News From Utah

AARP in Your State

November 2009

True representation — With a new Census on the horizon and redistricting to follow, AARP Utah is supporting an effort to put a Fair Boundaries initiative on the November 2010 ballot. The measure would establish an independent commission to redraw district lines for state and federal elections. In addition, it would set anti-gerrymandering standards, keep communities intact and make the process open to the public.

Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating district lines to give political advantage to one party over another. Currently, the legislature is in charge of redistricting, which critics say can allow incumbents to choose their voters.

To help gather signatures to put the measure on the ballot, go to www.fairboundaries.org.

October 2009

Standards of conduct — As part of a coalition called Utahns for Ethical Government, AARP is supporting a citizens' initiative that aims to ensure that legislators represent their constituents rather than special interests. Coalition volunteers are gathering 100,000 signatures to put a measure on the November 2010 ballot that would establish a nonpartisan commission to set ethical standards for lobbying, campaign finance and legislators' behavior.

In a recent report on rules for financial disclosure among legislators, Utah ranked 47th among the 50 states, according to the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit investigative journalism organization in Washington, D.C.

To join in the effort to raise the bar on ethical standards for Utah legislators, go to www.utahethics.org or www.aarp.org/utah.

May 2009

Connect to serve — AARP is calling on members to sign up for Utah Communities Connect to Serve events. Volunteer activities will take place this month in 10 regions across the state as part of AARP's commitment to provide recreational, service and social activities for members.

Similar events last year involved volunteers in efforts such as cleaning up trails and planting urban gardens. One of this year's events will be a community-wide yard sale to benefit a food bank. To find out what's happening in your region, go to www.aarp.org/ut or call Gail Goodwin, AARP program assistant, at 1-800-448-3616.