Seniors • Stability • Dignity • Fairness
Seasoned Citizen Bill of Rights
A comprehensive plan to protect seniors from rising costs, strengthen healthcare and long-term care, and ensure older New Mexicans can age with security, independence, and respect.
After a lifetime of work, New Mexicans deserve stability, dignity and fairness — not uncertainty. This plan focuses on lowering costs, expanding access to care, protecting seniors from exploitation, and ensuring aging with dignity in every community, urban and rural alike.
1. Cost of Living:
“After a lifetime of work, no one should have to worry that rising prices will take away their dignity.”
Ideas
- No State Income Tax on Social Security
- Property Tax Cap for Seniors: Based on income, not home value.
- Inflation Rebate: Annual rebate if inflation is high.
2. Housing:
“Home should be a place of safety and comfort — not a source of stress as we age.”
Ideas
- Home Modification Grants: Up to $15,000 for safety upgrades.
- Property Tax Freeze at 65 years old: Taxes stay the same as when you turn 65 years old.
- Casita-for-Care Program: Build or rent a small home for caregivers.
- Rent Stabilization: Limit rent hikes for those 65+ years old.
3. Healthcare:
“Good healthcare means being seen and heard — without long waits or long drives.”
Ideas
- 48-Hour Telehealth Guarantee: Quick appointments.
- Prescription Cost Cap: State limits on drug prices.
- Coverage Expansion: Add dental, vision, and hearing.
- Mobile Health Clinics: Monthly visits to rural areas, similar to “Meals on Wheels”
4. Long-Term Care:
“Long-term care should protect independence, not take it away.”
Ideas
- State Insurance Option: Affordable coverage for home care.
- Home Care First Policy: Prefer home care over nursing homes.
- Caregiver Tax Credit: Recognize unpaid family caregivers.
5. Energy & Utilities:
“No one should be afraid to turn on the heat or air conditioning.”
Ideas
- Utility Bill Caps: Limit increases.
- Free Solar for Seniors: State covers installation costs.
- Weatherization Upgrades: Free insulation and efficiency improvements.
6. Transportation:
“Missing a medical appointment because you can’t get there should never happen.”
Ideas
- Free Public Transit: Statewide access city and Rail-runner.
- Medical Ride Guarantee: Ensure transport to appointments.
- Driver Safety Reform: Fair testing and retraining.
7. Safety & Trust:
“Seniors shouldn’t have to become fraud experts just to protect themselves.”
Ideas
- Elder Fraud Strike Force: Quick help and recovery.
- Plain English & Spanish Notices: Simple government communications.
- Senior Ombudsman: Authority to help in disputes.
8. Purpose & Community:
“Retirement doesn’t mean your experience stops mattering.”
Ideas
- Part-Time Service Roles: Seniors help students and businesses.
- Volunteer Credits: Reduce taxes or bills.
- Community Hubs: Social and educational spaces.
Join the Facebook conversation
Follow the campaign page for updates.