AARP Indiana volunteers, staff drop in for visits with members of Congress

Last month, local volunteers and staff met with Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-2) and staff at U.S. Senator Mike Braun’s office.

“Building relationships with key members of Congress and leaders in their offices is crucial,” Emily Gorman, AARP Indiana director of outreach, said. “We appreciate the time provided to us, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for older Hoosiers across the state.”

AARP Indiana directors of outreach Addison Pollock and Emily Gorman pose for a picture with Congressman Rudy Yakym and AARP Indiana volunteer Hosea Drake.


AARP Indiana volunteers Brenda Johnson and Wanda Kiesler met with Jason Johnson, Senator Braun’s state director, and Matt Sommer, staff director for the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Key topics for the meeting were protecting Social Security and Medicaid, AARP’s work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, removing the age cap for the Earned Income Tax Credit, and support for the Credit for Caring Act.

Volunteer Hosea Drake joined staff for an in-person meeting with Congressman Yakym and his district director, Griffin Nate, to discuss the same topics.

“There’s a reason why Social Security is front and center when we visit with members of Congress,” Gorman said.

In Indiana, more than 1,388,573 retirees, people with disabilities and their families rely on Social Security for vital benefits. This includes around 1,048,415 Hoosiers over the age of 65.

Also on the docket was the topic of caregivers, who, nationwide, provide $600 billion in care for friends and family.

“Advocating on behalf of the 50-plus, and the people that care for them, at the federal level will continue to be a priority for AARP Indiana,” Addison Pollock, AARP Indiana director of community engagement, said. “We thank our volunteers and members of Congress, as well as their staff people, for their time and consideration as we work to empower older Hoosiers to choose how they want to live as they age.”

Jason Johnson, state director for U.S. Senator Mike Braun, poses for a quick picture with AARP staff and volunteers. From left to right: Emily Gorman, Wanda Kiesler, Jason Johnson, Brenda Johnson, Addison Pollock