AARP Idaho Stakes Out Legislative Priorities for 2012 Session

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Idaho's 2012 legislative session is just underway and with all the noise at the statehouse, one of the Gem State's largest membership association, representing the most active voting demographics, has a few things it wants legislators to pay keen attention to.  Today, AARP Idaho is releasing its 2012 legislative agenda list highlighting some key concerns and issues of the state's 50+, such as soaring utility rates, high health insurance costs, and addressing critical aging issues. 

"Kitchen table economic issues, utility bills, health insurance costs, continue to be some of the most pressing concerns for Idaho's 50+ and they are looking to their state lawmakers to address them this session," said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho.  "Idahoans are also extremely concerned about aging issues, such as Alzheimer's disease, and are hoping the state can get a plan in place to help address the issue."  

AARP Idaho 2012 Legislative Agenda:

Giving Consumers a Voice in Utility Rate Hike Fights:  Idaho is currently the only state in the West (and one of a handful nationwide) lacking a consumer utility advocate to represent residential consumers and small businesses, such as family farms, in utility rate hike and regulatory cases.  As a result, while utility companies and others can spend big money to hire lawyers and experts in order to get their way, residential consumers and small businesses are continually left unrepresented in rate hike proceedings.  AARP says it's time to change the "pay-to-play" game by leveling the field for all Idahoans by establishing the office.  With over 40% of the state's 50+ reporting difficulty paying their utility bills, this issue will be AARP Idaho's top legislative priority.

Planning for Alzheimer's: Idahoans living with Alzheimer's would fill Bronco stadium, a number that will double in just 14 years.  The Gem State has one of the highest death rates due to the disease in the nation and is projected to have the 5th highest increase in Alzheimer's in the nation, yet doesn't have a plan in place to address growing concern.  AARP is working with the Idaho Alzheimer's Planning Group to change that scenario, and urging lawmakers to pass a plan to deal with the burden the disease places on patients, caregivers and government.

Addressing Health Insurance Cost Woes:  Idahoans are struggling with soaring health insurance costs, and according to a new AARP survey, over half of all registered voters ages 30-64 reported difficulty paying their monthly premiums. A health care exchange is an idea that is supported by over 80% of those surveyed – the exchange would allow individuals and small businesses to find better, more affordable plans, and get the same deal big businesses do on health insurance for employees.  Idaho lawmakers stand at a crossroad between addressing the issue by establishing an Idaho-based solution using federal dollars, or letting the federal government establish one, with Idaho losing the opportunity for input, guidance and oversight for the exchange.  AARP stands in strong support of lawmakers backing a state-based exchange, and so do the majority of voters.  

AARP will also closely monitor those issues impacting the state's 50+ population including, health care, employment benefits, and financial security. 

"Our members are looking to us to keep them informed and engaged on the issues they care about," added Wordelman. "AARP plans to raise the presence and voice of the 50+ in the statehouse this year."

AARP is Idaho's largest membership organization with over 180,000 members.

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SOURCE AARP Idaho