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Here you can download materials to use as starting points for work in your own state. Examples of submission language and/or new language added to state party platforms can be found below.

Model language for a state party platform committee memo

This template is a memo you can use as a starting point for submission to a Platform Committee in your state. It is available in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. The memo is suitable for submission to any party. It includes basic suggestions that most people will be able to agree with in principle. Submission format is set up as a memo, but it could also be the base for an email message sent to the appropriate person. This example includes detailed footnotes and citations for facts.

Model language for a memo emphasizing family values and fiscal responsibilities

This template is a memo that uses language emphasizing family values and fiscal responsibilities. It is available in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. It will be most useful with audiences that want to stress those points. Submission format is set up as a memo, but it could also be the base for an email message sent to the appropriate person. This sample is based on a submission to the California Republican party. When you prepare your own resolution, either delete the facts that are specific to California, or include specific facts for your state. This example concentrates on policy statements and does not include detailed footnotes or citations.

Model language for a resolution

This template for a resolution is available in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. It shows how to include facts specific to your state along with general information. This resolution uses formal language with “Whereas” and “Therefore” sections. It includes detailed footnotes and citations for facts. In this sample we include some facts about Arizona. When you prepare your own resolution, either delete the facts that are specific to Arizona, or use the cited sources to find similar figures for your state.

Masterlist of suggested platform planks

This is a list of ideas for how to support family caregivers that you may want to propose to your state party. You can download this list of suggested platform planks in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.

How to classify your state party and choose model language

This PDF file explains how to classify your state party platform situation. It explains how different submission formats are needed depending on your specific situation. This overview helps you choose which model language to use as a starting point for work in your state.

Examples of actual state submissions

Here are samples of actual language submissions we have made in specific states.

Arizona Democratic Party

At the meeting on August 2nd, 2015, the following language was submitted for adoption:

“We support family caregivers and efforts to make family caregiving more feasible, affordable, and accessible, allowing seniors and others with disabilities to remain at home for as long as possible. To heal, age, and live in place. We support policies that recognize the impact that caregiving can have on workers in areas such as stress and absenteeism.”

California Democratic Party

The 2016 California Democratic Party platform included a caregiving bullet in the Health Care Section: “Recognize the physical and financial burdens of family caregivers and support legislation and programs to provide adequate training, assistive interventions, and financial safety nets such as employer savings and tax credits.”

You can read the 2016 platform at:
https://www.cadem.org/our-california/platform/body/2016-PLATFORM-20160228.pdf

Iowa Democratic Party 4th Congressional District

In some states, local party organizations below the state level adopt their own platforms. On April 30, 2016, the Iowa Democratic Party 4th Congressional District added caregiver support to the 4th District Platform. Points specific to caregiver support include Training and supports for caregivers, Caregiver tax credits, and Focus on living at home. The full plank on Aging and Disabilities appears on page 37 of the 4th Congressional District convention call book, which you can read at:

https://caregivercorps.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/idp4_convention_call_book_2016_april_30.pdf

Maine Democratic Party

Caregiver support was accepted on the 2016 Maine Democratic Party Platform. The specific plank is:

“Addresses the crisis in elder care by fostering an age-friendly environment through increased access by the elderly to care, through development of strong training and support for care givers, and through continuing support for Social Security and Medicare.”

The full 2016 platform can be found at:

https://www.mainedems.org/sites/default/files/documents/2016-proposed-platform.pdf

Mississippi Caregiver Support Resolution HC 100

In April, 2016, Mississippi House Concurrent Resolution HC 100 passed the Senate, the final step in Legislative approval. The resolution gives good background detail on the extent of caregiving needs in Mississippi and then resolves:

  • to commend and support the Caregivers Task Force in their zealous advocacy for senior citizens and individuals with special needs, and to support policies and initiatives to provide the support and training needed to make family caregiving more feasible, affordable and effective.
  • to encourage efforts at the state and national level to analyze population demographic trends to determine both current and future service requirements for care recipients and caregivers, and to permit data-driven policy and program recommendations about our aging populations and the workforce development needed to empower those who need care to heal, age and live in peace.
  • to encourage employers to establish policies that recognize the impact that caregiving can have on workers, encouraging employers to find ways to support their workers during difficult family times, and we encourage the creation of volunteer “Caregiver Corps” to provide nonmedical assistance and companionship to frail elders and others with disability at no public expense.

Details on the resolution are available at:

http://openstates.org/ms/bills/2016/HC100/

The text of the bill as adopted by the Mississippi Senate and House is available at:

http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2016/html/HC/HC0100SG.htm

Oregon Democratic Party

On December 1, 2015, we submitted language to the Oregon Democratic Party for both a platform change and a party resolution. On May 1, 2016, the Democratic Party of Oregon unanimously passed Resolution 2016-080 regarding support of family caregivers. This strong resolution became the DPO’s official policy on the subject. You can read the final resolution.

You also can review the submission process that led to the final result:

South Dakota Legislature Bipartisan Caregiver Resolution

In January, 2016, both houses of the South Dakota Legislature unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution supporting family caregivers. The hard-hitting resolution squarely lays out the challenges caregivers face both in South Dakota and nationally. It includes a strong set of policy recommendations that can be a model for other states.

Special thanks go to Republican Senator Arthur Rusch who spearheaded passage of the bill in the Senate. With the leadership of Democratic Representative Ray Ring, the House unanimously concurred. The stunning show of support across the aisle proves that family caregiving is an issue that can bring a community together.

You can read Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1 at:

https://sdlegislature.gov/docs/legsession/2016/Bills/SCR1P.pdf

Washington State Democratic Party

On March 26, 2016, a proposal was submitted to the Washington State Democratic Platform Committee to add a “Family Caregivers” section to the state platform. You can download the submission as a PDF file.

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