Wednesday, June 24, 2020
At AgeGuide, we advocate for older adults, weighing in on policy-making at the local, state and national level. We advocate to effect policy change that supports aging at home and in the community with maximum health, independence, and well-being. Our advocacy activities are designed to induce a change in attitude and stereotypes, legislation, and policies around older adults, adults with disabilities and those who care for them. As advocates for services and funding at the federal and state levels, AgeGuide informs older adults, caregivers and legislators of the impact of proposed legislation on people and services.
Advocacy Opportunities
Here’s what we’re working on right now. You can help!
Social Isolation and COVID-19 Survey
The following is a link to an international survey on loneliness connected to COVID-19 that was just launched. They need anyone age 18 and over to respond. You can help by filling this survey out yourself and sharing it widely.
Stimulus Funding
Join N4A and dozens of national organizations in a national call-in strategy to urge the Senate to continue prioritizing and providing relief for older Americans affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Call the Senate switchboard at 1-855-626-6011 and ask for your Senator. Ask them to help the older adults who are most affected by COVID-19. See last week’s N4A Advocacy Alert for details and an advocacy messages you can use to urge the Senate to act on the next round of critical funding. Please join us in calling the Senate THIS week!
Elder Abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was last week. We continue to spread awareness of this critical issue, especially as elder abuse reports have declined during the current shelter-in-place recommendations for older adults. Please ask your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act (H.R.6813/S.3703). This new legislation would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop materials designed to assist law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, medical personnel, victims services personnel, and others who encounter and support individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Click here to support this legislation.
Legislative Updates
Here’s the latest updates from Springfield to DC. Stay Informed!
Vote by Mail
On a positive note, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed SB 1863 into law on June 16th to provide vote by mail (VBM) applications to all recent voters in Illinois. Under the new law, all voters who cast a ballot in 2018 or more recently will automatically receive a vote by mail ballot in the mail or via email. The legislation also expands early voting hours at permanent polling places, improves the signature verification process and makes election day a state holiday. This legislation will make it safer for older adults to vote in future elections. This is especially significant during the global pandemic, which is likely to continue through the November general election.
LGBTQ+ Rights
June is Pride Month, which marks the celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning+ (LGBTQ+) individuals. Last week the Supreme Court in a landmark decision, added another reason to celebrate by ruling that LGBTQ+ people are protected from sex discrimination under the Civil Rights Act. Workplace inequality and discrimination are harmful to LGBTQ+ workers of all ages, and older adults are no exception. This decision is an important step toward protecting those older Americans who continue to contribute to the workforce and who deserve a fair opportunity for financial security.
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