Top items on the list are support for Vermont’s unpaid family caregivers and fraud protection.

“We’re at a point right now … where affordability is such a critical issue for folks,” says Colin Hilliard, who leads AARP Vermont’s advocacy efforts. “Putting money back in the pockets of family caregivers ... would be a really great way to support them.”

The total of family caregivers has risen nationally as the population ages and people live longer, according to AARP research. Vermont had 70,000 family caregivers, according to AARP’s 2023 Valuing the Invaluable report.

Last year, a family caregiver tax break passed the state Senate, but the final budget signed by the governor did not include the $1,000 credit.

The credit would help qualifying caregivers cover expenses.

Also during the legislative session, AARP Vermont will focus on cryptocurrency kiosk fraud to see whether lawmakers extend a moratorium on new crypto ATMs that expires later this year. The machines look like regular ATMs but are often found in convenience stores and bars.

AARP Vermont also plans to work on legislation to give banks and credit unions more power to protect customers from fraud by imposing holds on suspicious transactions. That would allow banks to reach out to a trusted contact on an account and “slow things down, which we know is really critical in these fraud situations,” says Hilliard.

To learn more or get involved, email chilliard@aarp.org.

Sign up for a monthly email newsletter and advocacy alerts at action.aarp.org/sign or by texting “JOIN” to 22777.

—Michelle Cerulli McAdams

Speakers needed Want to give public speaking a try? Join the AARP New Hampshire Speakers Bureau as a volunteer presenter.

The Speakers Bureau provides free in-person and virtual presentations to community groups on topics such as brain health, caregiving and fraud prevention.

Iris Altilio, volunteer for AARP New Hampshire and co-coordinator of the Speakers Bureau, calls the experience rewarding. “You get to meet great people out there who share some great stories with you,” she says.

Volunteers make a difference by sharing information, says Pam Dube, communications director for AARP New Hampshire.

“They also like the camaraderie of being part of the Speakers Bureau group of volunteers,” says Dube.

Volunteers receive training and are teamed up with seasoned presenters for mentorship. For details, email pdube@aarp.org.

State House meetup Join AARP Rhode Island to engage with state lawmakers at its annual legislative reception on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. in the capitol’s State Room.

The informal, free reception—which is open to the public—gives citizens a chance to air their concerns to lawmakers. Check out aarp.org/rievents to learn more.

Funding services With the legislature in session, all eyes are on the state budget. AARP New York will push to protect funding for home- and community-based services that help people age in place. Keeping utilities affordable is also on the docket.

“We have over 2 million AARP members in New York and many other older New Yorkers who need that voice at the table in Albany,” says Joe Stelling, senior associate state director.

Discover more at aarp.org/NYadvocacy. —MCM