Advocates for unpaid family caregivers in Maine say they ll need continued support beyond the recently passed paid family and medical leave program. Caregiving can be a full-time job with many out-of-pocket expenses, like paying for gas to get to a doctor s appointment or ensuring a parent has enough food in their fridge. Bridget Quinn, associate state director for advocacy and outreach with AARP Maine, said state grants to help caregivers with up to $5,000 in expenses will end next year, and lawmakers need to start considering ways to ensure that help continues. .
Bipartisan legislation that proposes the installation of solar panels in schools across Pennsylvania awaits a vote in the state Senate. The Solar for Schools bill aims to combat climate change and invest in education. Fewer than 2% of Pennsylvania s nearly 7,000 schools are powered by solar energy. .
Many older residents of Washington state are facing strains on their budgets and the government programs that could assist them are underused. An assistance program like the Senior Property Tax Exemption is a prime example. King County Assessor John Wilson cited the median value for a home in his county as about $790,000. .
New Mexico activists are tapping today s World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, to announce they ll ask the State Legislature to provide more money for treatment and prevention. Equality New Mexico Executive Director Marshall Martinez voiced concern that many primary care providers fail to prescribe treatments known as PrEP and PEP, perhaps worried that they are specialized and complex. .
Bloomington and Indianapolis are getting some international recognition for the work they re doing to help the environment. The two have been named "A List Cities" by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. Only 119 cities and counties worldwide got A List designation this year, for "bold leadership on environmental action" and transparency about their plans. .