Organization is committed to issues that impact older Oregonians
Portland, OR—During the 2025 Oregon legislative session, AARP Oregon—representing over 500,000 members across the state—is set to advocate on a broad range of critical issues for Oregonians 50-plus and their families. State Director Bandana Shrestha says the organization is committed to championing issues that impact their members and all older Oregonians. “From combating age discrimination to ensuring protections for consumers, supporting family caregivers to expanding housing and transportation options, our staff and volunteers are ready to walk the halls of the Capitol and advocate tirelessly. We look forward to collaborating with state leaders to make our state more age-friendly so all Oregonians can thrive as they age.”
An AARP survey of Oregon workers 40+ found that 55% of workers had seen or experienced workplace age discrimination. More than 50% of those who had applied for a job were asked about their age, date of birth or graduation date, which is a barrier to getting a foot in the door for an interview. AARP Oregon is leading efforts to update the state’s workplace age discrimination law. The proposed bill (HB 3187) updates the definition of “age” to include retirement and pension status, salary and lengthy of service when they are used as a proxy for age discrimination and prohibits employers from requiring applicants to disclose their age or graduation date until the initial interview. HB 3187 already has 40 House and Senate sponsors. “Workplace age discrimination has no place in Oregon. Workers should be judged by their qualifications not their age,” said Shrestha.
Supporting family caregivers and helping older adults access needed care is another key focus for AARP this session. “Maintaining our independence as we age and having quality of life is important for older Oregonians,” Shrestha noted. The organization will advocate for legislation that invests in aging services, strengthens home and community-based services, enhances the long-term care workforce, and ensures quality care and protections for vulnerable Oregonians in long-term care facilities.
By 2034, Oregon will have more people over 65 than under 18, and Shrestha emphasized that the permanent demographic shift means taking proactive steps to become a more “age-friendly” state. “AARP Oregon supports a Multisector Plan for Aging that promotes healthy longevity, financial security, and livable communities,” she said. “We will also advocate for transportation and housing policies that support independent living, focusing on legislation that expands housing security for lower-income older adults.”
Backing legislation that supports financial resilience and enhances consumer protections is also a focus, including prescription drug affordability and protecting homeowners who have lost their homes to foreclosures so they can get fair distributions from surplus proceeds from the sale of those homes. “Pocketbook issues are front and center for our members and many older Oregonians,” said Shrestha.
About AARP Oregon: AARP Oregon is dedicated to empowering people aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a strong presence in the state, AARP Oregon advocates for policies that improve the lives of older adults and their families. Learn more at: aarp.org/or
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