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By Jane Margesson
AARP Maine Communications Director
Creating change is not always easy, but often it takes just one person to make a huge difference. This year, why not let that person be you? If you would like to make your voice heard on issues in Maine that matter to you and your family, staying in touch with your elected officials is a great way to begin. Writing letters and making phone calls to your legislators about the issues you care about can be very empowering and this simple action step can also have an enormous impact.
Each year, thousands of Mainers help shape the course of legislative action at the state and federal level by contacting their legislators and members of Congress on critical issues.
When you write or call, legislators listen. Often it is this personal involvement that makes the difference between success and failure when it comes to legislative initiatives. Whatever you feel passionate about – health care, caregiving, utility costs, etc. – taking the time to be a part of the legislative process is very important.
In 2017, AARP Maine’s legislative priorities include senior housing, consumer protections and fair utility rates. In addition, we are focusing much of our efforts on the concerns of family caregivers.
Many caregivers have a tough time balancing their work, home life and caregiving duties. We want to work with family caregivers across Maine to ensure that the supports needed to care both for their loved one, and for themselves, are in place.
To this end, AARP Maine is leading the charge on a Family Caregiving Tax Credit to help with some of the many unexpected caregiving expenses. With Maine being home to more than 178,000 caregivers, we know we represent many individuals and their families when we go to Augusta.
Speaking of Augusta, our bi-weekly “Tuesday’s at the Statehouse” event is an easy and accessible way for AARP members to become more familiar with the workings of the Maine State House. Get a tour of the statehouse so you know your way around, hear about pending legislation AARP Maine is working on and find out how you can help.
We’ll even treat you to lunch! Join us every other Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Cross Building and join us to observe the House or Senate, mingle in the halls and say hello to your legislator. Please send an email to me@aarp.org if you would like to participate.
We look forward to hearing from you! Let’s work together to make sure our voices are heard in 2017.
