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Background
Location:
Chicago, Illinois
United States
Work:
AARP
Hometown(s):
Chicago, IL - State Office
Springfield, IL - Legislative Office
My Websites:
http://www.aarp.org/il

My Journals (56)

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

Tuesday, October 7, 2008                                                                   

 

AARP HELPS THOUSANDS OF ILLINOISANS CLAIM FEDERAL REBATE CHECKS

 

Oct. 15th 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 7th 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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Added: October 9, 2008
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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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Added: October 6, 2008
Views: 8 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

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 7th 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/.

 

Added: September 24, 2008
Views: 55 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

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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Added: September 19, 2008
Views: 39 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

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

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

 

ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION APPROVES $270 MILLION COM ED RATE HIKE

 

ICC also O.K.’s New Surcharge, Consumers Set to See Higher Bills Starting in January

 

CHICAGO , Illinois – Cash strapped consumers in Illinois won’t get a break anytime soon on their rising utility bills.  Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved an estimated $270 million ComEd rate hike, also giving the utility company the go ahead to add a new surcharge to bills come January.  AARP is strongly opposed to the ComEd increases.

 

“Older people on fixed incomes and families already coping with soaring health care, grocery and gas costs will bear the brunt of these rate hikes,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “AARP is very disappointed in the Commerce Commission’s decision to put the interests of ComEd above the needs of struggling consumers.”

 

The ComEd rate hikes will come as an increase in service delivery charges on customers’ bills.  A new surcharge will also be added, called the “System Modernization Project rider,” bringing bills even higher by forcing customers to pay for upgrades in technology that may not even improve basic electric services.  The surcharge is for an unspecified amount of money.   

 

AARP members and the public across 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.   

 

“The public let the ICC clearly know more utility increases are the wrong idea at the wrong time,” added Gallo.  “Today the ICC failed the people of Illinois and largely ignored their collective voices.”

 

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 earning less than $50,000 saying that home energy costs have led to the disconnection of at least one utility.

 

Consumers claimed one small victory - the ICC denied a ComEd surcharge that would have billed customers for storm related expenses – something already built in to their bills.

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Added: September 10, 2008
Views: 42 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

For Immediate Release                                     Contact: David Irwin                       312-458-3621

Wednesday, August 27, 2008                                           Gerardo Cardenas   312-458-3609

 

CONSUMERS GOT THE COMMERCE COMMISSION’S NUMBER ON RATE HIKES

 

Statewide AARP “Tele-town Hall” Meetings Call on Public to Voice Opposition to Higher Utility Bills

 

CHICAGO, Illinois –With Illinois utility companies Ameren and ComEd looking to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to approve millions in rate hikes and new surcharges – consumers across the state are drawing a line in the sand.  Thousands of people from across the state will come together for AARP’s “tele-town halls”, to have their voices heard and to let the ICC know just where they stand on the issue.

 

Illinois consumers are getting stretched thin by rising prices coupled with a tight economy – this is not the time for the ICC to approve utility rate increases,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “AARP is working to ensure people have the facts and a voice on this issue – we hope the ICC is listening.”

 

AARP’s tele-town halls, taking place this Wednesday and Thursday, will connect thousands of AARP members across the state for a phone conversation with AARP state leaders and utility issue experts.  Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the latest developments in the Ameren and ComEd rate hike cases, and be patched through to the ICC to voice their opposition to higher energy bills.

 

“Older people tend to spend a higher percentage of their income on utility bills and will feel the brunt of these proposed rate hikes” added Gallo.  “The ICC has a job to do – deny more utility rate increases – and we are holding them to it.”

 

ComEd’s proposal is for a $360 million annual increase in electric and natural gas delivery rates. The utility company is also requesting ICC approval on a new surcharge called a “rider”, to bill customers more money for new technological investments unrelated to basic electric service – the surcharge is for an unspecified amount of money and can be increased with a rubber stamp-like process by the ICC.

 

Ameren, who has recently had their new surcharges rejected from their proposal by the ICC, is still seeking approval for electric and natural gas delivery rate hikes to the tune of $247 million annually.

 

A new, nationwide AARP survey released today found that more than half of those making below $50,000 a year said paying the utility bill is harder due to the economy, Nearly 75 percent of those questioned in the survey reported a rise in their home heating and cooling costs over the last year, and 79 percent said they expect the costs to go up again next year. From 2003 to 2008, average home heating oil costs have gone up nearly $1,500. The average natural gas cost has risen more than $800

 

Added: August 27, 2008
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For Immediate Release                                                  Contact: David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Monday, August 25, 2008                                                         

 

YOUNGER ADULTS IN ILLINOIS AIDED BY EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE COVERAGE 

 

AARP Commends Governor & General Assembly for Allowing Dependents Ages 19-26 to Get Covered by Parents Health Plans

 

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The face of a broken health care system keeps getting younger - as health care costs soar, young adults are now have the largest segment of the population without health insurance. Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly have moved to change that by allowing more people in their 20’s to remain on their parent’s health plan.  AARP strongly supports the effort as step toward addressing a broken health care system. 

 

“People of all ages are having trouble keeping pace with health care costs, including a growing number of younger Illinoisans - college students and recent graduates,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “AARP commends the Governor for his leadership and the General Assembly for coming together to address this important health care issue.”

 

Through an amendatory veto earlier this month, the Governor moved to expand the age which Illinois residents could remain on their parent’s health plans.  The effort garnered overwhelming support in both the House and Senate.  Now, Illinoisans up to the age of 26 can remain covered by their parent’s health plans.

 

“Becoming victims of a health care system that doesn’t work is unfortunately something that too many young adults have in common with their parents.  We need to fix this problem for all age groups,” added Gallo.  “This step towards reforming health care in Illinois is one in the right direction.” 

 

In Illinois, over 300,000 people between 19 and 26 are uninsured.  Nationally, 31% of young adults are uninsured - nearly 13.7 million people.  According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study, the majority of uninsured young adults work full time, with smaller firms who are less likely to offer coverage. One third of college graduates become uninsured during the first year out of school with the majority citing costs as the primary factor (The Commonwealth Fund).

 

Added: August 25, 2008
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For Immediate Release                                      Contact: David Irwin                      (312) 458-3621

Monday, August 25, 2008                                                 Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609

 

PIONEERING BROADCASTer MERRI DEE

joins aarp illinois EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

 

WGN Director of Community Relations, Community Activist 

Appointed to AARP State Leadership Team

 

CHICAGO, IllinoisToday, AARP Illinois announced the appointment of pioneering broadcaster and philanthropist Merri Dee to its State Executive Council.  In this lead volunteer position Dee will be a member of the organization’s seven-member leadership committee, helping to shape AARP’s state agenda.   

 

“Merri brings a strong background in communications, advocacy and charitable work to AARP Illinois’ Executive Council,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP Illinois.  “We’re glad to welcome Merri to the AARP Illinois Executive Council, where our 1.8 million members will no doubt benefit from her experience, passion and dedication.”

 

One of the first African-American women to anchor broadcast news in Illinois, Dee has also been a champion of charitable work, raising millions of dollars for several children's charities, spearheading crime victims’ rights legislation, and helping increase adoption rates in the state.

 

“I’m looking forward to joining AARP’s Executive Council in Illinois and press forward key issues such as affordable healthcare and consumer rights,” Dee said.  “AARP is an organization whose ideals and mission I believe in.”

 

Dee has spent 41 years working in media and with not for profit organizations. Her work managing WGN-TV’s Children Charities has helped to raise over $31 million to improve and enrich the lives of thousands of children and their families. A strong focus of her work with children has been towards raising awareness of the importance of adoptions.

 

An advocate for crime victims, Dee successfully lobbied the State’s General Assembly for the passage of Illinois’ first Victims Bill of Rights, the first of its kind in the United States.

 

Dee mixed her successful and influential career as a TV newscaster and talk radio host with her work as chairperson of the United Negro College Fund’s Telethon, and host of the national Bud Billiken Parade for more than 25 years. Dee has won many national and local awards for her work in media and philanthropy.

 

AARP Illinois Executive Council works with the State Office to set strategic priorities and objectives.  Executive Council members, which serve on a volunteer basis, are actively engaged and involved in the planned activities of the state office, and work with members, volunteers and other organizations throughout the state to help accomplish state and national initiatives.  AARP Illinois’ Executive Council currently has six members, appointed to two-year terms.

 

Added: August 25, 2008
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For Immediate Release                                                     Contact: Heather Underwood

Sunday, August 24, 2008                                                                        (312)206-4662

 

UIUC STUDENT GROUP MOBILIZES TO END POLITICAL GRIDLOCK

 

UIUC’s Divided We Fail Student Group Forms to Tackle Health Care and Financial Security Issues

 

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois Thousands of UIUC students converged on the Main Quad of the University of Illinois campus today to learn about campus activities, events, and student groups – and one newly formed student group made a resounding debut. 

 

UIUC’s Divided We Fail student group has formed under the umbrella of AARP’s Divided We Fail movement – a national initiative launched by AARP to help ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health care and lifetime financial security.  The student group is working to end partisan gridlock and provide a brighter America for future generations.    

 

“College students across the nation and right here at UIUC are struggling with skyrocketing health care costs and mounting debt,” said Timil Patel, a student at UIUC and the President of the Divided We Fail student group.  “It’s time that our elected leaders work together to bring about real change.”

 

Over 80% of college students accumulate credit card debt while in school and more than half of these students accumulate over $5,000 in debt.  In addition, young adults, ages 19-39, have the highest uninsured rate of any age group in our nation – 31% of young adults are uninsured.  UIUC’s Divided We Fail student group hopes to mobilize other students to demand action and answers from our elected leaders on health care and financial security.

 

“Young adults have an important role to play in the political process,” added Patel, “and its time that we make our voices heard on the issues affecting our generation”

 

To learn more about the Divided We Fail initiative, visit www.dividedwefail.org.

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Added: August 23, 2008
Views: 57 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

  

For Immediate Release                        Contacts: David Irwin 312-458-3621
Thursday, August 7, 2008                                                         
 
ILLINOIS RESIDENTS FAIL TO COLLECT OVER $63 MILLION IN ECONOMIC STIMULUS MONEY
 
Oct. 15th Deadline Looming, AARP Urges People to File Now - Launches Outreach Efforts to Help
 
CHICAGO, Illinois– While a tough economy is leaving many people struggling to balance the soaring costs of gas, food, and health care, over 200,000 Illinois residents have failed to take advantage of their economic stimulus rebate - leaving an estimated $63 million unclaimed.   Nearly 70% of those yet to file in Illinois are over the age of 65 and AARP is working to get the message out and help people get their money before it’s too late.
 
AARP announced an aggressive effort to ensure people have the facts they need about the stimulus rebate to get the money most people could use these days. Launching a community outreach campaign, advertising efforts, mailings to members, and an on-line tool - www.aarp.org/stimulushelp - all to help older individuals who don’t file income tax returns receive their stimulus payment of $300 to $600.  
 
“Many older people are already feeling the brunt of a tough economy, this is no time for anyone to leave money on the table,” said Evelyn Gooden, AARP Illinois State President. “AARP is working to ensure older Illinoisans who don’t usually file income taxes don’t miss out on the federal rebate money they are entitled to.”
 
Illinois ranks 7th in the nation, with over 210,000 people who haven’t filed for the economic stimulus rebates, and among cities, Chicago ranks second with 60,821 people so far leaving their money unclaimed. Nationally over 5 million people remain to file for their rebates, leaving a total of nearly $1.7 billion in unclaimed payments.
 
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% are 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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Added: August 8, 2008
Views: 83 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0