MAINE — 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, utility costs, road safety, caregiving, fraud prevention, prescription drug prices, etc. — taking the time to be a part of the legislative process is very important.

If you would like to get involved during the 2018 legislative session, consider joining AARP Maine for our weekly “Tuesdays at the State House.”  These get-togethers offer AARP members, their family and friends an easy and accessible way to learn about the working of the Maine State House.  You will learn about the legislative process, attend committee hearings and meet legislators from around the state.  Through April 17, we will meet each Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Cross Building.  Each Tuesday at the State House concludes with complimentary lunch at the State House cafeteria.

Mary Hoffman, a volunteer AARP advocate from Hollis, has become a familiar presence at the State House as part of the Tuesdays at the State House team.  In 2017, she testified on behalf of Maine family caregivers before the Committee on Taxation. “I truly believe that when I testified, I brought the voices of hundreds of family caregivers into that committee room in Augusta,” she said. “That’s a big responsibility and I was proud to serve in that role.”

Creating positive social change can seem like a formidable challenge, but it is helpful to remember that we are all in this together and we are all empowered in a democracy. Please call our office or send us an email if you would like to hear more about our advocacy work in Maine: 776-6303 or me@aarp.org.  To find the legislators representing your district, go to the Maine Legislature website at www.maine.gov.  We look forward to working with you!