Top Questions for Maryland's 2022 Candidates

AARP Maryland 2022 Candidates Questionnaire

At AARP Maryland we concentrate on the issues most important to those in the 50+ community as they age: economic security; health care; access to affordable, quality long-term care; creating and maintaining livable communities; consumer protections; caregiving; and ensuring that our democracy works better for all.

As candidates for governor and other statewide offices hit the campaign trail, go door-to-door, drop by county fairs and host town halls, here are our TOP questions and concerns we would like them to address:

LONG-TERM CARE IMPROVEMENTS

Question:  If elected, what will you do to improve the financing and quality of care of long-term services and supports (LTSS)?

COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Lisa F. Young

The mental well-being of Maryland’s older population includes increasing and improving services for those with cognitive and/or behavioral health conditions (mental illness and substance use disorders). It also includes efforts to promote psychological life satisfaction.

Question:  If elected, how will you fund programs to meet the cognitive and behavioral health needs of older Marylanders?

PROTECTING CONSUMERS

The State should safeguard consumers against fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. Consumers need and want laws that protect their privacy, rights and interests.

Question:  If elected, how will you preserve and strengthen state laws that protect consumers?

Affordable Gas and Electric: AARP Maryland has advocated for increased consumers protections for ratepayers who purchase gas and electricity.

Question:  If elected, will you support legislation to protect and expand consumer protections for ratepayers who find themselves paying for gas and electric to a company other than their regulated utility?

Westend61

High Speed Internet Accessibility/Affordability: All Marylanders need access to high-speed internet, especially in hard to serve areas. Affordable, reliable high-speed internet allows older adults to age in place productively and safely with a higher quality of life than they might otherwise enjoy. The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the inequities in these services and the importance of access to the internet in not only health but all aspects of daily life.

Question: What will you put in place to ensure that ALL Marylanders have access to affordable high-speed internet?

PROTECTING THE STATE’S RETIREMENT SYSTEM

State and local employees including teachers contribute to the state retirement in every paycheck. Yet for years, Maryland failed to keep its promise to make full pension payments.



Question:  If elected, will you ensure that Maryland continues to make its required annual pension payment and support efforts to shore up the underfunded pension system?

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES FOR ALL AGES

Getty Images

Eighty-seven percent of adults ages 65 and older want to stay in their current homes and communities as they age. It is critical that communities are welcoming and supportive for older residents and benefit residents of all ages: safe streets and neighborhoods; affordable and accessible housing and health care; reliable transportation options; opportunities to learn, work and socialize; and a sense of community and responsive government.

Question:  If elected, will you commit to making Maryland a state where individuals of all ages are able to navigate their communities safely and enjoy all aspects of healthful living?

###