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Government shutdown looms after Trump-backed bill fails; Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits; NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings; Need a mental health boost? Talking hot dog is here.

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President-elect Trump repeats his threats to jail Jan. 6th committee members, while also putting a stop-gap spending plan in jeopardy. A court removes Fani Willis from Trump's Georgia election interference case. The FAA restricts drones in New Jersey, and a Federal Reserve rate cut shakes markets.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Caregiving, financial security among top concerns of older SD voters

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Friday, September 13, 2024   

Voters over age 50 reliably show up to the polls in large numbers but sometimes candidates overlook them.

In 2020, 138,000 South Dakotans ages 45-64 voted, according to data from the research organization KFF, which is 66% of the age group, compared to only 45% of voters in their mid-20s to mid-30s.

Erik Gaikowksi, state director for AARP South Dakota, said because older voters are reliable, candidates do not always address issues they care about. Topics important this year include financial security, Social Security, Medicare and caregiving. Gaikowski noted about 80,000 South Dakotans are caregivers for family members.

"They're providing care and support for those loved ones," Gaikowksi pointed out. "Which also entails financial costs, stress, balancing their own job and families' needs between loved ones that they're caring for, but then also for themselves."

According to an AARP poll, 87% of women across the U.S. support paid family leave benefits for caregivers. Gaikowski noted support is especially important for caregivers in rural places, who often take on even more responsibilities.

Another big concern for older voters is whether they have enough money for retirement. A set of policy priorities released Monday by Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign said she would strengthen Social Security and Medicare by, as the campaign put it, "making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes." Former President Donald Trump has promised to protect both but has not presented a detailed plan.

Gaikowski emphasized it is important for older voters to be heard by candidates on the issues.

"Making them understand how their day-to-day lives are impacted by the decisions that are happening, whether that's in Pierre or in D.C.," Gaikowski urged.

He added information on South Dakota polling locations, deadlines and absentee ballots is available online from AARP South Dakota.

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


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