It’s been a whirlwind couple of months since I began my new role as AARP Connecticut State Director. I’ve spent some time getting to know our dedicated force of volunteers, attended You’ve Earned a Say forums, met with Members of Congress and community leaders and began planning for some new and exciting initiatives at AARP. I even managed to sneak in some time to enjoy the beach.

Have You Had Your Say Yet?

Since March AARP has been hosting community forums around Connecticut to find out what our members and people 50+ have to say about the future of Medicare and Social Security. Your voice is important because the next President and Congress could make changes to these programs that would impact you and your family for years to come. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to visit the You’ve Earned a Say website to learn more about the options that are being discussed in Washington, share your opinions and send a message to the candidates.

Your Right, Your Vote.

Speaking of the candidates, Election Day is drawing closer and AARP wants to make sure you know where the candidates stand on issues important to older adults. That’s why we’ve put together our 2012 Voters’ Guides, where you can find out what the candidates for President, U.S. Senate and Congress have said, in their own words, about their plans to strengthen Social Security and Medicare and improve retirement security for all Americans. AARP is planning live voter forums and will be hosting an inter-generational Presidential Debate Watching Party on Oct. 3 at Saint Joseph University in Hartford. Get the facts, and more importantly, don’t forget to vote on Nov. 6.

Helping Experienced Workers

While the elections are critical for Connecticut residents for many reasons, that isn’t all we’re working on this Fall. We know the economy and jobs are top of mind for most voters and especially for older workers, who have been hit hard during the recent recession. That’s why AARP has launched Work Reimagined, an exciting new program leveraging the LinkedIn social media platform, that connects employers seeking experienced workers with qualified professionals searching for new or more satisfying careers. Work Reimagined enables experienced workers to come together in a vibrant online community to share their insights, access workforce resources, ask questions and connect with other experienced workers in a peer-to-peer environment. This October 2, we’re also collaborating with the Small Business Administration in Hartford to host a National Entrepreneur/Mentor Day workshop for people 50+ who are interested in starting their own business.

Looking ahead to 2013

We’re also working to save you money by negotiating more great discounts on Connecticut attractions in 2013 and planning our state advocacy agenda for the 2013 Legislative Session. Our priorities will include efforts to improve peoples’ ability to receive care and age independently in their own homes, assist family caregivers, expand access to affordable, quality healthcare, reduce utility costs for Connecticut residents, and more.

With so much going on, I’m excited about the future of AARP Connecticut and I hope you’ll continue to stay in touch, provide your feedback and get involved.

Want more information or have a question for AARP Connecticut? Call us toll-free at 866-295-7279 or send us an email at ctaarp@aarp.org.

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