MERIT: If we build it, will they save?

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by André Chassé
Volunteer State President,
AARP Maine

When Maine set out to develop a way to make retirement savings accessible to more workers, it was somewhat of a “field of dreams” moment for all those who had advocated for the Work & Save program including AARP Maine. We knew that access to an employer-based retirement plan would be critical for building financial security. In addition, with roughly 40% of Maine’s private sector employees having no way to save for retirement on the job, we believed a solution was needed to our state’s retirement savings crisis. However, as we entered the final stages of implementation, we found ourselves asking: if we build it, will they save?

The answer is a resounding “yes.” I am delighted to share that more Mainers have started building a secure financial future for themselves by saving for retirement, thanks to the notable success of the Maine Retirement Investment Trust (MERIT). In a landmark achievement, MERIT recently announced that Maine employees have collectively saved an impressive one million dollars for their retirement within just six months of its statewide launch in January of this year. This milestone reflects the commitment and hard work of both the program and the participants as they strive to build a stable financial future for themselves and their families.

MERIT was created in 2021 by the Work and Save Bill, sponsored by Senator Eloise Vitelli, to improve access to retirement savings programs. The public-private retirement savings option was established to provide an efficient and transparent retirement savings option for the over 200,000 workers in Maine who do not have access to a workplace retirement savings plan.

The initiative has proven to be a critical step toward promoting responsibility and long-term planning for Maine workers. By providing a streamlined enrollment process, MERIT enables employers to offer a valuable tool that significantly enhances employee satisfaction and financial security. MERIT allows workers to set their own contribution percentage. There is no cost or match requirement for employers. Funds are invested in a Roth IRA that employees can take with them from job to job. Through the MERIT portal at meritsaves.com, employees can change their contribution percentage, view and change investment options and identify their beneficiaries.

MERIT addresses a vital need for Maine residents who face uncertainty about their retirement savings. Retirement savings options that help workers become savers are needed now more than ever. According to an AARP survey conducted earlier this year, one in five Americans 50-plus have no retirement savings, and over half worry that their savings won’t last in retirement.

Until now, too many workers in Maine have not had access to a retirement savings account at work, leaving them unprepared for the future. But with the recently met MERIT savings benchmark, we have a million reasons to believe that together, we can bridge this gap and ensure a more secure future for Maine’s workers.

AARP Maine announces 2024 legislative priorities

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With the second regular session of the 131st legislative session now underway, AARP Maine announces its 2024 legislative agenda which includes expanding caregiver support resources in Maine, as well as a focus on fair and affordable utility rates.

“On behalf of our more than 200,000 members statewide, AARP Maine looks forward to working with Governor Mills and our legislative leaders in Augusta from both sides of the aisle,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “We know that Mainers 50+ have a lot on their minds including the strain of providing care for loved ones, the state’s affordable housing crisis, and unaffordable electricity rates. It is critical that both elected and appointed leaders work to address these important issues that affect Mainers 50+ and their families.”

Maine’s 166,000 unpaid family caregivers hold up the state’s long-term care system, providing crucial support to help older parents, spouses and other loved ones remain in their homes—where they want to be. Family caregivers often become overwhelmed when balancing the physical, emotional, financial, and time-consuming demands required to care for their loved one.

“Caregiving is an unspoken sacrifice, a selfless act of love,” says Star Pelsue, a Portland resident. “When my younger brother needed help, I didn’t hesitate to leave my job and move in to care for my 2-year-old niece while they faced a challenging time with their infant’s treatment. There was no thought of personal impact, just a commitment to family. Let’s acknowledge and support caregivers, who fill a crucial gap in our societal fabric by providing care that benefits us all.”

Ensuring that the support needed to care both for their loved one and themselves in the place of their choosing is pivotal. In the most recent 2023 update of the “Valuing the Invaluable” report series, AARP estimates that Maine family caregivers provide $2.9 billion annually in unpaid care. Nationally, the average caregiver pays over $7,000 dollars in out-of-pocket expenses each year. AARP Maine recognizes the profound impact that family caregivers have on our communities. We urge the legislature to actively seek meaningful solutions that will save caregivers time and money, as well as provide more support.

Another issue that affects many Maine families is volatile utility costs. AARP Maine continues to fight to keep utility rates fair and reasonable in the state with the country’s oldest population. High rates coupled with rising housing, food, and medicine expenses force many vulnerable, older adults to make tough choices.

Starting this month, electricity costs will begin to come down from their sky-high 2023 levels but will remain considerably higher than in 2022. Electricity costs are a particular concern since rate increases are ultimately absorbed by the Maine consumer. For many older Mainers, even a seemingly small monthly increase can be problematic.

“Maine has electricity rates that are higher than the national average,” Gail Maynard from Perham states. “Many older Mainers struggle to afford rate increases on top of their household expenses including medications and food. There has never been a better time for our elected leaders to tackle the critical issue of affordable utilities in Maine.”

Mainers need more consumer protections and AARP Maine is fighting to make sure everyone has access to fair and reasonable electric rates. Any discussion of changes to rates must be transparent and allow for public engagement. AARP Maine will continue working to address the current laws that cause undue burdens to electricity customers.

“AARP Maine and all of our member advocates look forward to productively engaging with the 131st legislative session to ensure that Maine continues to be a place where people 50+ want to live, work, retire and thrive,” Bonam said. “In 2024, we are also thrilled to announce that we will be back in Augusta regularly with our AARP Maine Tuesdays at the State House program. We invite more volunteer advocates to join our efforts as we speak up for Mainers 50+ and their families on these critical issues.”

For more information about AARP Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @aarpmaine.

AARP accepting community challenge grant applications

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AARP Maine invites local eligible non-profit organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through Wednesday, March 6, at 5 p.m. Eastern. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its eighth year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

The AARP Community Challenge accepts applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP’s mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria.

Capacity-building microgrants are paired with additional resources, such as one-on-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability, bikeability and implementing safe, accessible home modifications.

Demonstration grants focus on improving digital connections to prepare and respond to disasters; reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure; and housing choice design competitions.

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; civic engagement; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year community resilience; and digital connections.

“AARP is committed to meeting the needs of a rapidly aging population in communities across the country,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2024. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge.

AARP Tax-Aide program available in central Maine (2023)

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The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free federal and state income tax preparation and electronic filing to low-and moderate-income individuals. Returns are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. The program is funded by the AARP Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable organization, and the IRS.

Counselors will help individuals navigate the 2023 federal and Maine income tax returns. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this service. Assistance is available by appointment only at the following sites from January 30th to April 15th.

If you were told that you didn’t have to file a tax return, and as a result you didn’t; you may be LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE. The majority of low income Mainers qualify for $130 (or more) of Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC) and/or Sales Tax Fairness Credit (STFC) from the State of Maine. However, in order to get the credits, they MUST FILE a MAINE TAX RETURN! AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will file your tax return for FREE.

Please remember that our appointment makers are all volunteers and respect them and their time when calling for an appointment. Let them enjoy the holidays and don’t call until after January 1st!

AUGUSTA: Buker Community Center, 22 Armory St.: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays. Call 582-3053 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ONLY to make an appointment.

HALLOWELL: Cohen Community Center, 22 Town Farm Road: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays. Call 620-1183 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to make an appointment.

MADISON: Crossroads Bible Church, 705 White Schoolhouse Road: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Mondays & Wednesdays. Call 431-4933 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ONLY to make an appointment.

FAIRFIELD: Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water St: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays. Call 431-4933 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ONLY to make an appointment.

AARP OUTREACH: AARP Maine hard at work (virtually) in Augusta

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by Pam Partridge

Every Tuesday when the Maine legislature is in session, a throng of older Mainers wearing red, gather at the State House in Augusta. They are members of AARP Maine’s “Tuesdays at the State House” (TASH) volunteer lobby corps. Their mission? To meet with legislators, attend committee meetings, testify at public hearings and encourage the adoption of laws to benefit Mainers 50+ and their families. They wear red to stand out in the crowd of otherwise muted colors and somber suits. One legislator recently said to one of our advocates “Any day I see folks wearing red sitting in my committee room, I know that AARP is here to be heard.”

Even though COVID-19 means no in-person advocacy this legislative session, TASH volunteers continue their work virtually. They meet over Zoom every Tuesday morning, invite legislators to discuss current bills, and work together on upcoming issues. It’s exciting to see AARP’s work in action each week!

These volunteer advocates don’t just work on Tuesdays. Throughout the legislative session, they identify and track bills of interest, and monitor relevant committee hearings and meetings. They contact their state legislators by phone, mail or in person, write letters to the editor, and spread the word about initiatives that will help older Mainers.

As you may recall, AARP Maine has over 200,000 members, and a full-time staff of five who set priorities for each legislative session and oversee volunteer advocates. AARP is nonprofit and strictly non-partisan which means they can focus on the issues. This is important for Maine and also for our local residents who are 50 or older.

In the last legislative session, AARP Maine’s TASH advocates helped gain passage of the High-Speed Internet bond. In 2019, their work resulted in four important prescription drug bills. One of these will reduce drug prices by limiting fees charged by “middlemen” between drug manufacturers and pharmacies. The other bills address price transparency, establish a drug affordability review board, and provide support for the state to import drugs from Canada.

For the current legislative session, AARP Maine’s top priorities include retirement security, telehealth, and fair utility rates. Guided by staff, these volunteer advocates will watch for bills dealing with prescription drug price gouging, and a tax break for caregivers. They may also be called upon to monitor the progress of bills concerning housing, transportation, and taxation issues.

As part of their efforts in 2021, volunteers across the state are holding virtual “kitchen table chats.” They virtually bring together friends and neighbors with their senator or representative to discuss what issues matter most to older residents in their community. Participants have raised many issues including lack of dependable internet and high prescription drug prices. In Maine’s more rural counties, some participants have cited the lack of available transportation options for older residents to get to medical appointments and do necessary errands.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll return with another column focused on current legislation of interest to Mainers 50+ such as the proposed retirement savings bill. We’ll explain why this legislation is so important to the 235,000 Mainers without access to a savings program through their employer. Meanwhile, if you are interested in learning more about any of these topics or AARP Maine’s work, visit www.aarp.org/me or email us at: me@aarp.org.

AARP OUTREACH: Greetings from your friends at AARP Maine

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by Lori Parham
AARP Maine State Director

We have all been impacted in different ways this year as COVID-19 spread across Maine and the country. For me, living far away from family has been especially difficult. Despite the many challenges we’ve faced I’m proud that AARP Maine’s wonderful staff and volunteers continued their efforts on behalf of Mainers 50+ and their families in the legislature, through voter engagement, in support of local communities and organizations, and more.

If there is one thing that the pandemic has made clear, it is that personal connections are both immensely valuable and sorely missed. We miss seeing many of you at our local coffees and happy hours, out on the walking trails, and walking the halls in the State House. Even in the best of times, social isolation is a problem. In Maine, over 135,000 people 50-plus live alone and are at a higher risk of experiencing social isolation. We all know that winter brings additional challenges. With this in mind, we have compiled resources for managing through the winter months and have developed a free resource guide for caregivers who are facing additional challenges. Both guides are available on our website at www.aarp.org/me.

The problem of social isolation only magnifies the need to expand affordable high-speed internet access to all parts of Maine. Thousands of Mainers have limited or no access, and as a result, are left with little connection to family and friends. You can help! The Maine Broadband Coalition, in partnership with AARP Maine and others, has launched a statewide, crowdsourced speed test site. Take the speed test so we can start to address the areas most in need. The more tests that are completed, the more useful it will be for our efforts to expand high-speed internet access statewide. Spread the word by visiting www.mainebroadbandcoalition.org.

Looking ahead to the 2021 legislative season, we are excited to continue advocating on issues of concern to Mainers 50-plus. We will be working closely with our elected leaders as they try to address the economic and health impacts of COVID-19. Our wonderful legislative volunteers will continue to meet virtually each week and track bills of interest. We’d love to have you join us if you are looking for ways to stay busy during the deepest winter months. Send us a note here: me@aarp.org. You can read our issue platform on our website, too. If you are interested in following our work, find us on Facebook/Twitter (@AARPMaine), Instagram (@aarpme), and on our website at www.aarp.org/me.

In 2021, we will offer virtual events as we continue to work remotely for at least the next few months. AARP Maine staff are working to offer events on everything from yoga to fraud educational sessions. We would love to hear your ideas for any Maine-focused events! All ideas are welcome, and you can send them to me@aarp.org anytime.

As we approach the end of 2020, I want to wish you and your family peace, joy, and good health in the year ahead. As always, I appreciate hearing your feedback and ideas so that we can better serve you and your family.

AARP OUTREACH: It’s Maine family caregivers month

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by Jane Margesson
AARP Maine, Communications Director

At AARP Maine, we know that caregiving can be one of the most important roles you will ever take on in your life. You may have become a caregiver suddenly or perhaps your role has evolved over time. No matter where you are in the continuum of caregiving—starting to plan, helping to coordinate a big move, or taking care of a family member in your home—having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

That is why we developed a Maine Family Caregiver Resource Guide for Maine caregivers of all ages. You can find the guide on our website or we would be happy to send a free copy by mail as well.

With many organizations offering different types of help and services, it can be a challenge to sort out the specific type of help or services best suited for your needs. Our guide can help address that. AARP Maine developed this resource guide with you, the caregiver, in mind as a starting point to help you find the services and supports you need throughout your caregiving journey.

This resource guide can assist you in several ways:

  • It can help you get the type of assistance you need. This directory lists many government and nonprofit resources, which you can access both in-person and online.

It can also help you connect with others. You’ll discover, if you have not already, that you’re a part of a community of caregivers and caregiver supporters. You are truly not alone.

In fact, a few years ago, AARP Maine worked with the state legislature to designate November as Maine Family Caregivers Month. This is important as it raises awareness about the needs and challenges of Maine’s over 180,000 family caregivers throughout the state. Especially with the holidays coming up, and even more especially during a pandemic, we need to be mindful of caregivers and their families.

Mainers, please know that you can count on AARP to be a strong and dedicated advocate on behalf of family caregivers. Many older Mainers and their families are struggling to navigate our state’s long-term care system and when you are a caregiver, the challenges of providing support to your loved one can feel overwhelming. We need to broaden the options for community and home-based services so family caregivers have the best resources available to care for their loved ones no matter where they live.

We also recommend that you visit the AARP Caregiver Online Resource Center at www.aarp.org/caregiving for a broad array of additional resources and tools for caregivers.

Warmest wishes to every one of Maine’s 180,000+ family caregivers and their loved ones. We hope you will reach out to us if you have any questions or if there is anything you need.

AARP Maine – www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook (@aarpmaine) and Instagram (@aarpme).

AARP OUTREACH: AARP Maine spotlights importance of older voters

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by Lori Parham, AARP Maine State Director

You may recollect that AARP Maine recently launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a non-partisan voter engagement campaign to support and protect Mainers 50+ as they vote in the November election. In addition to providing information about safe voting options, AARP is tracking key races and candidates’ positions on issues that matter to older voters such as protecting Social Security and Medicare, bringing down healthcare costs and strengthening the economy. These issues can affect the entire family and we hope you know that you can count on AARP here in Maine and across the country to fight on behalf of our members on these critical matters.

Last week, AARP Maine released new polling results as part of an effort to deliver non-partisan election resources to Maine voters. The polling data focused on the US Senate, Presidential and second Congressional District races. There is no doubt that voters 50+ carry a lot of weight in the upcoming elections! In fact, our surveys of Maine and other battleground states show voters 65+ could very well decide the election. Despite deep partisan division, older voters are united when it comes to health and financial security concerns.

First of all, AARP’s polling results show that:

• Maine’s U.S. Senate race is a statistical dead heat among voters age 50+.
• Former Vice President Joe Biden has a double-digit lead over President Donald Trump.
• Incumbent Democratic Congressman Jared Golden leads Republican challenger, Dale
Crafts, by 13-points in Maine’s Second Congressional District. Interestingly, Golden’s lead is due to his 24-point margin among voters 50+.

Just this week AARP Maine released additional data, this time highlighting issues of concern to Maine voters 50-plus and their families. It is clear that Social Security and Medicare are incredibly important to older Mainers, with at least 80% listing each issue as extremely or very important to deciding their vote for U.S. Senate. Also, overwhelming majorities would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports protecting Medicare, allowing Medicare to negotiate Rx prices, and protecting Social Security from cuts.

While we can all likely agree that the 2020 election promises to be like no other, one thing is clear: Candidates who want to win in 2020 must talk about the issues that matter to voters 50+. They must also talk about how Mainers can vote safely from home or in-person. According to the AARP Maine survey, a majority of Maine voters 50+ plan on voting on Election Day in person, but a significant share will vote by absentee ballot. This is especially true among voters aged 65+ who are significantly more likely to vote absentee this year due to the coronavirus. You can view the full results of the survey at www.aarp.org/me.

AARP Maine is dedicated to making sure you and your family have all the information you need to vote safely on November 3. That is an integral part of “Protect Voters 50+.” Whether you’re planning to vote in person or by absentee ballot here in Maine, we want to make sure your ballot arrives on time and that you feel safe if you choose to go to your local polling place. Please visit www.aarp.org/mainevotes to make your plan and be ready for Election Day.

Remember: It’s your voice, and that’s what counts.

AARP OUTREACH – Vote safely at the polls or from home: AARP program enhances local outreach

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by Patricia Pinto
AARP Maine Volunteer, State President

As you may recall from my previous column in The Town Line, AARP Maine is laser-focused on the protection of Social Security this election season. This remarkable program just celebrated its 85th year and we like to remind all Mainers that in good times and in bad, for each one of those 85 years, Social Security has never missed a payment. AARP will always fight to protect and strengthen Social Security. These are hard-earned benefits for over 240,000 retired Mainers and we believe it’s a promise that must be kept.

You may also be aware that AARP Maine recently launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a non-partisan voter engagement campaign to support and protect Mainers 50+ as they vote in the November election. We’re tracking key races and candidates’ positions on issues that matter to older voters such as protecting Social Security and Medicare, bringing down healthcare costs and strengthening the economy. These are issues that affect whole families and you can count on AARP here in Maine and across the country to augment the voices of our members on these critical matters.

Another crucial aspect of our “Protect Voters 50+” campaign centers on providing information about safe voting options. Working together, AARP Maine, the Maine Secretary of State, and election officials are reminding voters that while your local polling place will be open, you can also vote in the November election by absentee ballot. Please visit www.aarp.org/mainevotes for more information about voting safely this election season.

In addition, AARP Maine volunteers are bringing “Protect Voters 50+” right into local communities through our unique, non-partisan “Adopt-a-Clerk” program. This wonderful initiative matches volunteers with their town clerks to inform voters about safe voting options for the 2020 election. One clerk had this to say upon being contacted by two local AARP volunteers: “Being ‘adopted’ is the best thing that will happen this election! What a great program.”

Volunteers support town clerks and their staff in any way they can, making sure election information, voting deadlines and dates, necessary forms, and other helpful details are easily accessible to voters. This is one way our AARP Maine office can do its part to ensure that municipalities are ready for their voters whether they choose to vote absentee or come to the polls on Election Day. If you are interested in learning more about the “Adopt-a-Clerk” program, please send an email to me@aarp.org today.

The state of Maine needs every voter to participate in this election! Let’s vote safely, whether at the polls or from home.

AARP Maine to mobilize older voter campaign

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Recently, AARP Maine launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a comprehensive voter engagement campaign to support and protect Mainers age 50 and older as they vote in the November election. The campaign, part of AARP’s nationwide voter engagement efforts, will provide information on where candidates stand on issues that matter to Mainers 50-plus and help them cast their votes safely from home or in person.

A centerpiece of the campaign will focus on providing information about voting options in Maine this fall at www.aarp.org/mainevotes, and through the AARP Bulletin, direct mail, digital communications and paid media.

“AARP is demanding action to make sure that Americans 50-plus – whether they are working parents, family caregivers, or seniors in nursing homes – can vote safely and make their voices heard,” said Lori Parham, AARP Maine State Director. “Politicians need to protect the health and financial security of voters 50+, especially during this pandemic.”
The “Protect Voters 50+” campaign will provide Mainers with the information they need about this year’s elections, including:

  • Information on how to vote absentee;
  • Questions to ask your municipal clerk to ensure you can vote safely in person;
  • Video voters’ guides;
  • Polling;
  • Issue briefings;
  • Direct mail, text messaging, social media and paid media.

“Now, more than ever, Mainers want to hear how the candidates will address key issues like protecting Social Security, bringing down health care costs, and strengthening the economy in this uncertain time,” said Parham. AARP Maine will track key races, sponsor debates, and host tele-townhall events. Election information will be provided through a full-scale digital effort, including, the aarp.org/election2020 hub, AARP Now app, social media, and news alerts.

In addition, AARP is working again with TurboVote this election; a joint effort by America’s biggest brands and organizations coming together in a nonpartisan, long-term commitment to increase voter participation. With the launch of Protect Voters 50-plus, AARP’s TurboVote tool is now live at votingtool.aarp.org, where voters can sign up to receive election reminders, updates on voting procedures and more.

AARP has a proud 34-year history of non-partisan voter engagement and does not endorse or oppose candidates, nor does AARP make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.

We encourage all Mainers to ask their municipal clerk about voting absentee, or should they choose to vote in person, how they can do so safely. In addition, AARP Maine encourages voters to ask questions of the candidates so they know where they stand on important issues, and can make informed decisions on Election Day.