Governor Janet Napolitano unveiled 2 new programs for older Arizonans who are looking to continue in or return to the workplace, during an address today at the Governor’s Conference on Aging.
"The face of aging is changing, & we have to make sure older Arizonans have the supports they need to live with dignity & independence,” Governor Napolitano said. “Part of independence is having work & volunteer opportunities outside of the home. Arizona leads the nation in terms of the opportunities available to mature workers, & I’m excited about 2 new programs that will do even more for Arizona seniors.”
The Governor announced the creation of the AZ Mature Worker Job Bank and Resource Web site, online at azmatureworkers.com. Developed by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, this resource will provide a venue for the mature workers searching the job market & for the employers looking to hire them. Employers will also be able to post jobs on the site for free. The site was developed in partnership with Jobing.com, at no expense to Arizona taxpayers.
The Governor also unveiled a new program – Mature Worker-Friendly Employer Certification – which will provide special recognition to employers who commit to creating a workplace environment that values mature workers. The certification is also designed to assist employers in addressing projected labor force shortages.
These 2 programs add to the Governor’s previous initiatives that have improved care & quality-of-life for Arizona's seniors. In 2007, the Governor’s Office on Aging opened, quality ratings & surveys for every Arizona nursing home & assisted living facility were made available online at AZCareCheck.com, & the state’s Adult Protective Services program began investigating 100% of allegations of abuse. The Governor has also introduced the CoppeRx Card to provide Arizonans with discounts on prescription drugs, & has worked to move Arizona toward electronic prescription systems that lower health care costs & reduce potentially dangerous mistakes.
The Governor’s Conference on Aging is a biennial conference being held through Friday, May 16th, at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa & the Mesa Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Myth Busters: Breaking the Myths of Aging."