Advocacy

By Mary Bethel and Helen Savage

Last week, the Public Staff of the North Carolina Utilities Commission proposed a settlement of the Duke Energy rate request that would provide the company with an additional $235 million in revenue over the next two years. If the full Commission agrees with the Public Staff’s proposal, residents could be forced to pay over 11 percent more for their electricity over the next two years.

Statement by AARP State Director Doug Dickerson

The NCGA passed a consumer finance bill that hikes interest rates and traps low-income residents into a cycle of debt. AARP has asked the Governor to reject the bill. The following AP story is one more reason why he should stand up for consumers, not finance industry lobbyists:

By Andrew Behm

Tax reform proposals are bubbling up in a number of states across the country as elected officials look for ways to stimulate the state’s economy or revamp outdated tax codes. Sometimes, a key element gets lost in the debate: What’s fair.

In response to the North Carolina House and Senate tax plans unveiled today, AARP North Carolina Director Doug Dickerson issued the following statement:

By Mary Bethel - Associate State Director, Advocacy

From an auto insurance overhaul, to a bill that would exacerbate the problem of predatory lending, AARP North Carolina and its advocacy volunteers have been working to defeat legislation that is harmful to older consumers.

Franklin, Highlands, Marion, Nantahala and Otto: