Jennifer Millea

Last year, AARP Connecticut successfully opposed a plan to eliminate Connecticut’s standard offer electric service that would have forced nearly 800,000 residents to purchase their electricity from a third-party electric supplier. Through that effort, AARP engaged thousands of consumers and subsequently brought to light many of the unscrupulous marketing practices and customer abuses taking place in the deregulated market, and the need for additional consumer protections. In 2014, AARP is working with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the Office of Consumer Counsel, The Attorney General's Office and state lawmakers to strengthen and improve consumer protections in the competitive electric supply market so that ratepayers have the information they need to save money on their electric bills and avoid being taken advantage of.

At a recent public hearing in Connecticut, AARP State Director, Nora Duncan testified in support of legislation (H.B. 5054) before the General Assembly's Public and Public Employees Committee, that aims to give a fair shake to unemployed job seekers, many of them age 50+, when applying for open jobs. Duncan was joined in submitting testimony by two AARP volunteers who provided first-hand knowledge of the barriers faced by older unemployed workers. H.B. 5054 would make it illegal for employers to list current employment as a requirement in job postings. AARP believes the bill is a good first step toward breaking down the barriers faced by older workers, who tend to suffer longer periods of unemployment, as they compete in today's tough job market. Read AARP's full testimony below. Read testimony submitted by CT resident and AARP volunteer, Carrie Greatheart, here. Read testimony presented by CT resident and AARP volunteer, Novlette Williams, here.

-- Guest Blog by Frances Trelease --

Long-time AARP Connecticut volunteer, Pat Gerckens, will testify today before the General Assembly's Appropriations Committee, in support of proposals that help Connecticut residents stay independent and receive the care they need in their own homes and community. At age 77, Pat speaks from experience about the overwhelming majority of seniors' desire to stay in their own homes as they age. Read Pat's full testimony here. Then send an email to your state legislators to let them know you agree!

OK all you singletons, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Instead of waking up with dread this year, why not take the opportunity to embrace the spirit of the day and just celebrate LOVE. Whether you are single by choice, actively looking, or just beginning to think about dating again, AARP has tips and resources that can help you make the most of your Valentine's Day, and every day.

At AARP, we believe everyone deserves to live life to the fullest. As we celebrate Black History Month, we are proud to continue our commitment to helping everyone realize their own Real Possibilities. We recognize that some of the most powerful stories are not told in history books. That is why we are partnering with CBS Connecticut and WZMX Hot 93.7 to highlight some of the incredible people, right here in Connecticut, who are making a difference in their communities through actions big and small. There are thousands of such "unsung heroes" in our state and in our local communities. Whether fulfilling a personal passion or using their skills and talents to help others, each of them, in their own way, is helping to keep Dr. Martin Luther King's dream alive and ensure a better future for us all. We all have stories of success and triumph that deserve to be told. We hope you'll join us in sharing these stories, and in thanking the "unsung heroes" in your life. Read more important stories of the Civil Rights Movement and share your own at www.aarp.org/tellastory.

The deadline for current beneficiaries in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program to opt back into traditional Medicare is February 14, 2014. Recent changes in MA Plan provider networks in Connecticut, some just announced this week, could impact thousands of current MA beneficiaries. AARP is urging those who may be impacted to examine their MA Plan to determine whether their doctors are still covered and if the Plan still meets their individual needs.

Today, Nora Duncan, state director of AARP Connecticut -- which represents more than 603,000 members age 50 and older in the state -- issued the following statement in response to Governor Malloy’s SF 2015 Mid-Term Budget Adjustments:

In anticipation of the start of the 2014 Legislative Session, which begins on Wednesday, February 5, AARP Connecticut today announced it's legislative agenda of key issues critical to residents 50 and older. AARP legislative priorities focus on issues that help improve and maintain health and economic security for adults 50+.

We believe utilities should be affordable, reliable and fair. That's why we're fighting for you, and all Connecticut residents, to protect your hard-earned dollars and enact stronger consumer protections. If you have a consumer complaint about your electric or telephone service, the actions of an electricity supplier, or other concern, please share your story with us. Your input will be used to help shape the future of consumer protections for utility customers in Connecticut. You can also sign up to receive alerts and information from AARP Connecticut so you can take action on these and other issues important to you when your voice can make a difference. If you'd like to speak to soneone at AARP, please call us toll-free at 866-295-7279. Find additional consumer resources below.