I am concerned about the current state of politics. Many of my friends and family share my concern, as do many of you. I am taking a proactive role in understanding the process of our state government, and am actively working to influence the changes I feel are important here in Maine.

I am an active member of AARP Maine. Last month, I was one of a small group of members who joined AARP at the inaugural Tuesday at the State House. This is a great opportunity to become more comfortable and present at the Maine State House. Some of us have been there plenty of times, but for others it’s a little more overwhelming. As soon as you walk in the door on a Tuesday morning you hear two different bells going at the same time. Now I know what those bells mean — and you can too!

There are 230,000 AARP members in Maine. Showing a small but consistent biweekly presence at the State House will be hard to ignore, especially in our red T-shirts. The issues we are focusing on this session include affordable housing, supporting family caregivers, protecting home and community-based services in the state budget and Age Friendly Community initiatives. When I think about the people I know who are impacted by these and other issues facing older Mainers, I know I represent more than just myself when I’m at the State House.

Come join me, join us, learn more, be involved, and make a difference for us now and for future generations. We meet at 10:30 a.m. in the second floor lobby of the Cross Office Building every other Tuesday and the next is Feb. 14. For more information about Tuesdays at the State House, visit www.aarp.org/me. See you at the State House!

Sammee Quong

AARP volunteer

Augusta

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