2023 Legislative Priorities
On behalf of our nearly 1.8 million Keystone State members and all older Pennsylvanians, our legislative priorities in 2023 are focused on solutions that will make Pennsylvania a place to live safely and age well.
We also offer programs and tools that help Pennsylvanians make the best decisions about their health and financial security so they can live life to the fullest.
LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS SYSTEM
- Improve Access to Home and Community-Based Services
- Protect the Lottery Fund
- Enhance Support for Family Caregivers
- Support a Master Plan on Aging
Pennsylvania’s long-term care services and supports system is often confusing, challenging and costly. Improving access to services received at home versus in a nursing home is what older adults prefer and makes more cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars and Lottery fund revenues. Family caregivers need all the support they can get. In Pennsylvania, they deliver $20 billion in unpaid care each year for loved ones, while juggling work, personal, and family responsibilities. We support legislation that will provide family caregivers with additional opportunities for time off their caregiving obligations, which will also improve employee retention. AARP also supports rethinking how the state approaches aging by creating a Master Plan for Aging to serve as a blueprint for Pennsylvanians to age in place, while living, working, and accessing care and services where and how they choose.
HEALTH CARE
- Lower Prescription Drug Prices
- Modernize Nurse Scope of Practice
- Strengthen the Health Infrastructure
73% of Pennsylvania voters 50+ report being concerned about affording their prescription drugs; yet, drug prices continue to rise faster than inflation. AARP supports solutions that will lower drug prices. We support modernizing Pennsylvania’s outdated nurse scope of practice laws; and with American Rescue Plan Act funds still available for the state’s use, we urge elected officials to make critical investments to strengthen the public health infrastructure, including updating technology and data programs.
FINANCIAL SECURITY
- Help Pennsylvanians Save for Retirement
- Provide Property Tax Relief
Over two million hardworking Pennsylvanians don’t have access to a retirement savings plan through their jobs. AARP supports a payroll deduction savings plan to help them build for their financial future. Recognizing that local property taxes are often the most burdensome for older homeowners on low/fixed incomes, we support efforts to establish and expand programs to help deliver financial relief.
ELDER ABUSE AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS
- Prevent Elder Abuse
- Prevent Frauds and Scams
AARP recognizes that elder abuse takes many forms - physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, neglect or a combination of these. AARP supports laws that will educate Pennsylvanians about elder abuse, including frauds and scams, and supports policies to hold perpetrators accountable.
ABOUT US
AARP Pennsylvania will continue to be a driving force for social change that enhances the lives of 50-plus Pennsylvanians through advocacy, outreach, information, and volunteer service in communities statewide. We are working to ensure that needs of Pennsylvanians age 50 and older, including our nearly 1.8 million members statewide are heard by national, state, and local elected leaders.
Download a printable version of our 2023 Legislative Priorities
