ANSWER
One of the most well-known interest groups in the US that promotes the welfare of those 50 and older is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). With a large number of members, AARP has a big say in how public policy is shaped around health care, social security, and other problems that affect older individuals.
Techniques for Getting Policymakers to Pay Attention
AARP uses a variety of strategies to sway lawmakers:
Lobbying: In order to promote laws that benefit senior citizens, AARP keeps up a strong lobbying presence, speaking with lawmakers directly. AARP’s significant lobbying spending in 2024 demonstrated their dedication to influence social security and health care policy.
AARP
Grassroots Mobilization: AARP uses its large membership base to launch grassroots initiatives aimed at influencing lawmakers and influencing public opinion. These initiatives consist of coordinated outreach to elected officials, petitions, and letter-writing campaigns.
Public Education and Advocacy: AARP shapes public conversation and indirectly influences policy decisions by educating the public on topics impacting older individuals through publications, ads, and public service announcements.
Principal Challenges
Despite its impact, AARP still confronts a number of obstacles:
Political Polarization: AARP may find it more difficult to garner bipartisan support for its programs in the current divisive political environment.
Competing Interests: AARP frequently faces off against other influential interest groups that may have different legislative objectives, including the pharmaceutical business.
Public Perception: Some contend that AARP’s commercial endeavors, such as endorsing insurance products, could be in opposition to its advocacy work and thus damage the organization’s reputation.
Investing
AARP’s lobbying expenditures demonstrate its financial commitment to activism. AARP’s annual lobbying expenditures have been substantial, with $13,680,000 disclosed in 2021, according to OpenSecrets. These monies are used to influence laws pertaining to social security, health care, and other matters that affect senior citizens.
Statements of Position and Lobbying Activities
The official AARP website offers comprehensive position statements on a number of topics, such as retirement security, prescription medication costs, and health care reform. For example, AARP has been outspoken in its support of the preservation and expansion of Social Security and Medicare, highlighting the necessity of accessible healthcare and stable finances for senior citizens.
AARP has stepped up its lobbying efforts in recent years to combat the soaring costs of prescription drugs, pushing legislation that would empower Medicare to negotiate drug pricing and curb seniors’ out-of-pocket spending. These programs are a component of AARP’s larger plan to improve older folks’ quality of life by advocating for policies.
In conclusion
When it comes to fighting for the rights of senior citizens, AARP remains a powerful force. Through public education, grassroots organizing, and smart lobbying, AARP aims to influence policy decisions that affect social security, health care, and other important areas. Despite obstacles including conflicting interests and political divisiveness, AARP’s significant lobbying spending and active participation in legislative discussions demonstrate its dedication to its purpose.
QUESTION
- Select an interest group (AARP, AHIP, Coalition for Health Services Research, Emergency Nurses Association, Pharma)
- Discuss how they are pushing their agenda (i.e., mechanisms used to influence policy makers), key obstacles, and spending (consult the Center for Responsible Politics, www.opensecrets.org)
- Investigate the interest group’s website and review their position statements, testimony, and consult media reports to obtain more information on the group’s lobbying efforts.
Submission Requirements:
- Presentation is original work and logically organized. Followed current APA format including citation of references.
- PowerPoint presentation with 5 slides were clear and easy to read. Speaker notes expanded upon and clarified content on the slides.
- Incorporate a minimum of 4 current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work.