WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Angus King today was Maine AARP’s special guest for a tele-town hall to talk through the work Congress has been doing to help older Americans across the country, and to speak directly with Maine seniors about the pressing issues facing Maine people over 50 during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the free-flowing hour-long town hall, King answered questions about prescription drug pricing, home and community based care, and the expansion of broadband infrastructure. During the town hall, Senator King highlighted provisions included in the historic American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, both of which passed Congress this year and are making major investments to support Maine seniors and bring America’s infrastructure into the 21st century.

“As one of the oldest states in the nation – and one that’s only getting older – the issues facing Maine seniors are vitally important to the success of our state. It was a privilege to talk with Maine seniors today and hear directly about the issues impacting them,” said Senator Angus King. “I was proud to share the progress we’re making Washington through the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, including major investments in broadband, increased subsides for healthcare, and resources to vaccinate Americans. I also emphasized my strong desire to build on these accomplishments through the Build Back Better Plan by working to address the challenges facing our homecare system and lower the cost of prescription drugs. These are pressing issues that have a ripple effect on our economy and communities, and I’m going to keep pushing hard to improve the lives of Maine seniors.”

“We thank Senator King for joining us today and for responding to the questions that directly impact Maine’s older adults and their families,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “It is unfair that Mainers pay more than three times what people in other countries pay for the same medicines. It’s just wrong that many seniors are forced to choose between filling a prescription or buying groceries. This is why AARP’s first priority is advocating for legislation to lower prescription drug prices. AARP Maine is pleased to be able to provide opportunities like our tele-town halls so our members can engage directly with our Congressional Delegates to discuss these critical issues.”

Representing one of the oldest states in the country, Senator King has consistently worked to address the issues facing Maine seniors. In the American Rescue Plan, which passed 50 to 49 this March, King secured $10 billion in broadband funding to help more Maine seniors access life-saving services like tele-health. The legislation also contained funding to quickly vaccinate older Americans, and to lower the costs of healthcare. Building on this success, Senator King worked on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which contained another $65 billion dollar broadband investment that mirrored the Senator’s BRIGDE Act. Senator King has also worked to increase prescription drug price transparency, expand tele-health services, and recently spoke on the Senate floor in support of expanded homecare services in the Build Back Better bill.