2017 State Legislative Agenda
Issue: Health Maintenance Tasks
Summary: The ability for a medical professional (M.D., APRN, R.N.) to delegate certain
maintenance tasks to a paid personal aide. These health maintenance tasks are activities that
can safely be performed according to exact directions, with no need to alter the standard
procedure, and the results are predictable.
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These include tasks that family members, who have no professional training, perform for
their loved ones every day in their own homes.
Paid personal assistants currently cannot help with these tasks. Therefore, if a friend or
family member is not available, a nurse is required to come to the person’s home. This is
often not practical, affordable, and/or sustainable.
Allowing health maintenance tasks to be performed by paid personal aides may well make
the difference in whether a person is able to receive safe and cost-effective care at home
and in the community or be forced into a care institution.
Issue: Broadband Access
Summary: Broadband fiber technology provides an essential infrastructure for delivering
ultra-high-speed broadband Internet capable of greatly improving access to education,
healthcare, business, economic development and overall quality of life.
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Hundreds of thousands of Tennessee households, mostly in rural areas, remain
underserved. Even more have only one provider option.
34% of rural residents are without coverage at recognized minimum standards due to low
population density and challenging geography.
Several bills introduced have varying solutions on how to meet Tennessee’s needs for
access.
AARP Tennessee
150 4th Ave., N., Suite 130
Nashville, TN 37219
www.aarp.org/tn
2017 State Legislative Agenda
Issue: Property Tax Relief
Summary: Property tax relief offers tax relief to approximately 137,000 Tennesseans. This
program reduces the property tax owed on a home for the elderly, disabled and 100%
disabled veteran.
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The program, since its inception, has been serving Tennessee’s neediest citizens.
Property tax relief serves three groups of Tennesseans: the elderly, the disabled and the
100% disabled veteran. Several bills have been filed to restore funds to one group,
excluding another. We support restoring funds to all groups, but not favoring one group at
the expense of another.
Issue: Work and Save
Summary: People are fifteen times more likely to save if they can do so through their place of
employment using payroll deductions, yet 1 in 2 Tennesseans employed by small businesses
do not have a pension or retirement plan.
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Plans are voluntary for both employer, and then for employee.
Workers have access to a simple way to save for retirement and fewer households will
need to rely on social services, which will save taxpayer dollars.
No ongoing costs for the state since plans are designed to be self-sustaining, and will be
participant-funded.
Plans will be operated in conjunction with the private sector, putting the power of the
market to work for small businesses.
AARP Tennessee
150 4th Ave., N., Suite 130
Nashville, TN 37219
www.aarp.org/tn
2017 State Legislative Agenda
Issue: Infrastructure Funding
Summary: Adequate roads and safe bridges are important assets. Attracting new jobs
requires solid infrastructure. Tennessee’s flat gas tax of 21.4 cents per gallon hasn’t been
updated since 1989.
 Due to inflation, the state comptroller estimates that amount (21.4 cents) is now worth
approximately 11 cents a gallon.
 The state has a backlog of projects, and it will take more than 50 years to complete at the
current funding level.
Issue: Interstate Licensure Medical Compact
Summary: The proposed policy offers a new, expedited pathway to licensure for physicians
who wish to practice in multiple states.
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Increases access to healthcare for patients in underserved or rural areas
Allows patients in rural or underserved areas to more readily connect with medical
experts through the use of telemedicine technologies.
The compact strengthens public protection by making it easier for states to share
disciplinary actions.
AARP Tennessee
150 4th Ave., N., Suite 130
Nashville, TN 37219
www.aarp.org/tn