Legislative News … Daniel Nnorth and Claudia Schott

The California Legislature is now on recess. However, AARP supported several California bills that the Governor signed into law before the recess:

  • AB 890 allows Nurse Practitioners to work without physician supervision.
  • SB 852 creates a government office to address shortages in the market for generic prescription drugs, to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and to increase patient access to affordable drugs.
  • SB 1196 prohibits contractors and business entities from price gouging in certain circumstances.
  • SB 1383 extends medical and family-leave protections to additional workers under the California Family Rights Act.

The focus now is on the U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).  AARP is asking members to write to Federal Representatives to let them know we are gravely concerned about the following issues:

USPS:

  • AARP has expressed growing concern that operational changes made at the Postal Service could compromise the health of older Americans as well as their ability to vote safely in the November elections.
  • The Postal Service needs to ensure timely delivery of all mail, including election-related mail, so voters who choose to vote by mail can do so safely and reliably.  Veterans, older adults, disabled Americans, and many rural residents rely on their mail to receive mail-order prescriptions, paper income checks, and other essential items, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Social Security:

Last month, the U.S. celebrated Social Security’s 85th birthday, and it deserves to be celebrated – and protected.

  • AARP is concerned about any suspensions of collecting payroll taxes, as it would impact Social Security and will not achieve its stated objective.
  • It is the only guaranteed source of lifetime income in retirement for most seniors.
  • AARP will never stop fighting to strengthen Social Security and make sure hard-working Americans get

the benefits they have earned.  Any attempt that puts Social Security in jeopardy will be met with fierce action from AARP and its 38 million members