AARP IN YOUR STATE

Washington Bulletin State News

April 2008  

Mastering fate  – With health care costs rising and the number of uninsured people in the state at an all-time high, AARP Washington is launching a campaign to encourage residents to do everything they can to promote good health. Four “Stand Up for Your Health” seminars across the state will focus on individual choices that can lead to both healthier lifestyles and political change.  “Our nation’s health care system is broken, and too many Americans are just one illness away from financial ruin,” says John Barnett, AARP state president. “We want to be a catalyst for change, both legislatively and in individuals’ lifestyles.”  The free events, which include lunch, are slated for Spokane, May 7; Bellevue, May 21; Tri-Cities, June 4; and Vancouver, July 9. Preregistration is required. For details, go to www.aarp.org/wa or call 1-877-926-8300 toll free.

December 2007

Donor beware – With the season for charitable giving in full swing, AARP Washington has teamed up with Attorney General Rob McKenna, R, and Secretary of State Sam Reed, R, to help consumers give wisely and avoid scams."Every day another few requests for donations come in the mail and by phone," says Jason Erskine, AARP Washington communications director. "Sometimes it's hard to tell which groups are worthwhile or whether you have a con artist on the line."Important information includes how much the organization spends on fundraising; what percentage of its income goes to programs; and whether the charity is registered with the state. For answers, go to www.secstate.wa.gov/charities or call the state's Charities Hotline at 1-800-332-4483. To order a free "Check Before You Give" tool kit, call AARP Washington's Fraud Fighter Center at 1-800-646-2283.

November 2007

No on I-960 – While sound bites promoting Initiative 960 may sound appealing, the proposal could hamstring the legislature’s ability to respond to state needs, according to AARP Washington and a broad coalition of education, business, health care and public safety groups. The initiative would require a two-thirds legislative majority and a nonbinding public vote not only for tax increases but also for fund transfers — a common way to move money between agencies and programs as priorities change. “We all expect accountability and efficiency in state government, but I-960 is not the solution,” says Doug Shadel, AARP state director. Other groups advocating a no vote include the Washington State PTA, Children’s Alliance, Washington State Labor Council and Washington State Hospital Association.