George Bridges

By Vince McKelvey

Jersey City and Newark are the first two cities in the state to pass laws requiring businesses with 10 or more employees to let workers earn up to five paid sick days a year to care for themselves or ailing family members. AARP New Jersey, which pushed for the municipal ordinances, hopes to take the policy statewide.

Home modifications can make a world of difference to people who want to continue to live independently as they age. Homeowners in southern Oregon can get information about such features at an April 26 symposium in Medford.

As a member of the Fair Energy Rate Action Fund, AARP Missouri is pressing for legislation that would require more transparency in utility companies’ earnings reports. AARP wants utilities to publicly disclose returns on equity on a quarterly basis—not just during rate hearings—so consumer advocates can assess whether rate hikes are warranted.

AARP is recruiting volunteers to make a difference on issues important to Kansans age 50-plus.

Cap off a visit to “Diana, a Celebration,” an exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center, in true British fashion—with a special tea fit for royalty. AARP members can enjoy discounted tickets to a pre-Mother’s Day afternoon tea at the museum on Sunday, May 4.

Two utility-rate cases before the Louisiana Public Service Commission last year could have led to rate hikes for about 1 million residential customers. AARP and other consumer advocates intervened, and in settlements announced in December, Entergy Louisiana agreed to drop its proposed $144 million rate hike to $10 million, while Entergy Gulf States Louisiana backed off entirely from a proposed $38 million increase.

As part of an antihunger task force appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), AARP will advocate on behalf of older New Yorkers at risk of hunger. The task force brings together state officials, farmers and advocates—including Beth Finkel, AARP state director.

The Minnesota state office is seeking volunteers for AARP Experience Corps, which engages adults age 50-plus in efforts to improve literacy among schoolchildren in grades K-3.

Are you one of the more than 138,000 Delawareans who help ailing and aging loved ones with their daily tasks? If so, AARP Delaware wants to hear your story.