Steve Hahn

In many states, consumer-focused regulators protect the public interest by making sure utility monopolies charge only rates that are fair and reasonable. Last month the North Carolina Utilities Commission granted large increases to Duke Energy, despite growing outcry from residential customers over rising rates.

When retired Air Force officer Sam Wood of Durham learned that the pharmaceutical industry was pushing back on a federal attempt to close the Medicare Part D donut hole, he took action. Like thousands of other AARP advocates, he called his members of Congress urging them to close the coverage gap. Wood manages his heart condition with several prescriptions and is worried about the future affordability of the medications his doctors prescribe. Thankfully, with your urging, he can rest a bit easier due to a spending bill Congress passed – and President Trump signed –that includes a number of positive provisions for older Americans and AARP’s priorities.

RALEIGH— AARP is now accepting applications for the 2018 Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change in local communities. The grant program, which is now in its second year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

RALEIGH -- As a way to thank and honor those who served, AARP is hosting a free reception open to the public from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Tuesday, March 13, at the North Carolina Museum of History. The reception is in conjunction with the Museum’s Picturing Nam exhibit, a free exhibit made possible by the National Archives.

RALEIGH -- AARP North Carolina delivered about 1,400 petitions today to the North Carolina Utilities Commission from residential ratepayers concerned about the steep rate hike request by Duke Carolinas.

Like AARP, faith-based communities and places of worship have helped people take care of loved ones, save more for their future, find health and job resources and so much more. Many in the faith community were surprised and delighted to learn of all of AARP's current offerings and relevancy to their congregations. In-person engagement is the most effective method of educating community leaders about AARP and cultivating relationships.

Bowing to pressure from thousands of older adults struggling to pay a range of bills from medicines, water, and groceries, Duke Progress Energy was forced to accept a much lo wer rate increase than it requested from the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Late Friday, the Commission rejected Duke’s $20 average increase, cutting it back by $11 per residential customer. With this decision, Duke Progress customers will pay about $6 per month more for their electricity, and about $3 per month more for a monthly service charge.

GREENSBORO – North Carolina aging and caregiving expert Mark Hensley has joined AARP North Carolina as Associate State Director for Community Outreach and Advocacy in the Triad Region.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax-filing help to those who need it most. With the growing popularity of the program, AARP is looking for even more volunteers to join other compassionate and friendly individuals to assist.

Thanks to the great work of AARP advocates, the Bipartisan Budget Act signed last week by President Trump, includes several important wins when it comes to controlling our health care costs. Without your help to repeal caps to physical, occupational and speech therapies, seniors would have been forced to pay out of pocket for these services.