Livable Communities

This article was writen by Darline Goyea, Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist, for the Defense Health Agency.

Two decades ago energy companies and their lobbyist convinced legislators that Maryland consumers would save money if only they deregulated the electric and gas companies. During the 2019 session, the industry hired dozens of plugged-in lobbyists to advocate for a measure to change the way electric and gas utilities set their annual rates. HB 653 Electric Companies and Gas Companies – Rate Regulation – Alternative Rate Plans was sponsored by Chairman Dereck Davis. Under the radar of the Public Service Commission and consumer advocates, the bill passed the House Economic Matters Committee 20-0 and the full House 83-51. AARP Maryland, however, took notice and our members sprang into action, sending hundreds of emails and faxes to their senators urging them to kill this anti-consumer measure. The bill’s supporters complained about the “noise” made by AARP volunteer advocates, but our efforts made a difference. The more AARP members made “noise,” the more lawmakers began to pay attention and the bill stalled in the Senate.

By Michelle R. Davis

In honor of Earth Day 2019, guest blogger Charlie Conklin says living a better life as we age means leaving a better world for the next generation.

AARP is pleased to welcome the City of Hyattsville as the latest member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. As the latest community to sign on to the network and complete an intensive two-year study and planning project, Hyattsville’s civic leaders will have access to global resources and information on age-friendly best practices, models of assessment and implementation, and the experiences of towns and cities around the world.

The 2018 AARP Maryland Spring Harvest Food Drive was one of the best yet! Because of the integral roles our volunteers played in planning and executing the drive, we were able to engage over 100 volunteers who solicited donations at 14 grocery stores, and assisted with filling local pantry shelves to feed many families in need. We couldn’t have done it without their leadership!

AARP Maryland has had an exciting year with AMAZING volunteers and members. We would like to thank all of you for being a part of our community and family. Check out this short video that highlights a few of our amazing events!

Henry Kenney III is an AARP Maryland Communications Intern and graduate student at Georgetown University.

AARP chapter president, Larry Walton of Ocean Pines in Worcester, MD was recently inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizen's Hall of Fame 2018 and was one of five recipients to receive the accompanying GERI award.

Welcome to the AARP Maryland Livable Communities page!