Groups advocating for older New Yorkers say a bill passed by the New York State Senate would help level the playing field for utility customers. Currently, when utilities go to the New York Public Service Commission to request a rate hike, they can apply to be reimbursed for items like expert witness fees and other costs associated with the proceedings. Bill Ferris, state legislative representative for AARP New York, said the legislation would give the same option to groups of ratepayers or nonprofits challenging rate increases. .
Pennsylvania lawmakers and community leaders gathered in Montgomery County Wednesday, urging the General Assembly to use $204 million in unspent American Rescue Plan funds to help older adults through property tax and rent rebates. Pennsylvania s Property Tax Rent Rebate Program has delivered more than $7 billion to older adults and people with disabilities for more than 50 years. Rep. .
Older Nebraskans will be keeping more of their hard-earned Social Security benefits even sooner, after Gov. Pete Ricketts signed Legislative Bill 873 into law. All state income taxes on Social Security checks will now be eliminated by 2025, five years earlier than outlined in a measure passed last year. .
Colorado residents in assisted-living facilities could soon have the same protections in place under federal law at nursing homes. Senate Bill 154 aims to protect some of the state s most vulnerable residents from being evicted or abruptly discharged, unless the resident needs a higher level of care than the facility can provide. Mary Fries, volunteer legislative advocate for AARP Colorado, said the number one grievance at assisted-living facilities is improper eviction and inadequate discharge planning. .