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Day two of David Pecker testimony wraps in NY Trump trial; Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho's near-total abortion ban; ND sees a flurry of campaigning among Native candidates; and NH lags behind other states in restricting firearms at polling sites.

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The Senate moves forward with a foreign aid package. A North Carolina judge overturns an aged law penalizing released felons. And child protection groups call a Texas immigration policy traumatic for kids.

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Wyoming needs more educators who can teach kids trade skills, a proposal to open 40-thousand acres of an Ohio forest to fracking has environmental advocates alarmed and rural communities lure bicyclists with state-of-the-art bike trail systems.

Older North Dakotans Big Winners in Legislative Session

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Monday, May 13, 2019   

BISMARCK, N.D. – With the state legislature now adjourned, advocates for older North Dakotans are reflecting on a legislative session that saw big wins for the 50-plus crowd.

Josh Askvig, state director of AARP North Dakota, says the organization’s number one priority had been legislation that's been attempted three other times.

"The bill called the CARE Act would ensure hospitals provide information and demonstration of medical tasks that those 62,100 family caregivers are asked to perform at home once a loved one is discharged," he explains.

The CARE Act passed, and will become law in August.

Askvig says another major victory is a reduction in the state income tax on Social Security benefits that will impact an estimated 30,000 people.

And there were other measures intended to improve the lives of older adults, including investments in affordable housing, increased access to telemedicine, and a bill that brings banks into the fold of entities that report suspected fraud.

Through various other bills, Askvig says, financial and functional eligibility for state programs that were sometimes burdensome and shut people out of in-home care services will now be reduced.

"There's an enhancement of ensuring that no matter which location they try and access services that they'll receive the services in a timely manner,” he states.

Askvig maintains the success can be attributed to the concerted effort of AARP members and advocates, who he says came out in force during the session to talk with lawmakers.

"I think the results really just prove just how effective our member's voices can be when they speak up and say 'This is what's important to me and my community, and, state legislator, this is how you can help,'" he states.

AARP will be working over the coming months to educate people around the state about the new laws, and how they might be affected.

Disclosure: AARP North Dakota contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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