“I was so enthralled and excited about the access that Mainers have to their elected politicians,” says Armstrong, a retired chef who lives in Palermo, in Waldo County.

Armstrong is one of about 30 core AARP Maine volunteers who help advocate for policies that improve the lives of older adults across the Pine Tree State. During the upcoming legislative session, he and others will help AARP Maine promote a range of priorities, including affordable housing, support for family caregivers and lower prescription drug prices, says Alf Anderson, AARP’s associate state director for advocacy and outreach.

“Our volunteers really enjoy the time that they spend, both because of civic duty but also because it’s a fun atmosphere of people who really care,” Anderson says.

He says more volunteers are needed for the 2024 session, and people can help in a variety of ways, such as sharing personal stories and testifying before legislative committees, emailing lawmakers about key issues, distributing resources and photographing events.

During past sessions, Armstrong has worked on issues ranging from lowering prescription drug costs to tighter regulation of door-to-door marketing by electricity suppliers.

AARP Maine staff works with all new volunteers to train and support them. To learn more or volunteer, email me@aarp.org, or call 866-554-5380. Visit states.aarp.org/maine/2024-legislative-agenda to learn more about the current priorities. —Michelle Cerulli McAdams

Lobbying for leave AARP Vermont is ramping up its advocacy for legislation that would require employers to offer paid family and medical leave to support the state’s unpaid family caregivers.

A bill allowing most public- and private-sector workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for an illness or to care for a family member with a serious health condition is now pending in the state Senate. The measure—which would provide workers with up to 90 percent of the state average weekly wage—passed the state House in 2023.

Vermont’s governor has begun setting up an alternative paid leave program, through an administrative directive, that would be voluntary for employers and offer less time off at lower pay.

AARP Vermont needs help lobbying lawmakers to pass the legislation. To learn more, visit the AARP action page at action.aarp.org/vtpaid leave and contact your legislator.

Taking in a show AARP New Hampshire is offering discounte d tickets for four upcoming performances at Manchester’s Palace Theatre:

→ Dancing Queens: The Ultimate ABBA/Disco Tribute: Jan. 19–Feb. 11.

→ The Prom: When four Broadway stars hear of trouble at a small-town prom, they sweep in to help and take the spotlight: March 1–24.

→ Beautiful: The Carole King Musical: April 19–May 12.

→ 42nd Street: A celebration of Broadway and the magic of showbiz: May 31–June 23.

Adult tickets are $10 off when you use the code “ACTIVE.” Get tickets by going to aarp.org/palace2024, by visiting the box office at 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, or by calling 603-668-5588. —MCM