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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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--primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</title> <meta name="page_title" content="AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of" name="description"/> <meta content="AARP, Florida, s, Advocacy, Agenda, 2022" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-advocacy-state-legislature-drug-prices-caregiving" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/aarp-floridas-advocacy-agenda-for-2022-fl-2021-11-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Florida is bolstering its advocacy efforts on everything from prescription drug prices to caregiving heading into 2022."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f42e540/2147483647/strip/true/crop/7378x4743+439+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F07%2F8c%2F16bc9fe7477a90ca7cc6af27a9d5%2Fflorida-12-21.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Florida is bolstering its advocacy efforts on everything from prescription drug prices to caregiving heading into 2022."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f42e540/2147483647/strip/true/crop/7378x4743+439+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F07%2F8c%2F16bc9fe7477a90ca7cc6af27a9d5%2Fflorida-12-21.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”
The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.
When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services.
Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Staying informed
“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”
By signing up for the “AARP Advocate” newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to https://action.aarp.org/sign and select the “AARP Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email FLAARP@aarp.org
Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place.
He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker.
“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”
It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states.
“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”
Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”
Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email flaarp@aarp.org or call 866-595-7678.
Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.
For More on Advocacy
This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the AARP Florida page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON
FEASTERVILLE, PA
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c6133730d7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c613373f18-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c613373f18-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c613373f18-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c6133730d7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c613373f18-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c613373f18-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c613373f18-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c6133730d7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c613373f18-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c613373f18-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">AARP Florida's Advocacy Agenda for 2022</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 11/30/21 by <b>Tom Scherberger</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Cheryl Jefferson walks the walk. “You can’t just sit back and talk and expect change,” says Jefferson, an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer and member of its Executive Council. “You’ve got to actually get out there and do something.”<br><br>The 68-year-old retired mortgage banker, of Jacksonville, has traveled to Tallahassee to talk with lawmakers and followed up with phone calls about issues important to older Floridians, such as lowering prescription drug prices. She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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She says she has been struck by how receptive legislators and their staff are. While well-connected lobbyists with access to campaign cash “absolutely have quite a bit of power” in the Legislature, average citizens who make an effort to be heard are also taken very seriously, Jefferson reports.<br><br>When the Legislature opens its 60-day annual session on Jan. 11, AARP Florida and its volunteers will be advocating for long-term care reform and increased funding for home- and community- based services. <br><br>Advocates will also continue to champion improvements to the adult guardianship system, consumer protections and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic.<br><br><b>Staying informed</b><br><br>“We want to keep people posted throughout the session about what’s going on,” says Jeff Johnson, state director for AARP Florida. “The Legislature does a lot that affects the lives of Floridians, and most of the time people don’t realize they have an opportunity to influence legislation.”<br><br>By signing up for the “AARP Advocate”<i> </i>newsletter, you can receive regular updates on key legislation that AARP will track throughout the 2022 regular session. Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://action.aarp.org/sign" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://action.aarp.org/sign</a></span></span> and select the “AARP<i> </i>Advocate” option for Florida. You can also email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">FLAARP@aarp.org</a></span></span><br> <br>Ken Thomas, 67, of Boca Raton, an advocacy volunteer since 2010 and former AARP Florida volunteer state president, has testified before legislative committees on issues such as livable communities and aging in place. <br><br>He works mostly by phone, email and, now, via Zoom. His advice for would-be advocates: Don’t be disappointed if you wind up talking to a legislative staff member instead of the lawmaker. <br><br>“I think, in many instances, you can get more done by talking to the staffer, because the legislator is quite often in a hurry,” Thomas observes. “The staffers are the ones who do the research and present issues to a lawmaker.”<br><br>It helps that AARP is so respected in Tallahassee, says Thomas, now the AARP regional volunteer director for Florida and six other states. <br><br>“When you say you’re with AARP, they seem more interested and attentive. They know we don’t come crying wolf or in a partisan fashion. You come focused on issues.”<br><br>Lawmakers and their staff also know that older Floridians wield clout at the ballot box, Johnson says. “There’s probably no district in the state without a significant population of over 50. Older voters show up. And AARP members are even more likely to show up to vote.”<br><br>Floridians age 50-plus make up about 40 percent of the state’s population, but they cast more than 60 percent of the votes during the 2020 election, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. <br><br>Interested in becoming an AARP Florida advocacy volunteer? Email <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:flaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flaarp@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-595-7678. <br><br><i>Tom Scherberger is a writer living in Tampa.</i><br><br><b>For More on Advocacy</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="6089747492001" data-video-title="Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=6089747492001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Prescription Drug Prices Increased Faster Than Inflation</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/high-prescription-drug-price-stories.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R1-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Human Cost of High Drug Prices</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2021/build-back-better.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">House Passes Bill That Could Improve Medicare</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/trenton-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-feasterville-pa-7152024-1000-am-lhnbp8pd678.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">LIBRARY OF LOWER SOUTHAMPTON</p> <p class="loc">FEASTERVILLE, PA</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/trenton-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c6133730d7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c613373f18-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-TRENTON-NJ">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP New Jersey Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />New Jersey</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:NJAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/new-jersey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP New Jersey</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contactaarpnj/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-TRENTON-NJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpNJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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