MRSPA Legislation Program
MRSPA advocates for its almost 14,000 members. MRSPA works to protect defined benefit pensions and a secure retirement for all Marylanders.
SAFETY
MRSPA advocates preventing abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, and supports legislation to reduce crime and violence against seniors. The State continues to work to identify best practices in an effort to combat elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
PENSION PROTECTION
MRSPA works to protect defined benefit pensions and a secure retirement for all Marylanders. Pensions contribute to the state economy and promote personal financial security. Full actuarial funding of the state pension system and the legislated make-up contributions to the system are economically, legally, and morally important, while ensuring sustainability of the pension fund.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
MRSPA supports legislation that provides protection from identity theft, fraud, and scams for seniors and vulnerable adults. Theft of funds from investment portfolios and other financial accounts is of great concern. MRSPA supports legislation that protects all seniors, especially those with diminished capacity, from financial exploitation.
HEALTH CARE
MRSPA supports legislation that provides full-funding of local school systems as they provide health benefits/options for retired school personnel. MRSPA supports legislation to control the cost of prescription drugs.
Technology
MRSPA supports legislation and grant programs to promote access to computers, the internet, and training to decrease the isolation of seniors and to close the digital divide. Lack of access to broadband, Wi-Fi, and internet-based programs limit access to telehealth/telemedicine, connections with family and friends, and access to news and other current information.
QUALITY OF LIFE
MRSPA supports services and communities to help older adults age in place and supports programs to help older adults remain healthy, active and independent.
LONG TERM CARE
MRSPA supports legislation to address the rising cost of long term care insurance. Older adults who invested in long term care insurance to provide for their own care are faced with unreasonable price increases or a loss of benefits. These increases are prohibitively expensive and should be negotiable and greatly limited.
Education
MRSPA supports public education in all Maryland jurisdictions, including pre-school and lifelong learning options. State support for these programs is essential to forming an educated and productive citizenry.
CIVIC PARTICIPATION
MRSPA supports legislation that protects the right of every eligible citizen to vote. Of special concern to our members are voter ID requirements, access to the ballot box, absentee and mail in voting laws, and restrictions on the time and place of voting.