For Immediate Release                                           Contacts: Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

Tuesday, October 7, 2008                                                                   

AARP HELPS THOUSANDS OF ILLINOISANS CLAIM FEDERAL REBATE CHECKS

Oct. 15^th Deadline Looming, AARP, Senator Durbin and IRS Group Team Up to Help People Claim Over $45 Million in Economic Stimulus Checks

CHICAGO– In the current economic climate, with they skyrocketing costs of basic necessities, leaving money on the table is not the right thing to do. That’s why close to 10,000 Illinoisans today connected with AARP, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the IRS on a Teletown Hall to get critical information on how to collect the economic stimulus rebate checks they may be eligible for.

With an October 15 deadline looming, over 163,000 Illinoisans have yet to claim more than $45 million in federal rebates. Callers were able to talk to Sen. Durbin, AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo, and IRS Territory Manager Otis Damron, and receive helpful information on how to file for their unclaimed $300-$600 checks.

“People across the nation and here in Illinois are struggling in this tough economic environment. This is not the time for anyone to leave money on the table,” Gallo said. “AARP is proud to work with Sen. Durbin and the IRS, to help make sure older Illinoisans who don’t usually file income taxes do not miss out on this federal rebate money that could soften the blow of the current economic downturn.”

“The IRS tells us that more than 163,000 Illinois residents could be eligible for stimulus checks and don’t even know it,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “Many of these individuals are seniors and disabled veterans who normally aren’t required to file tax returns because they owe no taxes. I urge seniors and veterans to file returns with the IRS in order to receive the stimulus payments they deserve.”

“Don’t let the economic stimulus payment pass you by,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “If you want the payment this year, you should file by Oct. 15. We recognize that there may be older Americans and disabled veterans who still have not filed for their stimulus payment. If you know of a friend, neighbor or family members who may be in that situation, please give them a hand if they need it.”

Illinois ranks 7^th nationally in unfiled claims, while Chicago ranks second among cities. Four counties – Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will – rank among the top 200 nationwide with unclaimed payments, with nearly 75,000 individuals from Cook County alone who have not claimed the rebate yet. Nationally over 4.3 million people were expected to file for their rebates before the deadline, and claim $1.3 billion.

Claiming the federal rebate can help older adults, veterans and disabled individuals soften the blow of the current economic downturn. According to a recent AARP survey on how the economic slowdown is affecting older Americans, nearly 60% of people over 65 are finding it more difficult to pay for items such as food, gas and medicine, while 12% have had to postpone paying bills and nearly 50% were having trouble affording their utilities.  Full survey results can be found on-line at:   www.aarp.org/research/economy/trends/economy_survey.html .

To receive the stimulus rebate, people who didn’t need to file a tax return this year, but who received at least $3,000 from Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, or earned income in 2007, must submit a simplified version of a 1040A tax form to the IRS (for more information visit ww.irs.gov or call the IRS toll-free 1-800-829-1040). The minimum payment for this group is $300 for an individual and $600 for a couple filing jointly.

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For Immediate Release                                           Contacts:   David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Wednesday, September 24, 2008                                     Gerardo Cardenas (312) 351-0228

*** UPDATED ***

ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION DELIVERS $162 MILLION AMEREN RATE HIKE

Consumers Voices Ignored as Gas and Electricity Rate Hike Adds to Financial Woes

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois – AARP, elected officials, consumer advocates and Ameren customers converged on the Illinois Commerce Commission building in Springfield today urging the Commission to reject Ameren’s $162 million rate hike.  The ICC ignored the groups - approving the hike, which will hit customers’ bills starting in January.

AARP is strongly opposed to the rate increase, which adds to the financial troubles of Illinois consumers already struggling with the rising costs of gas, food and health care.

“For older adults and working families already struggling with the soaring costs of basic necessities – this new rate increase adds on to their piling financial concerns,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “Ameren’s CEO makes $2 million a year. That’s not a company that is struggling and certainly they do not need to increase their rates on the backs of older residents and families.”

In the face of the hikes, Illinois consumers claimed one victory today, as the ICC denied Ameren two new surcharges that would have forced consumers to pay more for Ameren’s bad debt and infrastructure improvements. 

“AARP is very disappointed in the ICC’s decision to put the interests of Ameren above the needs of consumers,” added Gallo.  “Once more, the ICC has ignored the people of Illinois.”

Over the course of the last year, AARP members, elected officials and consumer advocates across central and southern Illinois protested the hikes - attending community meetings on the issue, signing petitions to oppose the hikes, calling the ICC offices, and speaking out at ICC hearings.   

While older people can spend nearly 20% of their income on utility costs, a new AARP survey found the problem to be even more severe with:

·         42% of people age 50 and older saying the economic downturn is making it harder to pay for utilities.

·         Nearly 10% of people over 45 who earn less than $50,000 say that home energy costs have led to the disconnection of at least one utility.

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For Immediate Release                               Contacts: Heather Underwood(312) 458-3623

Tuesday, September 23, 2008                                           Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609 

FOUR ILLINOIS COMPANIES TOP AARP LIST FOR BEST EMPLOYERS FOR WORKERS 50+

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Heads List for Illinois – To be Honored at Awards Dinner in Chicago

CHICAGO , Illinois – AARP has announced the nation’s top 50 best employers for workers 50+ with four Illinois companies making the list.  Topping the Illinois list of companies is Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago.  Other Illinois companies set to receive the awards include, Centegra Health System (Crystal Lake), Hanson Professional Services (Springfield), and Centers for New Horizons (Chicago).

“Employers across the country are increasingly recognizing the importance of innovative practices as they seek to recruit and retain experienced workers,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “AARP is honored to award these four Illinois companies for being ahead of the curve.”

AARP recognized each employer for offering a variety of creative programs for experienced workers.  BCBSA offers a Mature Worker Program with numerous benefits for employees ages55+ while Centegra offers an Alumni Nurse Program which hires retired nurses to serve as mentors.  Hanson Professional Services and Centers for New Horizons were recognized for their training and wellness programs.   

“AARP’s recognition underscores Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s commitment to enhancing the lives of our members and employees – of all ages,” said Scott P. Serota, BCBSA president and CEO. “We are proud to have a strong professional workforce of employees and are pleased to reward their dedication with competitive benefits, pay and human resources initiatives.”  

The Best Employers winners, and the winners of a separate International Innovative Employer Award, will be honored at a dinner on October 7^th in Chicago. 

All Best Employer candidates are vetted to ensure that practices meet the needs of mature workers.  Key areas of consideration include: recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits, and retiree work opportunities.

A complete listing of all of the AARP Best Employers for Workers 50+, please visit: http://www.aarp.org/money/work/best_employers/.

For Immediate Release                                           Contacts: David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Thursday, September 18, 2008                                       Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609 

CATERPILLAR CALLED OUT FOR CUTTING BACK ON RETIREES HEALTH PLANS

 In AARP-backed Case US District Court Says Company Must Stop Taking Premiums out of Pensions, Breaking Health Care Promise to Retirees

CHICAGO, Illinois – Delaying surgery, cutting pills or not taking their prescriptions at all and canceling visits to the doctor’s office due to cost – retires from Peoria, Illinois based Caterpillar (CAT) thought their company-promised health benefits would protect them from ever having to face these dire situations.  But when that promise was broken they sued, and after 2 and half years, they found a small victory this week in a US District Court telling CAT to stop unfair practices through a court imposed injunction. 

“Caterpillar chose to knock down the retirees who helped build the company up,” said Jay Sushelsky, an attorney with AARP’s Foundation who served as co-counsel in the case.  “They broke the promise of providing health care and we’re working to hold them accountable”

CAT retirees were promised health care for life as part of their contract for retirement benefit plans.  But between 1992 and 1998 employees didn’t have a contract; they believed the same plans would be in place for both themselves and their spouses.  Then in 2005, unexpectedly their premiums started to soar and health care related bills started to pile up, leaving many retirees and their spouses facing a health care crisis.

“Too many companies are choosing to hurt their retirees in order to improve their own bottom-line, and that’s a move in the wrong direction for all workers,” added Sushelsky. “All Americans deserve access to affordable health care, both in the workplace and in retirement.”

AARP and law firms from Illinois (Meites, Mulder, Mollica & Glink) and Tennessee (Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein) are representing the retirees in a class-action lawsuit, fighting CAT to ensure they kept the health care coverage promise to their retirees.  The ruling to stop CAT from deducting health premiums from retiree pensions and provide the same coverage to their spouses applies to a sub-group of 247 plaintiffs who were employed by Caterpillar Logistics Services.  The primary lawsuit regarding health care benefits to more than 4,000 retirees is still being litigated before the court.

AARP has found that while 23% of Americans have problems paying medical bills, 55% of all bankruptcies filed last year cited out of pocket health care expenses as the reason.  Nearly 30% say they have skipped treatments, tests or prescriptions because of costs, with only 4 in 10 retirees receiving company-sponsored health care benefits.  

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For Immediate Release                                           Contacts:   David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Wednesday, September 10, 2008                                     Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609