To the Editor:

These days, there are very few things that both political parties agree on. So, when something receives unanimous bipartisan support in the New Jersey legislature, it’s worth paying attention to.

This week the New Jersey Assembly unanimously passed legislation to establish a New Jersey Caregiver Task Force (S2640/A4026). This task force will work to identify the services and supports that are currently available to caregivers and solicit input from family caregivers on where the shortfalls are based on the everyday, real work they do. The task force will develop recommendations to the governor and the legislature on the types of services and supports that our state’s 1.2 million unpaid family caregivers need to make their lives, and the lives of their loved ones, a little easier.

The State Senate has already passed the bill with unanimous approval. Now, the bill sits on the desk of Governor Christie awaiting only his signature.

AARP believes that it’s time to give back to our tireless caregivers who give so much of themselves to others each and every day. We urge Governor Christie to sign this important bill into law.

Evelyn Liebman

AARP New Jersey Associate State Director, Princeton