AARP

Wisconsin's debate over the next state budget is far from over, but the spending plan outlined by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has strong support from advocates of older residents.

Helen Marks Dicks, state issues advocacy director for AARP Wisconsin, said her group was encouraged to see provisions like a tax credit for family caregivers as well as $200 million to enhance broadband internet access.

Michigan is ahead of most states in its COVID-19 vaccination work, but there's still a long way to go.

More than 1 million doses have been administered so far, the seventh-most among states. Right now, health-care providers, educators and other front-line essential workers can be vaccinated, along with people age 65 and older.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in family members needing to step up as caregivers for their loved ones.

COVID-19 continues to ravage Wisconsin, and it's not just hospitals pleading for extra help and for residents to embrace safety protocols.

Advocates for caregivers, especially those assisting loved ones, are asking state leaders to provide more support.

Helen Marks Dicks, advocacy director of state issues with AARP Wisconsin, noted the state has nearly 600,000 unpaid family caregivers.

AARP Wisconsin is launching a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support Wisconsinites age 50 and up as they vote in the 2020 elections.

Called "Protect Voters 50+, the campaign provides information on where candidates stand on issues for older Americans.

AARP spokesperson Jim Flaherty talks about two key points: safety and information..

People with low-to-moderate income, including seniors, can have their taxes prepared at no cost thanks to local volunteers.

Trained and certified volunteers, through the AARP Tax-Aide Program, will provide free 2019 Federal and State Income Tax and state Homestead Credit preparation including electronic filing.

Bill Vancos says the program has save people some money...

According to a new poll released by AARP Wisconsin, seventy-seven percent of Wisconsin small business owners are supportive of a retirement savings program that would help employees save for retirement at their jobs. Nearly half of small business owners expressed concern about their employees having enough money saved for retirement.

Advocacy Director at AARP Wisconsin Lisa Lamkins says most small businesses would help out..

Rhinelander resident Bill Vancos has been given AARP Wisconsin's top honor, the "2019 Andrus Award for Community Service".

Vancos has worked as a volunteer for many years primarily with the AARP Tax-Aide program, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry and Rhinelander Historical Society among other efforts.

Vancos is a life-long Rhinelander resident and worked for many years at Wausau Paper's Rhinelander mill.

AARP Wisconsin spokesperson, Jim Flaherty says Vancos shows the many positive traits of a great volunteer...