The 2023 AARP Maine Volunteer Legislative Honor Roll

The magic of AARP Maine’s work comes from YOU, our volunteers! Your untiring dedication to standing up for the rights of all older Mainers in your own communities, at the State House, and even down in D.C. has made a huge difference in the lives of your friends, your families, and countless others.

At AARP Maine, we believe that hard work shouldn’t go unnoticed. To celebrate the accomplishments of our volunteer advocates, we are proud to announce the 2023 Legislative Honor Roll which will be updated regularly during the legislative session!

AT THE KITCHEN TABLE:
🌟Kitchen Table Chats are volunteer-led small group discussions with representatives from across the state. Each virtual chat has only about 5-10 participants and is an excellent opportunity for our volunteers to engage with the elected officials representing their community at the State House. These chats run the gamut of topics, creating a conversation where “nothing is off the table!”
🌟Star Pelsue with Representative Benjamin Collings  
🌟Cheryl Huntley with Representative Nathan Carlow
🌟Jessica Simpson with Senator Anne Carney and Representative Rebecca Millett
🌟Pat Wright with Senator Donna Bailey
🌟Carl Joyce and John and Anne White with Rep Wood Senator Jeffery Timberlake
🌟 Louise Theberge and Paul Armstrong with Senator Peggy Rotundo and Senator Glenn Curry
🌟 Jane Conrad with Senator Glenn Curry
🌟Cheryl Huntley with Rep Mark Blier



GIVING TESTIMONY
🌟Paul Armstrong: Health and Human Services introduction
🌟Paul Armstrong: LD 99 Health and Human Services
🌟Erica Magnus: LD 258 Appropriations and Financial Affairs
🌟Star Pelsue: LD 258 Appropriations and Financial Affairs
🌟Jean Saunders: Labor and Housing Introduction
🌟Carl Bucciantini on Jessica Linzer's Maine Retirement Savings Board nomination
🌟 Rena Heath: LD 422
🌟 Star Pelsue: LD 812 In-Person Voting
🌟 Carl Bucciantini: LD 300
🌟 Jessica Simpson: LD 214
🌟 Paul Armstrong: LD 709
🌟 Jessica Simpson: LD 1500
🌟 Paul Armstrong: LD 1584
🌟 Star Pelsue: LD 1365
🌟Anne White: LD 1964
🌟 Paul Armstrong: LD 1964
🌟 Fran Day: LD 1964
🌟 Roz Fisher: LD 1964
🌟 Star Pelsue: LD 1964
🌟 Jessica Simpson: LD 1964
🌟 Carl Bucciantini: LD 1964
🌟 John White : LD 1964


PUBLIC SPEAKING
🌟Carl Bucciantini on Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) Action Day Feb 7th

APPOINTMENTS:
🌟 Jessica Simpson reappointed to the Maine Retirement Savings Board

LETTER WRITERS to State Legislators at the start of the 131st Legislative Session:

• Peggy Akers
• Deb Alford
• Pious Ali 
• Karin Anderson
• Paul Armstrong
• Sonya Artinyan
• Andre Chasse
• Pamela Corcoran
• Fran Day
• Jutta Graf
• Heidi Graf
• Rena Heath
• Cheryl Huntley
• Kathy and Ron Jacques
• Ruby Parker
• Star Pelsue
• Sammee Quong
• Jean Saunders
• Jean Sideris
• Marie Snowman
• Louise Theberge
• Carl Toney
• Pat Wright
• Roz Fisher
• Robin Steinwand
• Erica Magnus

Additional Recognition:
Jessica Simpson LD 1347: Jessica has actively engaged with AARP staff and several statewide environmental groups to learn more about the impact this bill would have on consumers and businesses. She has pushed our organization, and those organizations with alternate perspectives, to consider all angles of this legislation while seeking clarity on highly complex issue.