Working to protect our at-risk neighbors

To the editor:
    This year, I was one of a team of volunteers who worked with AARP in Augusta during the legislative session. Our goal was to address critical issues on behalf of the 228,000 AARP members in Maine. I enjoyed serving as an advocate for those 50-plus in our state, especially for those who may not feel they have a voice in Augusta. Our team worked hard to make their voices heard and to make a difference. We attended committee hearings and testified on certain issues.
    Right from the start, the programs being considered for massive cuts were the programs upon which our most at-risk neighbors rely including the Medicare Savings Program and Drugs for the Elderly Program. These are among the services that help seniors stay in their own homes and communities.
    Our team and many AARP members opposed the proposed cuts. In the end, 6,000 older Mainers will lose their program benefits. While that’s better than the 72,000 seniors who would have originally been affected by the cuts, that is still 6,000 too many.
    We also followed other bills of importance to seniors in Maine and tackled issues such as elder abuse, long-term care and telecommunication deregulation. Our team testified against the proposed telecommunication deregulation which would have been terrible for low-income residents and those in rural communities. Mainers could have been subjected to reduced services and higher rates, but our efforts resulted in better consumer protections.
    We are always looking for new volunteers and there is more information about our work at aarp.org/maine. Thank you to all our volunteers who really made a difference during the 2012 legislative session. See you next year!
Rena Heath, volunteer
AARP Maine
Hallowell