Governor Shumlin signed the Complete Streets bill May 18^th before a packed room of advocates, activists and legislators. AARP Vermont and some 45 other Vermont organizations worked together over the past 18 months to build support for the bill aimed at increasing pedestrian safety and addressing the needs of an aging population that will increasingly rely on alternative ways to get around.

"Thanks to the action of our lawmakers, Vermonters can look ahead to roadways that are designed for safe and convenient travel by all users and all ages," said Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont state director. "We believe this is how Vermont should plan its streets, town centers, cities and suburbs, so that people who cannot drive or want to drive less have more ways to get around."

Pedestrians, cyclists, public transit users and older drivers will benefit from this important change in how roads are designed and rebuilt. Recent street and intersection surveys conducted by AARP in Brattleboro, Rutland, Burlington and St. Johnsbury revealed a host of  problem areas in these communities - many of which could be addressed for little or no funds.

Complete Streets policies ensure that transportation agencies and municipalities routinely design and operate the right of ways to enable safe access for everyone on the road. Complete Streets guidelines make community and roadway planners think about how people can access the community without a car. The design considerations are meant to apply to new roads and those being redesigned or rebuilt.

The power of the new legislation, which takes effect July 1^st, lies in its implementation. AARP will be working with local and state transportation and planning professionals to educate them about how to apply the new law to road projects. Educating Vermonters about what to expect and ask for when local projects are being designed will also be a priority for AARP in the coming year.

AARP is fighting to protect Medicare and Social Security for today's seniors and strengthen them for future generations at a time when there is much debate about entitlement reform as it relates to the Federal deficit. Unfortunately, there are proposals currently being considered in Washington that would cap mandatory spending across-the-board. This would very likely trigger cuts to Medicare and Social Security benefits. AARP is launching a public campaign to ensure that this proposal isn't included in legislation to raise the debt ceiling. Federal action on this issue is expected by early August.

AARP Vermont will be participating in this initiative in a number of ways.  Teams of volunteers from the Champlain Valley Advocacy Team will be staffing tables and talking to Vermonters at fairs, farmer's markets, Church St. and senior centers around Chittenden County.  Paid advertising on the issue will run that supplements ads running nationally and outreach tours will travel to points across Southern and Northern counties to spread the word and listen to older Vermonters. Articles and op-eds will be placed in Vermont publications and state office staff will visit directly with our members of Congress. 

We ask that you too take a minute to raise your voice as well and contact our Senators and Congressman. Urge them oppose changes to Social Security and Medicare that would dramatically raise your costs and reduce your health security.  Call 1-888-722-8514 to weigh in.

AARP Vermont and the Vermont Attorney General's Office invite you to a Consumer Protection Forum on Friday, July 22^nd from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 1117 Williston Road, South Burlington.

Presenter Sandi Everitt, Assistant Attorney General and Director of the state's Consumer Assistance Program, will share the latest on phone scams, cell phone cramming, identify theft, credit card safety and more. You will also learn the five steps every Vermonter should know to be a savvy consumer.

Breakfast will be served and the event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to 877-926-8300 by July 16, 2011.