Annapolis, MD, January 12, 2026 — AARP Maryland today announced its 2026 legislative priorities, under the strategic leadership of Advocacy Director Sara M. Westrick. The agenda reflects AARP Maryland’s unwavering commitment to its more than 800,000 members aged 50 and older across the state, along with their families.
Shirley Sgouros, 63, of Baltimore, is AARP Maryland’s winner of the Andrus Award for Community Service, based on her dedication to her Upper Fells Point neighborhood and its residents. From picking up trash and planting flowers, to organizing culturally rich events, she brings neighbors together to celebrate the community.
AARP is committed to fighting for the 50+ Marylanders throughout the state and ensuring that their voices are heard. During our time in Annapolis, we attend delegation meetings, which take place every Friday during the legislative session, and chat with lawmakers to make direct contact with delegates and local leaders from every county. We will update this page after every Delegation Friday to provide you with up-to-date information on our advocacy efforts.
While in Annapolis during our Delegation Fridays, we have the opportunity to meet many influential people in Maryland's political sphere. That includes reporters and journalists that cover all things happening in our state's capital. To better serve you, the 50+ population of Maryland, we want to continue our efforts of making sure your voices are heard by establishing relationships with the storytellers that by and large have a huge impact on creating and establishing public opinion concerning all things politics.
In honor of Black History Month, we are proud to feature a personal story from our former state pres ident Clarence "Tiger" Davis. Tiger reflects upon his experiences as a black Vietnam veteran reintegrating into a society that did not wholeheartedly welcome him with open arms. However, despite the racism and violence cast on to people that looked like him, he still stood tall for his country. He believed in America and despite the hostility at home, wanted to serve and protect its democracy.
Maryland features some world-class museums, theatre, zoos, as well as other cultural and sporting events. We're working with organizations statewide, from Oakland to Ocean City and places in between, to bring terrific offers on exciting cultural events to AARP members and their guests throughout 2019 and beyond!
The Maryland General Assembly reconvenes Jan. 9, and AARP Maryland staff and volunteers are attending events called Delegation Fridays to discuss issues important to Free Staters age 50 and older.