AARP Statement on End of 2008 Legislative Session

Statement by AARP New York State Director Lois Aronstein

ALBANY, N.Y., June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by AARP New York State Director Lois Aronstein:

Governor Paterson and the State Legislature agreed to crucial measures in the 2008 State legislative session that will help thousands of New Yorkers. These measures include: an Rx Discount Card, Subprime Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention, ID Theft Protection, Seven New Caregiver Resource Centers, Patient Safety, Improving Adult Day Care Services, protecting Social Security and Disability Income benefits, and establishing a Home Care Worker Registry.

AARP is pleased that, under unprecedented circumstances, the Governor and the State Legislature found common ground on these issues to makeNew York a better place to live and age with dignity and independence.

However, AARP is very disappointed that the Governor and Legislative leaders could not agree on prescription drug marketing reforms. Without reform, the drug industry will continue to provide gifts to doctors to promote new, high cost drugs when older and cheaper drugs that are just effective are available.

AARP strongly believesNew York can no longer let the pharmaceutical industry dictate prescription drug marketing reform policy. AARP will hold numerous town hall meetings across the State over the summer and fall to inform our members about how their elected officials voted on this critical issue.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, theDistrict of Columbia,Puerto Rico, and theU.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP