property homeowners the proper to have an adjunct dwelling unit on their property and earn extra earnings. We hear greater than something that Idahoans wish to age in place with dignity. These measures enable that to occur and we’re proud to assist initiatives and laws that empower folks to decide on how they reside as they age.

We advocated for the 1000’s of Idahoans and their households who depend on the workforce of direct care workers by urging the discharge of a report from the Workplace of Efficiency Analysis titled The Sustainability of Idaho’s Direct Care Workforce. This report underscored the scarcity of direct care employees in Idaho and wanted to be made public so acceptable coverage modifications may very well be made.

We protected Idaho voters by vehemently opposing and in the end defeating Home Invoice 205, which might have amended Idaho’s absentee voting necessities placing pointless restrictions how Idahoans might vote. Voting is the proper of each citizen, and we ought to be specializing in growing turnout as a substitute of constructing boundaries.

In the end, the Legislature agreed with us.

This yr additionally introduced reminders that when a measure is accredited, our work is commonly simply starting. In 2018, Idaho voters overwhelming voted to increase Medicaid and shield those that could not afford medical insurance. Some lawmakers needed to take a step backward and repeal that effort. We disagreed and helped stall that effort. We are going to proceed to guard Medicaid and assist those that want it most.

For years we’ve got mentioned telehealth insurance policies in any respect ranges of presidency. This sort of care is essential for an growing old and rural Idaho inhabitants. That’s why we had been so happy our efforts helps go the Digital Care Entry Act. This important laws modernizes the Telehealth Entry Act to the post-COVID well being care system and offers the comfort and independence related to digital care. As well as, we efficiently lobbied for the Uniform Digital Will Act. This is a vital authorized instrument for the home-bound and people with mobility points.

What AARP members need to say in regards to the problems with the day ought to, did and can proceed to command the eye of the Idaho Legislature. This is sensible for the reason that Idaho Division of Labor estimates 20% of the state’s inhabitants will likely be over the age of 65 by 2026. It’s additionally no secret that older Idahoans are essentially the most highly effective voting bloc within the state.

Whether or not it’s monetary safety, well being care entry and affordability or making Idaho communities extra livable, we’ll proceed to indicate up as a sensible good friend and fierce defender of Idahoans 50 and older. And despite the fact that the 2023 legislative session has ended we’re already beginning to set the desk for subsequent yr.