AARP IN YOUR STATE

BU Florida Bulletin State News

April 2008

Dollars and sense – AARP Florida is helping state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink promote financial literacy. The gyrations of today’s investment markets and a growing financial crunch could make older Floridians especially vulnerable to con artists, consumer advocates say. Financial regulators have seen evidence that high-pressure sales tactics are persuading some older residents to buy questionable annuities products that are not in their best interests. To alert Sink’s office about possible fraudulent practices, contact the Florida Department of Financial Services at 1-877-693-5236 (toll free in Florida) or 850-413-3030 from out of state.

March 2008

Painful budget cuts – With state lawmakers considering $2.6 billion in budget cuts, AARP Florida is fighting to preserve services for Floridians age 50 and older. As legislators return to work March 4, AARP Florida advocates and volunteers aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving minimum standards for hands-on nursing care and supporting home- and community-based services. Other issues at stake include proposed property tax cuts in a state that collects no statewide income tax but plans to bolster Florida’s catastrophe insurance fund. “With a very tight budget and deep cuts coming, our strategy this year is to protect recent gains,” says Lori Parham, AARP state director. For updates, visit www.aarp.org/fl/.

December 2007

Volunteer call – As the state's Jan. 29 presidential primary nears, AARP Florida is calling for volunteers of all ages to help clarify candidate positions on ensuring affordable health care and lifelong financial security for all Americans. As part of AARP's Divided We Fail campaign, volunteers will ask presidential candidates from both major parties to lay out detailed, specific suggestions for improving the American health care system and giving people the tools they need to achieve lifelong financial security, even with today's longer life spans. Other volunteers will solicit pledges from voters who support these goals and stories from those who have had a hard time getting affordable health care or achieving financial security. To volunteer, e-mail floridadwf@aarp.org or call AARP Florida at 1-866-595-7678 toll free.

November 2007

Valuing older workers – Seven out of 10 Florida business leaders who responded to a recent AARP online survey said it’s important to retain business knowledge when experienced employees retire, but only about half are taking steps to retain or recruit older workers. AARP Florida met with human resources managers from some of the state’s leading corporations in October to suggest ways to stem worker shortages as boomers retire. Accommodations for older workers include providing training to upgrade skills, reducing work schedules, offering flexible hours and hiring retirees as consultants.