Advocacy

With bipartisan support, VTSaves is headed to the Governor’s desk

The last several years have shown us the importance of being prepared for an uncertain future, and that includes having savings to depend on. Unfortunately, thousands of Vermonters who work for themselves or small businesses have no retirement benefits at work. The truth is that many small businesses want to be able to provide a workplace retirement savings option, but can’t because of how expensive and time consuming it is.

Advocating for what is important to our members and giving you a voice at the state and federal levels is a priority for AARP Vermont. Your voice matters. We work with local organizations and town and city officials on making our communities more livable and greater places to age with dignity and purpose.

Advocating for 50-Plus Vermont Residents & Their Families

AARP Vermont is collaborating with Team Better Block to implement a Community Demonstration Project in one Vermont community in 2016. The $15,000 initiative is an approach to revitalization that begins with temporarily transforming a single block into a vibrant destination that illustrates the potential for new business, safer streets and improved livability. Typically, cities have used their Better Blocks to set up farmers’ markets, beer gardens, bookstores and fruit stands. They’ve built swings and climbing areas, set up trampolines and presented school plays, local dance troupes and open-mike musicians. They often lead to more permanent neighborhood improvements.

Bethel Better Block Final Report

The Vermont Retired Educators Association is seeking retired teachers and other school staff as new members.

Vermont is the only state in New England that does not require insurance companies to provide coverage for hearing aids.

Retail prices for 267 brand-name drugs commonly used by older adults surged by an average of 5.8% in 2018, more than twice the general inflation rate of 2.4%, according to new AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) data released today. The annual average cost of therapy for one brand-name drug ballooned to more than $7,200 in 2018, up from nearly $1,900 in 2006.

An AARP-led campaign is expected to bring faster internet service to rural communities stuck with slow or no connections.