1 in 5 Older Voters Expected to Cast Ballots
in November Are Family Caregivers
WASHINGTON, June 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, one day before the first
presidential debate, hundreds of AARP employees and volunteers
from all 50 states and nearly two dozen actors from The Creative
Coalition will embark on Capitol Hill to urge elected
representatives to support family caregivers. According to a recent
poll of competitive congressional districts, family caregivers
account for 1 in 5 likely voters ages 50+ and cite financial
stress as top-of-mind ahead of November. The bipartisan Credit for
Caring Act, which AARP has fought hard for, would help cover the
$7200 that many families spend yearly
on out-of-pocket caring costs.
"During this election cycle, when voters ages 50+ will be the
deciding factor, we urge Congress to prioritize what matters most
to older Americans, such as caregiving," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and
Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. "This Congress has an
opportunity to pass bipartisan legislation that benefits over 48
million family caregivers nationwide, including the Credit for
Caring Act, which would provide them with much-needed financial
relief. As the voice of older Americans, we will continue
advocating for what matters most to this critical voting
bloc."
"Family caregivers like me make tough decisions all the time.
From driving a loved one to doctor's appointments to leaving a
full-time job, we put an enormous effort into making sure our older
loved ones can age comfortably," said Yvette Nicole Brown, Chair of The Creative
Coalition Entertainment Industry. "That's why TCC and I were
proud to join AARP on Capitol Hill today to talk face-to-face with
lawmakers about the daily challenges caregivers face — and how
commonsense policies can get us the support we need."
Other issues in focus for AARP will include the ongoing need to
lower prescription drug costs, improving retirement security,
advocating for nursing homes to live up to their name, and
protecting Social Security.
More than 48 million Americans -- 1 in 5 voters -- are
family caregivers doing everything from helping prepare meals and
paying bills to assisting with medication, medical tasks, and
general activities of daily living so that their loved ones can
choose to live independently in their homes.
The actors joining AARP are members of The Creative
Coalition, a nonprofit that tackles issues of direct importance to
the arts and entertainment industry – including
caregiving.
About AARP: AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit,
nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and
older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide
presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what
matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and
their families: health security, financial stability and personal
fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by
sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality
products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source
for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest
circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To
learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or
follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social
media.
About The Creative Coalition: Established in 1989 by
leading figures in the arts, The Creative Coalition stands as the
foremost 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan arts and entertainment
advocacy organization. Under actor and President of The Creative
Coalition Tim Daly, the organization educates, motivates,
and activates members on significant public issues and spearheads
impactful public service campaigns like #RightToBearArts to affirm
the power of the arts. The Creative Coalition's Entertainment
Industry Commission on Family Caregiving gives a voice to the
77% of voters who are, have been, or will be caregivers. Chaired by
Yvette Nicole Brown, the Commission amplifies the narratives of
caregivers through the power and unique platforms of the arts,
fostering an environment where their stories can be shared and
spotlighted. Discover more
at www.TheCreativeCoalition.org
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SOURCE AARP