LEADERSHIP THAT WORKS: Increasing Independence and Securing Retirement for Maryland Seniors
 Goals and Values for Increasing Independence and Securing Retirements for Maryland Seniors
Today, one in seven Maryland residents is over the age of 60. In 25 years, this figure will grow to one in four. As one of Maryland’s greatest resources, retired and older Marylanders have much to offer the State of Maryland. Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown will use actions, not just words, to prove to our seniors that there is no such thing as a spare Marylander, and to build a state where seniors are treated with fairness when it comes to taxes, retirement security and health care. Our state government must take the lead in making Maryland the most senior-friendly state in the nation. We need leadership that works to increase the independence of and secure the retirements of older Marylanders.
Paths to Progress
As Maryland’s next Governor, Martin O’Malley will:
- Expand Baltimore’s “Experience Corps� Throughout Maryland. Martin O’Malley will build upon a successful Baltimore program that takes advantage of the experience of retired Marylanders to help mentor Maryland children in our schools.
- Provide Statewide Prescription Drug Assistance. Martin O’Malley will work to help seniors afford their prescription drugs and implement a statewide program to help seniors navigate the confusing Medicare prescription drug plan.
- Strengthen Maryland’s Retirement Security. Martin O’Malley will strengthen Maryland’s state employee retirement system, protect private-sector pensions, and make smart investments to guarantee the financial security of our retirees.
- Preserve Financial Independence. Martin O’Malley will provide tax relief to adults who are covering their own health care expenses independently of Medicaid. O’Malley also supports expanding individual and employer credits for long-term care insurance, developing caregiver tax credits, and special assistance for custodial grandparents.
- Support Families with Older Adults. Martin O’Malley will expand family leave policies for state employees so that they can take time off to care for their parents and grandparents without worrying about losing their job.
- Increase Security for Older Marylanders. Martin O’Malley will introduce specific public safety programs to increase security for older Marylanders.
A Record of Progress
- Martin O’Malley, along with the schools and neighborhoods of Baltimore, launched Experience Corps Baltimore, an innovative program to help retirees contribute to the community by working with children in public elementary schools. The program helped students and teachers, and improved the health of the seniors who participated.
- Martin O’Malley started Baltimore’s Commission on Aging and Retirement Education to focus on retirees’ issues in Baltimore, including health care, housing accessibility, income security, and public safety.
- Martin O’Malley took on the tough challenge of lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and started the Baltimore Medicare Part D Surveillance and Response Initiative to support seniors and pharmacists in their transition to the new Medicare prescription drug program. In January 2006, Martin O’Malley called upon Governor Ehrlich to use Baltimore’s program as a blueprint to assist Medicare recipients statewide.
- Martin O’Malley launched an innovative program that significantly lowered the cost of prescription drugs for Baltimore residents. The Baltimore ScriptSave program prescription drug card offers prescription, vision, hearing, diabetes, and respiratory supply discounts to all City residents.
Maryland Can Do Better
- Bob Ehrlich has cut funding to the Department of Aging by over $5 million in his four short years, despite the fact that Maryland’s retired population has increased by almost 100,000.
- Bob Ehrlich has refused to stand up to his Washington DC friends, and has done nothing to protect Maryland’s aging population from the Bush Administration’s decision to cut coverage under the Medicare Part D Prescription plan.
- Bob Ehrlich has reduced funding for prescription drug plans and the nationally-lauded Meals on Wheels program, which delivers hot meals to home-bound seniors and disabled Marylanders.
- Bob Ehrlich cut millions from much needed funding to assisted living programs and has failed to adequately regulate and inspect these important facilities.
- Bob Ehrlich cut almost $2 million from the Department of Aging since 2003 even as Maryland’s older adult population continues to grow.
Bob Ehrlich and Older Marylanders – No Goals. Failed Leadership.
A Stronger Maryland Can Do Better.
Martin O'Malley and Anthony Brown –
Leadership That Works
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