Jennifer Millea

AARP volunteers and staff from Connecticut and every other state in the nation descended on Capitol Hill this week to express opposition to the President’s proposed Social Security benefit cut known as Chained CPI and to support responsible solutions to strengthen Medicare for Connecticut residents. AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan and State President Laura Green meet with members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation and their staff on June 12 to urge them to support a separate debate on the future of Social Security and to back specific proposals that would strengthen Medicare and the health care system overall.

In one of the more curiouser outcomes of this year's legislative session in Connecticut, a bill (H.B.6356) that was introduced by the Governor, had overwhelming support from state legislators, and would have helped do a lot of public good in Connecticut, failed to come up for a vote in the State Senate. AARP supported the legislation and featured it in a recent AARP Bulletin article. Read more about the Social Enterprise bill and it's odd defeat in this article from CT By The Numbers.

For 61-year-old Ed Pikaart, the journey to Peace Corps service began with a trip to see his nephew, a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger. “I spent two or three weeks with him,” the North Branford, Connecticut resident explained. “That was an amazing experience.”

Did you know that health care fraud costs the country an estimated $80 billion a year? Or that the government’s health care fraud prevention and enforcement efforts recovered a record $4.2 billion in taxpayer dollars in 2012? If you're interested in learning how to prevent you or your loved ones from experienceing health care scams and fraud, plan to join AARP for a free informational webinar on June 20 at 2 p.m. EST.

NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters has been investigating problems with Connecticut's competitive electricity market. As part of their coverage, they highlight legislation currently being considered by state lawmakers that could result in 880,000 customers of CL&P and UI having their electricity supplier switched to another company without their consent. AARP is strongly opposed to this legislation because it could result in higher electricity rates for all Connecticut residential customers in the future. Watch the Troubleshooters report below featuring AARP's John Erlingheuser and then Send an Email to your legislator and the Governor to tell them that you oppose their Energy Auction plan!

Join AARP Connecticut and thousands around the country who are pledging to

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and representatives from the City of Bridgeport joined AARP volunteers and Tri-State Transportation Campaign staff on May 13, 2013 to conduct a “walkability audit” of East Main Street in Bridgeport between Crescent Avenue and Stillman Street. The audit was conducted to help identify pedestrian access and safety issues in an area that includes the East Side Senior Center and a planned future senior center, as well as a Greater Bridgeport Transit bus route (Route 9) and several small businesses.

Did you know that in 2012 Facebook had more than 800 million users? If Facebook was a country, it would be the third most populous on earth! And the number of people age 50+ using Facebook continues to grow. AARP Connecticut launched our Facebook Fan Page in 2010 and to date, more than 3,700 Connecticut residents have "liked" us. Have you? Get connected to AARP Connecticut on Facebook and Twitter and you’ll always be “in the know” about important issues and events that affect the 50+ population right here in Connecticut.

Each year, AARP Connecticut honors the outstanding achievements of individual AARP volunteers who, through their efforts and leadership, have contributed to fulfilling the organization’s mission and vision. Please consider nominating your outstanding peers for one of our annual awards.

AARP Experience Corps-Greater New Haven is currently seeking volunteers for the upcoming school year and will be hosting information sessions throughut July, August and September. Learn more about the program and how you can get involved below: