Caucus on Aging holds first meeting of new session

The Legislative Caucus on Aging held its first meeting this session today in Augusta.

"It really doesn't matter whether it's health care or housing or transportation, criminal law, environmental law, insurance law, there is some component of aging policy in all of these state policies," said Elizabeth Gattine, Senior Policy Associate at the Muskie School of Public Service.

The Caucus on Aging is focusing on those policies.

"It's made up of members of the Legislature, House and Senate, both Republicans and Democrats, who are interested in issues that our elders face," said elder law attorney John Nale.

"We have to find out ways we can improve and make it so it's affordable for them to continue being in their home," said Sen. Scott Cyrway (R-Waterville). "And that's what we want. We want everybody to have a good life."

A number of legislators were present to talk about bills that they plan to introduce this session that have to deal with helping older Mainers.

"It's really helpful to know what might be coming up and what you might be interested in working on," said Rep. Jessica Fay, Caucus on Aging Co-Chair (D-Raymond). "So I think that opportunity for all us to do is a great way to start, to jump the session off."

Some of the bills include working on property tax relief, hearing aides, and transportation.

The caucus will meet once a month.