Senator Kelly Receives AARP Legislative Achievement Award

Michael Klein (left), the AARP Fourth District Advocacy Lead, joins Byron Peterson (right), AARP Advocacy Specialist, to present Senator Kelly with his legislative achievement award.

Shelton, CT – State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21), ranking member on the General Assembly’s Aging Committee, accepted the AARP Legislative Achievement Award at the Installation Luncheon of the Shelton AARP on June 10. The award recognizes Senator Kelly’s efforts to support residents age 50 and over throughout 2013.

Senator Kelly was recognized for his leadership in strengthening community services and caregiver supports that give individuals the choice to age with dignity in their own homes.

“We commend you for your outstanding advocacy on behalf of older adults,” said Nora Duncan, AARP State Director, in a letter to Senator Kelly. “Because of your legislative work, Connecticut is better positioned to meet the fiscal and personal challenges of an aging population in a way that respects individual choice and personal dignity.”

Senator Kelly is committed to addressing issues that impact quality of life for Connecticut’s seniors. He supported new laws that help seniors age in place, remaining in their own homes or community settings regardless of age or disability.

New laws in support of aging in place require outreach to seniors about the supplemental nutrition assistance program, improvements to elder abuse reporting, and a public awareness campaign to teach seniors and caregivers how to resist aggressive marketing tactics and scams.

A “Livable Communities” initiative was also established in 2013, which serves as a forum for review of best practices and resources to help people age in place.

This is the third consecutive year that Senator Kelly was honored with the Legislative Achievement Award. Senator Kelly’s awards recognize his persistent dedication to expanding home and community based options, enhancing training opportunities for long-term care services and enhancing family caregiver supports.

Senator Kelly received his award recognizing his 2013 accomplishments at a meeting held by AARP at Molto Bene Restaurant, 1557 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia, CT.

Connecticut has about 600,000 AARP members across the state. More information about the organization is available at www.aarp.org/ct.