AARP Online Community: AARPMD - My Journals & Blogs

AARP BACKS RE-REGULATION OF UTILITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2008

CONTACT

Tiffany Lundquist, AARP Maryland

410-895-7614 (office)

410-869-2204 (cell)

tlundquist@aarp.org

AARP BACKS RE-REGULATION OF UTILITIES

BALTIMORE — AARP Maryland Senior State Director Joseph DeMattos, Jr., released the following statement today in support of the Maryland Electricity Re-regulation and Energy Independence Act of 2009. The bill (Senate Bill 795/House Bill 1312) was introduced today in Annapolis by sponsoring Senators E.J. Pipkin (R-Queen Anne’s) and Jim Rosapepe (D-Prince George’s).

“State leaders simply must take action now to bring down and stabilize electricity rates for Maryland consumers. There is no simple solution, but re-regulation is our best bet.

“De-regulation did not bring the lower prices consumers were promised. Marylanders are struggling to pay their electricity bills, and the impact is especially great on older people living on fixed incomes.

“Utility companies offer complicated explanations for why our bills are so high. Instead of explaining away the problem, this legislation moves to fix it – to lower electricity rates and protect consumers with long-term affordability and availability.

“Ten years is long enough for the de-regulation experiment. AARP is committed to working with legislators and regulators to take charge of Maryland’s energy future.”

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Added: February 23, 2009
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Police Investigate a Series of Diversion Scams

Neighbors: Our community officer here in Silver Spring asked that this warning be distributed, though the scams have not occurred in Silver Spring:

Detectives from three District Investigative Sections are investigating three incidents of theft diversion scams targeting elderly couples in Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Bethesda. Detectives believe they may be related and committed by the same group of suspects.

In all three incidents, a suspect is dressed in a dark blue uniform and claims to be a government employee. In two of the incidents, he told the victims that their neighbor’s home had a flood and he would need the victims to accompany him to the basement of the home to inspect their water pipes. While the suspect and the victims are in the basement, two additional suspects enter the home and search for cash to steal. In the third incident, the suspect again claimed that a neighbor had a flood, but he wanted to check the water pressure in the victim’s home.

The first two incidents described above occurred on February 3 within an hour of each other. The first incident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the 1900 block of Stanley Avenue in Rockville. This incident involved an 85-year-old female victim and a 99-year-old male victim. The second incident occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the 4400 block of West Virginia Avenue in Bethesda. This incident involved an 83-year-old female victim and a 90-year-old male victim. The third incident occurred on February 9 at approximately 12:00 p.m. in the 16600 block of South Westland Avenue in Gaithersburg. This incident involved a 72-year-old female victim and an 80-year-old male victim.

The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male, in his 30’s, 5’6” to 5’8” tall, with a thin build, and short black hair. He is wearing a dark blue shirt and dark blue pants. He is wearing what appears to be a yellow name badge with a picture. The second suspect is described as a Hispanic male, in his 30’s, with a medium build, and short black hair. He is wearing dark blue clothing. The third suspect is described as white male, in his 50’s, with a heavy build, and gray hair.

Anyone who has information about the thefts and/or the suspects is asked to call the 5^th/6^th District Investigative Section at 240-773-6237. Callers may remain anonymous.

Added: February 17, 2009
Views: 145 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Maryland Tax Day!

Find a Free Tax Aide Preparation Location Near You!

The tax service is offered by trained IRS certified AARP volunteers who can address most of the tax issues faced by low-and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older.

Since 1980, the program has operated under a cooperative agreement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of its Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. The program is available from February 1st through April 15^th.With a special Maryland Tax Day scheduled for February 28^th, 2009, with walk-in sites statewide.

To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site in your community, call the toll free number at 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) or visit their website at www.aarp.org/taxaide

Added: January 30, 2009
Views: 188 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Joe DeMattos Accepts Proclamation from Salisbury Mayor

CONTACT: Shelley Buckingham

sbuckingham@aarp.org

410-895-7606

December 17, 2008, SALISBURY, --Joseph DeMattos, Jr., senior state director of AARP Maryland accepts a proclamation from Salisbury Mayor Barrie Tilghman in support of Divided We Fail, the association’s campaign to engage Americans to encourage elected officials to find broad-based, bipartisan solutions to the most compelling domestic issues facing our nation – health care and lifetime financial security.

Mayor Tilghman pledged to make health care and financial security a top priority by signing onto the Divided We Fail platform at an earlier meeting with DeMattos and AARP Maryland’s President Elect Lee Hammond. Mayor Tilghman joins thousands of Marylanders who have signed the Divided We Fail pledge.

AARP has launched Divided We Fail to raise the voices of millions of Americans who believe that health care and life-time financial security are the most pressing domestic issues facing our nation. Learn the issues, add your voice and find out how you can get involved at www.dividedwefail.org.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Added: December 17, 2008
Views: 173 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

New AARP survey shows impact of caregiving in Maryland!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2008

CONTACT: Shelley Buckingham, (410) 895-7606, sbuckingham@aarp.org

CAREGIVERS IN MARYLAND CALL FOR INCREASED FUNDING, SUPPORT

AARP survey shows extent, impact of family caregiving in state.

Baltimore, MD – Marylanders providing care to family members or loved ones need information on available resources for caregivers and say it is important that state funding for home & community-based services be increased, according to a survey released today by AARP Maryland. More than 350,000 AARP members in Maryland are or have been caregivers.

The survey found that most caregivers have made work or personal sacrifices to provide care, including going into work late or leaving early, being distracted at work, and giving up vacations, hobbies, social activities and exercise.

“Family caregivers are estimated to be providing over $6 billion in unpaid care to older adults in Maryland each year,” said Joseph DeMattos, Jr., AARP Maryland Senior State Director. “These individuals are providing a service which is invaluable – both to their loved ones and to society at large. But they need more support.”

Sixty percent of current caregivers are caring for their parents or their spouse’s parents, most often providing support with transportation, household chores, companionship and medical care.

While nearly half (49 percent) acknowledge that providing care is emotionally stressful, only about 16 percent say they have used respite care, a service that gives them a short break from their caregiving responsibilities. More than half say that information on respite and available resources for caregivers would be extremely or very helpful.

Eight in ten members say it is important that funding for home & community-based services be increased; nearly seven in ten would be more likely to vote for a candidate for state office who supports such an increase.

The survey was conducted by mail in August and September 2008, and released in conjunction with a leadership roundtable on caregiving hosted by AARP Maryland today. The complete results can be viewed on-line at http://www.aarp.org/mdcaregiving

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.

Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Businesses are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

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Added: December 15, 2008
Views: 167 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Operation Energy Save

Help a Neighbor Save Money on Energy Costs

The weather is getting colder, and many of your friends, family and neighbors may be struggling to pay their rising heating and electric bills.You can help by volunteering through Operation Energy Save!

Operation Energy Save isan easy way for individuals to help their neighbors save money on energy costs in cold weather. Just use follow the instructions in an easy-to-understand information toolkit that includes a detailed checklist, instructional guide and easy tips proven to reduce energy costs.

To get your project started, just download the Operation Energy Save materials by visiting www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.

Added: December 2, 2008
Views: 164 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

2008 Andrus Award

PIKESVILLE RESIDENT HONORED WITH STATEWIDE AARP VOLUNTEER AWARD

Baltimore – Erwin “Erv” Sekulow of Pikesville is the recipient of AARP in Maryland’s 2008 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. He has led the group for six years as the president of AARP in Maryland’s Executive Council, a volunteer board.

“Erv has served as AARP’s lead volunteer in Maryland and has truly been indispensable to AARP, and to me personally,” said Joseph DeMattos, Jr., AARP Maryland Senior State Director. “His long tenure and dedication, coupled with his unflaggingly positive spirit, are an inspiration to all who work with him — in Maryland and across the nation.”

In his role as state president, Sekulow advises on AARP activities in Maryland, co-chairs AARP’s Maryland Executive Council, and has helped shape statewide work on Medicare Part D outreach, utilities reform, and health care expansion. He has served as a spokesperson on numerous campaigns including the Divided We Fail initiative.

Sekulow has participated each year in the Association’s Day of Service, when AARP staff and volunteers support hands-on service projects in their communities. He is also an active volunteer with Experience Corps, which mentors Baltimore City public school students.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, named for AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, recognizes volunteers who in the last year have made a difference in their communities in ways that support AARP’s mission, vision, and strategic direction and that inspire others to volunteer. The award will be formally presented to Sekulow during a luncheon today at Beth El Congregation attended by more than 150 AARP volunteers, chapter officers and invited guests.

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.

Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Businesses are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

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Added: November 7, 2008
Views: 210 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Maryland Recognizes Senator Mikulski

AARP Maryland Recognizes Senator Mikulski

for Outstanding Work on Behalf of Americans 50+

Newly-launched Congressional Awards program honors Mikulski for championing legislation that will prevent falls.

Baltimore, MD -- In conjunction with its 50th anniversary, AARP established a new annual Congressional Awards program, and we are pleased this year to recognize Senator Barbara Mikulski with AARP’s Legislative Achievement Award for her leadership on keeping older Americans safe from falls.

Because of Senator Mikulski’s outstanding leadership, our nation now has a promising strategy for effective intervention against the increasing incidence of falls among older Americans. Given that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among the elderly, and that these fatalities have increased by nearly 36 percent, Mikulski’s leadership will go a long way towards improving health security for millions of older Americans.

“On behalf of AARP’s nearly 40 million members, we are proud to recognize Senator Mikulski with this Congressional Award for her work to improve the lives of 50+ Americans,” said AARP Maryland State President Erv Sekulow. “The awards program gives the 860,000 AARP members from Maryland the opportunity to demonstrate their appreciation for Senator Mikulski’s leadership and to thank her for advocating for legislation critical to the health and well-being of older Americans.”

Today at Senator Mikulski’s office on Capitol Hill, AARP Maryland officials met with the Senator to present her with the Legislative Achievement Award and underscore the organization’s commitment to recognizing legislators who work to improve the lives of older Americans.

For 2008, AARP is recognizing twenty Members of Congress (ten in both the House and Senate) who championed legislation in the following areas: economic stimulus, Medicare, housing, nutrition, falls prevention, workplace IRAs and 401(k) fee disclosure.

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About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Added: October 2, 2008
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Landmark health care expansion now in effect in Maryland

Covering the Uninsured

Historic legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly during last November’s special session took effect July 1, expanding health care to more than 100,000 uninsured Marylanders.

The Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act makes health insurance more affordable for small businesses and expand Medicaid eligibility to lower income adults.

“This legislation will make a difference to so many Marylanders who have struggled without health care,” said Joe DeMattos, senior state director of AARP Maryland, a lead proponent of the bill.

The bill broadens eligibility for Medicaid coverage to parents in families with incomes up to 116 percent of the federal poverty level (about $20,000 for a family of three). Over the next three years, coverage will be expanded to include all adults – with and without children – earning up to that level.

Employees of small businesses can also benefit through state subsidies for small firms to offer insurance. To be eligible, the employer must meet several criteria including having just two to nine full time employees and average wages below about $50,000.

Nationally, almost all large companies (200+ workers) offer health coverage, while just 59 percent of small firms do, and the share of workers covered by employers’ health benefits has dropped six percent over the last six years.

“Ours is a bit different than other state programs because we wanted small businesses to have a choice,” explained Rex Cowdry, Executive Director of the Maryland Health Care Commission. “Several carriers will be offering plans under this program. It’s exciting.”

To find out if you are eligible and apply for Medicaid coverage, visit the Department of Social Services in the city or county where you live. More information is available at www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma.

Small business subsidy enrollment begins in September 2008 for coverage starting in October. Employers can find all the details and learn how to apply at www.mhcc.maryland.gov, in the section titled “Small Employers/Employees.”

Added: July 3, 2008
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SURVEY: MARYLAND VOTERS CONCERNED ABOUT HEALTH CARE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2008

CONTACT: Tiffany Lundquist, (410) 869-2204, tlundquist@aarp.org

SURVEY: MARYLAND VOTERS CONCERNED ABOUT HEALTH CARE

Slot machine revenue seen as possible way to expand access.

Baltimore, MD – Practically all Maryland voters believe that everyone in the state should have access to affordable, quality health care, according to a survey released today by AARP Maryland. In fact, 93 percent of Maryland voters agree with this principle, and this agreement persists across age, gender and party affiliation.

The same survey found that two out of three Maryland voters support allowing slot machines at limited locations around the state. One-third of those who initially said they opposed slot machines indicated they would not oppose them if the money were used to ensure access to quality, affordable health care for all.

“Three out of five Marylanders believe that health care in our state is in crisis or has major problems,” said Joseph DeMattos, Jr., AARP Maryland Senior State Director. “People are struggling – they are worried about health care even if they presently have coverage. This survey shows that the time is now for our elected leaders to take action and create positive change on health care.”

Nearly two out of three survey respondents (63%) say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supported the development of a health care system that provided all Maryland residents access to affordable, quality health care. Three-quarters of voters surveyed agree that everyone from employers to federal and state governments to individuals should contribute to health care costs.

The survey was conducted by random-dial telephone interviews in December 2007 and January 2008. Subjects were self-identified registered Maryland voters 18 and older. The complete results can be viewed on-line at http://www.aarp.org/research/health/carefinancing/md_hcr_08.html

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.

Divided We Fail

It’s time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That’s why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Businesses are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

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Added: June 11, 2008
Views: 382 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

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