Gay Watson

Lenders in Alabama currently offer payday loans and automobile title loans at triple-digit interest rates (up to 456 annual percentage rate), far above the 36% annual interest rate cap that Congress set for military personnel and their families. Misleading promises of a quick fix trap the most vulnerable Alabamians in financial quicksand and leave borrowers in a never-ending cycle of debt, often borrowing from other payday lenders to pay back an initial loan.

Mobile Gas customers could be paying too much for their gas service. Now they have the opportunity to ask the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) to do something about it at a public hearing on March 18, 5:30 p.m. at the Ben May Main Library, 701 Government St.

The AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for Alabama taxpayers with low-to-moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46 th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

AARP Alabama has asked the Public Service Commission (PSC) to formally review the rates charged by Mobile Gas, Alabama Gas and Alabama Power. The rates have not been formally reviewed since they were set in the 1980s and a formal review could result in an adjustment to rates and significantly reduce utility bills.

To join AARP Alabama's legislative work for a better Alabama, or to learn more about our other volunteer activities, e-mail Anne Hails at ahails@aarp.org.

Drive into a Safer New Year

Twice a year, Bart Cooke packs for vacation time in Alabama during which he and his wife Beth visit family. But, unlike most vacation packing lists, Bart’s includes tools.

Small changes can mean the difference between a loved one being able to stay in their home, or having to move into a facility. This handy list of household chores can help you keep your loved ones safe and sound all year long by helping out during holiday visits.

By Julie E. Lee, Vice President & National Director, AARP Driver Safety, Education and Outreach

Today’s chilling news about the mass shooting in Newton, Connecticut feels eerily familiar. How many times does this horrible scene have to be replayed before we finally do something about it?