————–TAXES—————–
Following are links on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
regarding tax filing and two other links to help with filing
your taxes if you meet certain eligibility guidelines.
IRS Key points to keep in mind when filing 2022 tax
returns
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/key-points-to-keep-inmind-when-filing-2022-tax-returns
IRS Free File Options
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxesfor-free
AARP Tax Aide Foundation for 2022 Tax Return Filing
https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/
CA$HMAINE Help for Filing Taxes
https://www.cashmaine.org/find-your-location/
————“JOIN SOLAR”———–
Join Solar is a leader in community solar development in
Maine and we are proud to partner with the
Maine Association of Retirees. Our membership is open to all renters and home owners who are serviced by CMP & Versant – offering these benefits:
• Free and simple to join
• Save money on your energy bill
• Support clean, local energy
• Offsite solar array, nothing on your roof
Community solar offers local residents an opportunity to
participate in clean energy production – with guaranteed savings
and no risk involved. Your community solar membership
supports the environment while lowering your utility bills. Click
this link https://enroll.joinsolar.org/community-partner to
learn more and become a member of Join Solar. If you would like
to speak with a Join Solar representative, please contact Michael
Borrell at (651)-364-7185 or michel.borrell@joinsolar.org
*Use referral code ‘MAOR-0250’ upon registration and Join Solar
will donate $50 to the Maine Association of Retirees*
———-LIVE STREAM HAS ENDED———
Watch Livestream of Public Hearing on LD591 and LD70 Today 1pm
Today’s Public hearing at 1pm at the Maine Legislature will address LD 591: An Act to Require the State to Pay Medicare Premiums for Certain Retired State Employees. MAR President Bill Laubenstein will be giving testimony regarding this LD.
At 2pm there will be a Work Session addressing LD70:An Act to Eliminate the Cap on Retirement Benefits for State Employees and Teachers to Which a Cost-of-living Adjustment Is Made
To watch these livestream, please click the link below:
https://legislature.maine.gov/Audio/#202
MAR 2023 ANNUAL MEETING
HALL OF FLAGS EVENT
MAR will be hosting a gathering on Wednesday, April 19th from 8:30 to 11:30 am in the Hall of Flags, second floor of the State House in Augusta. The event will provide an opportunity to speak to some legislators and their staff. Additionally, you may meet MAR’s Officers and Board Directors. As a MAR member, you are invited to drop by at any time.
——-LEGISLATIVE HEARING HAS ENDED——-
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – 2.9.23
Subject: LD70, An Act to Eliminate the Cap on Retirement Benefits for State Employees and Teachers to Which a Cost-of-living Adjustment Is Made
A legislative hearing has been scheduled for the above bill on Tuesday, February 14th at 1:00 pm at the Committee on Labor and Housing, Cross Building, Room 202 in Augusta.
Background – In 2011, major detrimental changes were approved to existing and potential retirees’ pensions. Prior to 2011, retirees could receive up to a 4% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on their entire pension amount. As of 2011 and going forward, this was changed to a 3% maximum COLA and the percentage would only apply to the first $20,000 indexed of the retiree’s pension. The present indexed amount is $24,186.25. These changes have had a severe financial impact on public service retirees’ pensions. The rate of inflation continues to out-pace any pension adjustments retirees receive.
LD 70 would allow the COLA to be applied to State retirees and educators on their entire retirement benefit instead of only to the first $24,186.15.
If you would like to show support for LD 70, please contact your legislator. Following is the link to testify in person at the hearing or submit written testimony https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/
For further information contact Diane Bailey, Executive Director, Maine Association of Retirees, 280 Maine Avenue, Farmingdale, ME 04344
207-582-1960 Ext. 208 Email: dbailey@maineretirees.org
——-LEGISLATIVE HEARING HAS ENDED——-
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – 1.30.23
Subject: Legislative Document 111, An Act Requiring the State to Pay a Share of a Retired State Employee’s or Retired Teacher’s Premium for Medicare Part B under Medicare Advantage
A legislative hearing has been scheduled for the above bill on Thursday, February 9th at 1:00 pm at the Committee on Labor and Housing, Cross Building, Room 202 in Augusta.
Background – the majority of retired State employees and educators are provided with group health insurance through Medicare Advantage plans. Many of these retirees were promised the State would pay 100% of the retirees’ health premium with 10 years of participation in the State’s health plan (presently Aetna Medicare Advantage). However, under the Medicare Advantage plans, retirees are required to pay monthly Medicare Part B premium (presently $164.90 monthly). Requiring public service retirees to pay for Medicare Part B can be a substantial financial burden.
LD 111 would require the State to pay a pro rata share of the Medicare Part B premium based on the retiree’s pension amount received from the Maine Public Employees’ Retirement System (MainePERS). Attached is a copy of the LD.
If you would like to show support for LD 111, please contact your legislator. Following is the link to testify in person at the hearing or submit written testimony https://www.mainelegislature.org/testimony/
For further information contact Diane Bailey, Executive Director, Maine Association of Retirees, 280 Maine Avenue, Farmingdale, ME 04344
207-582-1960 Ext. 208 Email: dbailey@maineretirees.org
Aroostook Agency on Aging
Free Course
Are you an Aroostook County resident 50+, and interested in advocating for aging issues? Would you like to learn how to affect change in your community in a free, 6-day course? We are offering the first Aroostook Civic Academy, and we want you to apply to be a part of it!
Each session will introduce you to aging policy and advocacy techniques that will give you the skills to make positive change. Apply to join our first group of Aroostook County adults, age 50+, and become an advocate and recognized leader for aging issues in your community.
Applications are due on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 5:00 pm
Click here for more information.
UMA Senior College NEWS-2023
UMA Senior College will be offering some exciting new programs in 2023! Spring Registration begins March 6, 2023 at noon and most classes will start Monday, March 20th with the exception of the Classic Films which begins on Friday, March 17th. Classes are free with membership. There are also exhibits on campus at the Danforth Gallery, KLAHR Center which has a current exhibit – Artists Response to Ukraine. Visit the UMASC website to see the many classes and lectures offered.
Important News About Your Employee Health Insurance
No new news at this time.
Updated COLA
Stay tuned more to come.