According to AARP Arizona, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs is "spot on" with the policy improvements she says she ll prioritize for Arizona s long-term care facilities in this year s legislative session. Hobbs outlined her priorities in her State of the State address. Brendon Blake, director of advocacy with AARP Arizona, said his organization wants to see what he calls a "bipartisan consensus," to improve the state s long-term care system through strengthening licensing and enforcement policies, improving quality of care and enhancing reporting processes. .
January is Stalking Awareness Month and advocates said cases of unwanted or repeated surveillance or contact, often alongside intimidation and harassment often go underreported, especially in Ohio s rural counties. Shelby Lieber, survivor coordinator for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said according to the state s incident-based reporting system, agencies reported more than 1,500 cases of stalking related to 8,000 sexual assault incidents last year. Lieber pointed out the complexities around stalking can make reporting incidents to law enforcement difficult. .
This week, a Midwest health care system closure of two hospitals of two hospitals in western Wisconsin. Those who help transport older people to medical appointments said the situation underscores the need for volunteer drivers. The pending closures are in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. .
There are fewer than two weeks before registered Nevada voters get to cast their ballot in the state s first presidential preference primary on Feb. 6. The state s transition from a caucus to a preference primary was made with Assembly Bill 126 during the 2021 Legislative session. .
The New York HEAT Act is again making its way through the state Legislature. The bill aims to phase out gas-line extension allowances and gives the Public Service Commission authority to keep utility companies in line with the state s climate laws. In previous years, the bill has gotten far, clearing the Senate chamber in 2023. .