News From Nevada

AARP in Your State

June 2009

Employers unprepared — More than seven out of 10 employers in Nevada's three most populous counties said they are likely to experience problems finding qualified workers over the next five years, an AARP survey found. Even so, almost half of the employers surveyed did not consider it important to retain existing workers, and less than half had processes in place to transfer worker knowledge when employees leave the company.

With many boomers set to leave the workforce, the resulting "brain drain" could present a serious challenge for many businesses. AARP Nevada is encouraging employers to consider flexible schedules, part-time positions and other innovative ways to meet older workers' needs.

For job-hunting resources, visit www.aarp.org/careers or www.aarp.org/nv.

May 2009

Forestalling foreclosures — In the state with the highest rate of foreclosures in the country, lawmakers are considering a bill (AB 149) that could help state residents facing possible foreclosure to remain in their homes.

Fifty-five percent of Nevada homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. AARP supports the legislation, which would give homeowners the right to request mediation to modify the loan. The lender would be prohibited from selling the property until mediation was completed. States that have enacted similar legislation have reduced the rate of foreclosures.

To become a grassroots activist for this and other AARP issues, go to www.aarp.org/getinvolved.

April 2009

Mega party planned — For the second time in five years, AARP's national member event is coming to Las Vegas. This year about 30,000 people are expected to attend Vegas@50+, Oct. 22-24.

AARP Nevada aims to recruit about a thousand volunteers by late summer to help out and have fun at the fall event. Each volunteer must participate in an orientation and training session and work a four-hour shift. Most jobs require standing, plus a long walk from the parking lot. The reward is free conference registration for the three-day event (excluding concerts) and a free meal during each assigned shift.

To express interest in volunteering, fill out a form at www.aarp.org/nv. For more information, e-mail nvaarp@aarp.org.

March 2009

Stop exploitation — State lawmakers are considering ways to prevent the misuse of the power of attorney.

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual to designate a trusted family member or friend to make financial decisions on the person's behalf if he or she becomes incapacitated. But advocates for older people say the document can become a "license to steal" if the designated agent is needy or greedy.

State Sen. Bernice Mathews, D, plans to introduce legislation that would set standards of conduct for designated agents and allow for prosecution of abuse. A recent report from AARP's Public Policy Institute urges states to adopt such laws, noting that older people are disproportionately exploited financially by agents holding powers of attorney.

To learn more about this and other legislation, sign up as a grassroots activist at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.

January-February 2009

Spend wisely — With the economic crisis crimping state budgets nationwide, AARP is urging lawmakers in many states—including Nevada, Oregon and Washington—to spend wisely and preserve health care and long-term care services.

When Nevada lawmakers begin a new legislative session in February, they must find ways to close a $1.2 billion shortfall for the two-year budget cycle that begins in July. Despite budget cuts in June 2008, additional cuts are expected. "Gov. Jim Gibbons [R] has proposed cuts of up to 34 percent in the next biennium," says AARP Nevada spokeswoman Deborah Jaquith. "Cuts this deep will devastate services across the state." AARP advocates maintaining health care programs funded by a mix of state and federal dollars.

In Oregon, legislators are grappling with a $140 million shortfall for the current biennium, while facing a $1.3 billion shortfall for the 2009-2011 budget. AARP is urging lawmakers to leverage federal funds and save the state money by preserving long-term care programs that offer a cost-effective alternative to nursing home care and enacting the Oregon Health Care Board's recommendations for health care reform. To learn more or to volunteer to help, go to www.aarp.org/or, or call 1-866-554-5360 toll-free.

In Washington, legislators returning to work Jan. 12 face a likely budget deficit of $5 billion for the 2009-2011 biennium. AARP and other advocacy groups fear that projected cuts of up to $600 million in state-funded programs could trigger corresponding losses of more than $1 billion in matching federal funds. To get involved in safeguarding health care and long-term care—including services that help people remain in their own homes as they age—visit www.aarp.org/wa.