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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from" name="description"/> <meta content="Wise, friends, fierce, defenders, 2025, Legislative, Priorities" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/colorado/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities-co-2025-01-07.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta property="og:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from" name="description"/> <meta content="Wise, friends, fierce, defenders, 2025, Legislative, Priorities" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/colorado/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities-co-2025-01-07.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta property="og:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.
This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:
Caregiving
Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.
Livable Communities
Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.
Health Security & Healthy Living
Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.
Pocketbook Issues
Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.
It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.
This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the AARP Colorado page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. MT
Online Event
Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT
Online Event
Friday, Jan 17, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. MT
Online Event
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from" name="description"/> <meta content="Wise, friends, fierce, defenders, 2025, Legislative, Priorities" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/colorado/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities-co-2025-01-07.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta property="og:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from" name="description"/> <meta content="Wise, friends, fierce, defenders, 2025, Legislative, Priorities" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/colorado/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities-co-2025-01-07.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta property="og:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from" name="description"/> <meta content="Wise, friends, fierce, defenders, 2025, Legislative, Priorities" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/colorado/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities-co-2025-01-07.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta property="og:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from" name="description"/> <meta content="Wise, friends, fierce, defenders, 2025, Legislative, Priorities" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/colorado/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/wise-friends-fierce-defenders-2025-legislative-priorities-co-2025-01-07.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities "/> <meta property="og:description" content="More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home."/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45203b2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/800x514+0+143/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fea%2F17%2F5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14%2Fadvocacy-bills.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wise friends, fierce defenders: 2025 Legislative Priorities </h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 01/07/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/ea/17/5e234a8e408a889e515ce7fdbc14/advocacy-bills.jpg" alt="An illustration showing a handful of people reviewing legislation." width="800" height="800"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><br>More than 670,000 AARP members call Colorado home.<br><br>This legislative session, AARP Colorado’s advocacy team, which includes staff and volunteers from around the state, will be hard at work in four core areas – supporting family caregivers, striving for Coloradans of all ages to be able to age as they choose in their communities, working toward health security for people of all ages to live a healthy life, and being wise friends and fierce defenders on pocketbook issues. Here is how you can expect our team to show up in support of those 670,000 members and their communities:<br><br><b>Caregiving</b><br><br>Chances are you know a family caregiver – even if they do not call themselves one. We are talking about the friends and family members who do everything from helping a loved one get to the doctor’s office to assisting with wound care after a procedure. AARP Colorado looks for legislative opportunities to make caregiving easier. Beyond helping a constituency of more than 600,000 caregivers in the state, it makes fiscal sense. Caregivers alleviate stressors on state and federal systems, including Medicaid and local Area Agencies on Aging.<br><br><b>Livable Communities</b><br><br>Last year, AARP Colorado worked hard to make constructing accessory dwelling units – an increasingly popular alternative to long-term care – easier. Policies that improve the built environment may also give homeowners more options and help our communities thrive. AARP believes older Coloradans should be able to affordably downsize, if they choose. At AARP CO, we stand up for issues that address social isolation, increase housing security, and much more.<br><br><b>Health Security & Healthy Living</b><br><br>Colorado is an incredibly active state, and older Coloradans fully embrace what makes our state conducive to living a healthy lifestyle. From a policy perspective, AARP’s advocacy team looks for opportunities to make great strides and bolster work that empowers older Coloradans to live healthy. This looks like defending the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), as live-saving and health-improving prescriptions only work if people can afford them. It also means that agencies providing a wide array of health services have the resources they need to be effective.<br><br><b>Pocketbook Issues</b><br><br>Repeatedly, we are told of this year’s state budget fiscal challenges. Beyond the impending budgetary shortfalls, the advocacy team is looking out for legislation that does good for the financial wellbeing of older Coloradans. Related issues include preventing scams and frauds perpetrated with new technology, like cryptocurrency ATMs. We will also evaluate proposals related to junk fees, price gouging, and other issues that matter for financial security.<br><br>It will likely be a busy legislative session, but it will be a productive one for AARP Colorado and its members. With numerous new members joining the CO General Assembly, we are excited to get to know our new legislators, and for them to get to know AARP Colorado.<br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Colorado. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank">AARP Colorado</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DENVER-CO">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Colorado Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Denver</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:COAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">COAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Colorado</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-the-colorado-state-office/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DENVER-CO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.colorado" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpco" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpco/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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