En español | WASHINGTON, DC—AARP Chief Executive Officer Jo Ann Jenkins today issued the following statement in response to President Trump signing the bipartisan Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act (S. 1091):  

“AARP thanks President Trump for signing the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act. The federal advisory council that this bipartisan bill creates will be invaluable in supporting the more than 2.6 million grandparents today who are trying to create stable home environments for their grandchildren.   

“We also extend our deep appreciation to Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Casey (D-PA) and Representatives Peter King (R-NY) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) for working together to address the needs of our nation’s grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. Unfortunately, the ongoing opioid epidemic has increased the number of grandparents needing information and resources.

“The federal advisory council that this bill creates will provide a vital source of information and resources for grandparents who need assistance on legal custody, available social services, mental health counseling, and other vital programs.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

For further information: Greg Phillips, 202-434-2560, gphillips@aarp.org, @AARPMedia