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Building a Better Future for Aging Texans

Posted on 12/20/24 by Mark Hollis

As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.

Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.

The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:

• Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;
• Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;
• Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and
• Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.

“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”

Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89^th regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:

FRAUD-FIGHTING

Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:

• Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;
• Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and
• Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS

When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:

• Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;
• Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;
• Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).

HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE

Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:

• Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;
• Reduce prescription drug costs;
• Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;
• Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;
• Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;
• Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.

FINANCIAL SECURITY

Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:

• Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;
• Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;
• Fair and accessible consumer credit;
• Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;
• Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.

For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including AARP Texas on Facebook, AARPTX on Instagram, and @AARPTX on X:

Tina Tran, State Director

tttran@aarp.org

737-239-3053

@tinat_tx

Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy

Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.

kgreen@aarp.org

512-657-7407

@kathygreenatx

Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager

Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance

ccascio@aarp.org

214-208-4663

@txcascio

Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager

Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.

aearl@aarp.org

512-317-4756

@andrea_earl

Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager

Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.

smace@aarp.org

979-224-0766

@stephaniemacetx

Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment

aaford@aarp.org

512-431-7402

@advoc8tx

Mark Hollis, Communications

mhollis@aarp.org

512-574-3739

@scribemark

This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the AARP Texas page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="left">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="left">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
</div>
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="left">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="left">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
		</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
</div>
</p></span>
		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="left">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
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</figure>
</div>
            
        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
		</div>
		<div class="module-spacer">
			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dd/cd/992257c9497db4cf4db8307732fd/financial-wallet-icon.jpg" alt="financial wallet icon.jpg" width="69" height="71" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2b/c7/ff308bb245c0a485556d9f94f156/stephanie-mace-picture.jpg" alt="stephanie mace picture.jpg" width="1496" height="2100" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/9d/bc/d9ffcbc44fc6a9df7ba292086fa2/ashley-a-ford-headshot-august-2024.jpeg" alt="Ashley A Ford Headshot August 2024.jpeg" width="1870" height="2338" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/64/bc/85ab9cee41e18d4e3e94cdc87f86/mark-hollis-2-cropped.jpg" alt="Mark_Hollis--2 cropped.jpg" width="2399" height="2223" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
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		</div>
	</div>

		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Building a Better Future for Aging Texans</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 12/20/24 
				by <b>Mark Hollis</b>			</div>
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			<span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody">
    
        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a strong, nonpartisan advocate for social change, AARP Texas fights for issues that matter to older Texans, their families and society.</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-left  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="left">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/2e/232212664fd0bbedf494383dd71e/texas-flag-photo.png" alt="Texas-flag-photo.png" width="1080" height="1350" style="height: auto; max-width: 320px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p>Throughout the 2025 Texas legislative session, staff and volunteers from AARP will work with lawmakers, legislative aides, and other policymakers and organizations to advance a robust agenda that centers on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.<br><br>The AARP Texas 2025 legislative session priorities seek to:<br></p><ul><li>Prevent and Fight Elder Exploitation and Fraud;</li><li>Strengthen Emergency Response and Preparedness;</li><li>Improve Quality and Access to Healthcare and Long-Term Care; and</li><li>Provide Financial Security for Aging Texans.</li></ul><p>“Our mighty team of staff and volunteer advocates are suiting up to walk the halls of the Capitol to champion meaningful improvements to the lives and livelihoods of older Texans and their families," said AARP Texas Director Tina Tran. “With passion and professionalism, our team takes on tough issues like age discrimination, caregiving, disaster preparedness, fraud prevention, healthcare, housing and homeowners insurance affordability, internet access, prescription drug prices, and more. We look forward to working with state leaders to make Texas an even better place for all Texans to thrive at any age.”<br><br>Here's a look at the issues AARP Texas will be working on throughout the 89<sup>th</sup> regular session of the Texas Legislature in 2025:<br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FRAUD-FIGHTING</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Fraud and criminals know no demographic bounds. When older adults are victimized, the financial impact can be profound and life-altering. AARP Texas is committed to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/d0/7f/5add34954ce6994986911ffacaf9/fraud-criminal-icon.jpg" alt="fraud criminal icon.jpg" width="152" height="112" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Adding consumer protections for solar panel contracts and cryptocurrency kiosk transactions;</li><li>Curtailing common types of scams, like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft; and</li><li>Increasing resources for law enforcement to combat elder abuse and financial crimes.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>EMERGENCY RESPONSE and PREPAREDNESS</b></h3></span></span></p><p>When damage occurs to the grid, it takes time to fix transmission lines and poles. Older adults and other vulnerable people are disproportionately impacted during disasters, often representing most of the fatalities. AARP Texas will fight to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7a/7c/863f063d4bb4be0957f0d3e35eaa/home-electric-icon.jpg" alt="home electric icon.jpg" width="84" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Require long-term care facilities to have functioning on-site backup power;</li><li>Fortify transmission lines, poles, and towers to prevent disruptions to power delivery;</li><li>Improve the efficiency of STEAR (the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry).</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>HEALTHCARE ACCESS and LONG-TERM CARE</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Many people 50-plus struggle to access affordable, quality health coverage and services that meet their needs. AARP works to ensure access to equitable, high-quality, affordable care. AARP Texas will advocate to:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="right">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/7c/46/3c66198949b3a20a0857ab4f98df/healthcare-icon.jpg" alt="healthcare icon.jpg" width="78" height="73" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Ensure transparency of funding and ownership of nursing homes;</li><li>Reduce prescription drug costs;</li><li>Improve medical care and mental health care access for older adults and vulnerable populations;</li><li>Increase funding and support for Texas’ direct care workforce and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman;</li><li>Establish flexibility in Medical Power of Attorney forms;</li><li>Require minimum staffing ratios for Alzheimer’s facilities.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading"><b>FINANCIAL SECURITY</b></h3></span></span></p><p>Older adults live on fixed incomes and, for many, unexpected expenses or increases in monthly bills erode well-earned savings and diminish financial security. AARP Texas will advocate for:</p><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-right data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
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        </div><p></p><ul><li>Affordable housing and homeowners insurance;</li><li>Reliable and cost-efficient utilities, including broadband, electricity and water;</li><li>Fair and accessible consumer credit;</li><li>Increased access to public benefits, including to kinship caregivers;</li><li>Expansion of public transportation for rural areas.</li></ul><div class="Enhancement"  data-align-center  >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/de/30/641433174dc8a09d92089b2a7a1c/rotunda-photo.png" alt="rotunda-photo.png" width="1200" height="630" style="height: auto; max-width: 380px;"/>
    
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h3 class="inline-heading">For more information about the agenda items, reach out to the following AARP Texas staff or follow us on social media, including <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPTexas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Texas on Facebook</b></a></span></span>, <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.instagram.com/aarptx/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARPTX on Instagram</b>,</a></span></span> and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://x.com/AARPTX" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>@AARPTX on X</b></a></span></span>:</h3></span></span><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/37/09/b734c62a49ffa308f62614e5dffe/tina-tran-2024-headshot.jpeg" alt="Tina_Tran 2024 headshot.jpeg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Tina Tran, State Director</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:tttran@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tttran@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">737-239-3053</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@tinat_tx</p><p></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/27/43/d18d12e4400a956af87852d5da69/kathy-green-headshot-image.jfif" alt="Kathy Green headshot image.jfif" width="669" height="836" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Kathy Green, Director of State and Federal Strategy</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: food security, housing, kinship care, mental health.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:kgreen@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">kgreen@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-657-7407</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@kathygreenatx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/22/17/5b31e2f44c31a6692342edb5dc8e/headshot-charles-cascio-2022a.jpg" alt="Headshot - Charles Cascio - 2022a.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Charles Cascio, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: prescription drugs, health insurance, homeowners’ insurance</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ccascio@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ccascio@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">214-208-4663</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@txcascio</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
                <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure"
     data-alignment="center">
    <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/18/43/93df1f3a4e24b702493daeca864f/andrea-earl-2.jpg" alt="Andrea_Earl--2.jpg" width="2400" height="3000" style="height: auto; max-width: 120px;"/>
    
    
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Andrea Earl, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: long-term care, Medicaid, caregiving, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aearl@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aearl@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-317-4756</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@andrea_earl</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Stephanie Mace, State Advocacy Manager</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">Key policy areas: broadband, utilities, consumer protections.</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:smace@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">smace@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">979-224-0766</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@stephaniemacetx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Ashley Ford, Volunteer engagement and recruitment</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:aaford@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aaford@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-431-7402</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@advoc8tx</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p><div class="Enhancement"  data-hide-credits data-hide-caption>
            
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        </div><p></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><b>Mark Hollis, Communications</b></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:mhollis@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mhollis@aarp.org</a></span></span></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">512-574-3739</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center">@scribemark</p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Texas. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/texas/" target="_blank">AARP Texas</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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