New Jersey Becomes 9th State Accepted into AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities
this is a bit dated, but I turned it up when doing research on taxes last night. May 3 is when the press release and award came out. There are numerous changes and advantages to seniors:
In preparation for New Jersey joining the Network, Governor Phil Murphy recently signed Executive Order No. 227 creating the Age-Friendly State Advisory Council, which will work to identify opportunities for creating livable communities for people of all ages in New Jersey, recommend best practices for age-friendly work and promote community inclusion.
The Council, which will be chaired by Acting Commissioner Adelman and will include representatives from the New Jersey Departments of Transportation, Community Affairs, and Health, and representatives from local government, community stakeholder groups, the business sector, and the higher education community.
The Governor’s proposed budget, meanwhile, reaffirms Governor Murphy’s commitment to New Jersey’s older adults and ensures access to health care by expanding the Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program to make prescription drugs more affordable. (Note: from the research I did last night, I believe this budget has passed and the following is included):
The Governor proposes increasing the income eligibility for PAAD and Senior Gold programs by $10,000, which will increase the number of seniors and others eligible by more than 20,000 residents.
Additionally, after expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 35 to 40 percent of the federal credit, the Governor’s budget proposes making senior citizens without dependents eligible for the EITC this year, effectively cutting taxes for seniors.
The budget plan would also increase hearing aid purchase reimbursement available under the state’s Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program from $100 to $500 per hearing aid per calendar year. Beneficiaries must be enrolled in the PAAD program or the Lifeline Utility Assistance program - or meet the eligibility criteria for those programs - to participate.
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Link to press release from Gov's office:
https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562021/approved/20210503e.shtml
