For Immediate Release                        Contacts:

Thursday, May 1, 2008                             David Irwin                 312-206-6755

                                                               Gerardo Cardenas             312-351-0228

AARP TURNS 50 -CELEBRATES IN CHICAGO WITH $100,000 AWARD TO ROOSEVELT HIGH

Award Given in Honor of AARP’s Founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, Recognizes Key Civic Role Played by Theatre Program in the Community

CHICAGO– Turning 50 is a big occasion for most people – so how did AARP mark the milestone? Finally old enough to join itself, the association celebrated Wednesday night with a gift back to the community – awarding Roosevelt High School’s Musical Theatre program $100,000 in honor of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, and recognizing the program’s contributions to keep Chicago youth civically engaged in their community.  Dr. Andrus had strong ties to Chicago. She spent much of her childhood, went to college and started her teaching career here.

On the Theatre Program’s opening night, Chicago City Clerk, Miguel del Valle, Alderman Margaret Laurino, and Director of Arts Programs for Chicago Public Schools, Dr. David Roche joined with representatives from AARP and Roosevelt High to celebrate the occasion, highlighted with the presentation of a giant check for $100,000.  The students then performed “Beauty and the Beast” before a packed house.   

“Dr. Andrus was a visionary who strongly believed in the value of civic engagement,” said Evelyn Gooden, AARP Illinois State President.  “AARP is proud to be here tonight to award Theodore Roosevelt High School in honor of that vision.”

The Musical Theatre Program is comprised of Roosevelt students of all ages as well as students from William H. Taft High School, Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center, and Mary Gage Peterson Elementary School, under the direction of Cliff Gabor.  This program brings together students of widely varying experiences, circumstances and cultures to enrich the lives of the students and the community.  Prior to 2003, Roosevelt had gone nearly 40 years without a theatre program.

“Our theatre program is one of a kind,” said Cliff Gabor, Roosevelt High School’s Musical Theatre Director.  “These kids put in so much time and effort into making the program successful and we are honored to receive this award from AARP.”  

AARP received several applications for the award in Chicago. The Roosevelt program was chosen for the important role the Theatre Program plays in the local community.    

AARP has over 1.8 million members in Illinois. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 Contacts:

April 23, 2008                                                                David Irwin (312) 458-3623

                                                                                       Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609

AARP COMMENDS ILLINOIS U.S. REPS FOR VOTING TO PROTECT PEOPLE IN MEDICAID

Association Urges Senators Durbin and Obama to Quickly Pass Companion Bill and Send Measure to President

CHICAGO, Illinois—AARP commended the supporters and cosponsors of the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008, which passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The bill prevents massive increases in costs for people in Medicaid by stopping harmful cuts proposed by the administration.

“Today’s vote is a victory for all Illinoisans who rely on Medicaid as the safety net of our health care system,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP in Illinois. “With 47 million Americans already uninsured, our country and our state cannot afford to make it any harder for our most vulnerable to pay for their health care.”

AARP thanks the members of the Illinois delegation who cosponsored the bill or provided critical support in gaining passage of this legislation first in the Energy & Commerce committee and today in the full House:

• Rep Costello, Jerry F. (D-12, Belleville)
• Rep Davis, Danny K. (D-7, Chicago)
• Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. (D-4, Chicago)
• Rep Hare, Phil (D-17, Rock Island)
• Rep Lipinski, Daniel (D-3, Western Springs)
• Rep Rush, Bobby L. (D-1, Chicago)
• Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. (D-9, Evanston)
• Rep Weller, Jerry (R-11, Morris)

Illinois’s Medicaid director estimated the impact of the proposed cuts to be more than $2.5 billion for the state.  While AARP supports smart policies to stop fraud, waste and abuse in Medicaid, the cuts proposed by the administration threaten the integrity of the program and shift unreasonable costs to the people in Medicaid and the states.

“We’re proud that our U.S. Representatives recognized the harm the administration’s proposals would have done to people in Illinois’s Medicaid program, and we thank them for acting swiftly and with such wide, bipartisan support to stop these cuts,” added Gallo.   “We now urge Senators Durbin and Obama to vote to protect Medicaid as the Senate considers this measure.”

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

Thursday, April 24, 2008                                   Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609                                           

AARP EFFORTS FOR SAFER ROADS HITS A BUMP IN ILLINOIS

Legislation Making it Easier to Take Nation’s Most Successful Driver Safety Program Greeted with Opposition from Insurance Industry

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Safer roads in Illinois has come down to a battle over discounts and access.   AARP is pressing for state legislation that would take its Driver Safety Program (DSP) on-line in the state and allow participants the same discount on insurance premiums as those who take the course in the classroom.  But there’s a roadblock, the legislation is being opposed by the insurance industry.

Currently the Secretary of State is unable to approve on-line courses, such as AARP’s, for insurance discounts, meaning those who pass the class don’t get the discount that usually comes along with successful completion of a defensive driving course.  The legislation, sponsored by Senator Dan Kotowski (SB 2502) and Representative Fred Crespo (HB 5731), would change that and extend a discount on insurance premiums to those who complete the class on-line or take a 4-hour refresher course in the classroom.   

“AARP commends Senator Kotowski and Representative Crespo for their dedication to helping make Illinois roads safer for drivers of all ages,” said Jack Reynolds, Illinois State Coordinator for AARP’s Driver Safety Program.  “Making these classes more accessible is a clear way to help more drivers know the rules of the road and be better defensive drivers – this legislation is a clear step in the right direction.”

The on-line course would allow participants to learn from the convenience of their own homes, or nearby libraries or senior centers and would better serve people living in rural areas that may not have access to the classroom course.  The format also makes it possible to verify participant identity and measure their success. 

According to an AARP survey of participants who have completed the on-line course:

• 92% reported they had changed at least one driving behavior
• 83% felt that information learned helped prevent as accident

“We’re urging AARP members across the state to contact their legislators and tell them to move beyond the insurance industry’s roadblock by passing this legislation,” added Reynolds.

Since 1979, more than 12 million people have completed AARP’s Driver Safety Program, making it the most successful course for older drivers in the nation.  In 2006, AARP introduced the on-line version of the Driver Safety course in addition to the classroom course to reach more people. 

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For Immediate Release                 Contacts:

Friday, April 18, 2008                       Heather Underwood   312-206-4662

                                                            Gerardo Cardenas      312-351-0228

AARP CELEBRATES 50^TH B-DAY WITH $10,000 AWARD TO LEWISTOWN HIGH

Award Given in Honor of AARP’s Founder Recognizes Key Civic Role Played by Tube Band in the Lewistown Community

LEWISTOWN, Illinois – AARP is old enough to join itself and celebrated the occasion tonight at Lewistown Community High School.  The Lewistown High School Tube Band was awarded the Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award for Innovation – a $10,000 award given to the school in honor of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, and to recognize the band program’s contributions to keep Lewiston youth civically engaged in their community.  The Tube Band program, which was in jeopardy of being eliminated without the much-needed funding from AARP, performed tonight in front of a packed house in the high school’s auditorium – bringing the community together in celebration.

“Dr. Andrus was a visionary who strongly believed in the value of civic engagement,” said Evelyn Gooden, AARP Illinois State President.  “AARP is proud to be here tonight to award Lewistown High School in honor of that vision.”

The Tube Band is comprised of high school students of all ages and is under the direction of Clay Ginglen, the school’s music director.  In the fashion of the renowned Blue Man Group, the Tube Band uses a combination of sticks, spatulas and PVC pipe to create melodic tunes.  The goal of the Band is to alert students to the dangers posed by violence, alcohol, drug use and bullying.   

“Our Tube Band program is one of a kind,” said Clay Ginglen, Lewistown High School Music Director.  “These kids put in so much time and effort into making the program successful and we are honored to receive this award from AARP.”  

AARP received several applications for the award in Illinois, but the Lewistown program was chosen for its unique innovation and the important role the band plays in the local community.    

AARP has over 1.7 million members in Illinois. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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For Immediate Release                            Contacts:

April 9, 2008                                                David Irwin           312-206-6755

                                                                     Gerardo Cardenas 312-351-0228

AARP KEEPS THE HEAT ON COMED RATE HIKES & SURCHARGES   

AARP Members Take Strong Message to ICC Public Hearings – Urge Opposition to $361 Million in Rate Hikes and Even More in Surcharges

CHICAGO– ComEd is once again looking for more money from Illinois consumers – to the tune of $361 million in rate hikes and possibly much more in the way of several new surcharges.  Tonight, as the Illinois Commerce Commission holds its first public hearing on the matter, AARP members from across Chicago will join with the public to make their voice of opposition heard. 

“There comes a time when you have to say enough is enough. People are already paying too much at the gas pump, at the drugstore and at the grocery store and shouldn’t be asked to pay more for the energy they need,” said AARP Illinois Executive Council member George O’Hare from Willowbrook. “ComEd is profitable enough without raising costs again – they are balancing their corporate checkbook on the backs of Illinois consumers.”

The proposed $361.3 million ComEd rate hike will be an annual increase for its electric customers, but the utility company is also looking to tack on several new surcharges, called “riders,” to customers’ bills.  AARP stands in strong opposition to the rate hike and surcharges and is urging the ICC to deny ComEd’s proposal.

Riders create a fast-track for increases without the benefit of looking at the company’s overall revenue to see if there are offsetting decreases, unfairly shifting risks from the shareholder on to customers by allowing these unfair increases outside of a rate case audit.  ComEd’s proposed riders include:

• “System Modernization Project” Adjustment Rider –Forces customers to subsidize new technological investments unrelated to basic electric service (such as a “Smart Grid”), without the benefit of a full rate case review.

•  “Storm Expense Adjustment” Rider –Increase rates for expenses related to storm damages, on top of the amount already included on customers’ electric bills.

“These rate hikes and surcharges are a bad deal for consumers. AARP urges the ICC to stand up for consumers and put people above more energy industry profits,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.

AARP has taken the fight to the community, encouraging its 1.8 million members across the state to get involved and call the “Energy Rate Hotline” (1-800-719-3020) to connect consumers directly to the ICC. AARP is also encouraging members of the public to log online to the ICC’s Website - http://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/comment/ - and use case number 07-0566 to give the Commerce Commission their comments.

Last January, AARP, CUB, the Office of the Attorney General and state legislators joined forces to oppose Ameren’s new surcharges and $247 million rate hike proposal that would also hurt hundreds of thousands of consumers in Central and Southern Illinois.  Coupled together the Ameren and ComEd hikes and surcharges would all but wipe out the historic, $1 billion rate relief package won by Illinois consumers in 2007. 

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

Wednesday April 2nd, 2008                            Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609                                          

CONSUMER GROUPS WAGE FIGHT ON

COM ED’S RATE HIKES & SURCHARGES

AARP, Citizen’s Utility Board and Attorney General Join Forces to Urge ICC to Say ‘No Way’ to Backdoor Surcharges & $361 Million Rate Increase

CHICAGO– AARP, the Citizen’s Utility Board and the Office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today joined forces to strongly oppose ComEd’s attempt to raid consumer’s wallets with proposed electricity rate increases and new surcharges.  With the ICC’s public hearings on the issue set to begin next week, the consumer groups urged the Commission to say ‘No Way!’ to ComEd’s proposal, which would deal a harsh blow to consumers in Northern Illinois.

“AARP stands in strong opposition to more ComEd rate hikes and surcharges – people are already struggling with the rising costs of gas, prescriptions, groceries and other necessities – enough is enough,” said Evelyn Gooden, AARP Illinois State President. “In tough economic times, we’re urging the Illinois Commerce Commission to stand up for consumers and say “no way” to this proposal.”

ComEd has requested a $361.3 million annual increase for its electric customers from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Their request includes an increase in the Customer Charge and the Meter Charge and Distribution Facilities Charge.  In addition, ComEd is also seeking to apply to new surcharges, called “riders,” to customers’ bills. 

“I do not believe ComEd needs an additional $350 million to provide reliable electric service and I certainly do not believe its customers should have to pay these unnecessary costs,” said Attorney General Madigan.  “I will continue to fight to ensure that utility customers pay no more than necessary for their utility service.”

“Consumers are getting slammed by a slowing economy and record-high gasoline prices, and now ComEd wants to slap them with a huge rate hike the power company doesn’t deserve,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “If there’s anything the rate-hike rebellion of 2007 taught us, it’s that consumer voices have an impact. These hearings are a great opportunity for you to make a difference when it comes to your electricity bill.”  

Riders create a fast-track for increases without the benefit of looking at the company’s overall revenue to see if there are offsetting decreases, unfairly shifting the risk on to customers by allowing these unfair increases outside of a rate case audit.  ComEd’s proposed Riders include:

• SMP “System Modernization Project” Adjustment Rider – Would force customers to subsidize new technological investments unrelated to basic electric service (such as a “Smart Grid”), without the benefit of a full rate case review.

• SEA “Storm Expense Adjustment” Rider – Would increase rates for expenses related to storm damages, on top of the amount already included on customers’ electric bills.

The ICC has scheduled two public hearings on ComEd’s rate hikes in April, and AARP is encouraging its members and the public to attend and voice their opposition.  AARP has set up an “Energy Rate Hotline” (1-800-719-3020) to connect consumers directly to the ICC.

ComEd Rate Hike Public hearing schedule:

April 9^th: ICC headquarters, Michael Bilandic Building, Eight Floor, 160 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601, 5:30 P.M.

April 10^th: Joliet, Joliet High Central, Little Teather, 201 E. Jefferson, Joliet, 7:00 P.M.

AARP is also encouraging members of the public to log online to the ICC’s Website http://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/comment/ and use the case number 07-0566 to give the Commerce Commission their public comments, or to speak out at the ICC’s two public hearings.

Last January, AARP, CUB, the Office of the Attorney General and state legislators joined forces to oppose Ameren’s new surcharges and $247 million rate hike proposal that would also hurt hundreds of thousands of consumers in Central and Southern Illinois.  Coupled together the Ameren and ComEd hikes surcharge all but wipe out the billion dollar rate relief package won by consumers in 2007. 

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WHAT:           “Your Medicines and You” – An interaction film and Q&A session sponsored by AARP and Walgreens

§         Get important information on how to be a smart consumer

§         Know what to ask your doctor and pharmacist

§         Get involved in making our health care system better

WHEN:           Wednesday, April 16^th, 2008

                        10:00a.m - 12:00p.m

WHERE:         Showplace City North Movie Theatre

                        2600 N. Western

                        Chicago

This FREE event includes movie and refreshments –

Please RSVP today at 312-458-3622.

*Parking is available in the theatre garage for $2.00

For Immediate Release                             Contact:  David Irwin

Monday, March 24, 2008                                           (312) 458-3621 

                                                                                   Gerardo Cardenas

                                                                                    (312) 458-3609                                          

CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES MAKE IT EASIER TO FREEZE ID THIEVES

AARP Illinois Commends Equifax, Experian & Transunion for Efforts to Educate Consumers on Tool to Protect Identity

CHICAGO, Illinois – In the latest blow to would-be identity thieves, all three major credit reporting agencies have now made it easier for consumers to put a “freeze” on their credit information.  Today, AARP Illinois commended the agencies for stepping up efforts to better inform and educate the public on how to use a security freeze by making the information easily accessible on their web pages. Illinois currently reports the 11^th highest number of identity theft complaints in the nation and the issue tops state consumer complaints.

 “While no age group is safe from ID thieves, older people tend to be particular targets,”   said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “AARP commends Equifax, Experian and Transunion for helping consumers to get the information they need to put in place the consumer protections they deserve.”

When consumers place a freeze on their credit report, the three major credit reporting companies block access to their credit report and credit scores.  A freeze works because most businesses won't open new credit accounts without first checking the consumer's credit history.  In Illinois, placing the freeze is free for people 65 years of age and older and for those who have been victims of identity theft - for all others the cost is $10. 

“Being able to place a security freeze is the best protection from ID thieves – but it doesn’t need to be the best kept secret,” added Gallo. “Controlling who has access to your credit information is one the best ways to protect your identity.”

With nearly 25% of ID theft complaints coming from people over the age of 50, AARP led efforts for a security freeze law in Illinois to help consumers block thieves’ access to credit information. While placing a security freeze is considered the best way to protect personal information from ID thieves, a recent AARP study found the tool is virtually unknown.  The credit agency efforts will serve to better inform consumers about ID theft and how to place the freeze.

To learn more about how to place a security freeze, visit the credit reporting agencies’ websites: Equifax at www.equifax.com; Experian at www.experian.com or TransUnion at www.transunion.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                      CONTACT:                           

March 18, 2008                                                    David Irwin           (312) 458-3621

                                                                             Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609

MOST WORKING WOMEN WILL STRUGGLE TO RETIRE - GROUPS HIGHLIGHT PROBLEM & SOLUTIONS

IL Treasurer, AARP, Dept. of Labor Join Forces to Unveil Tools

to Help Put Women on the Road to a Secure Retirement

CHICAGO– Planning for a secure retirement isn’t easy and for half of the 60 million women in the workforce, it’s a goal they aren’t on track to reach at all.  That’s a picture, the Illinois State Treasurer, the United States Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and AARP Illinois are looking to change.  Against the backdrop of Women’s History Month the groups announced they are joining forces to help women turn things around, by overcoming the retirement and economic security challenges they face.

Jointly the groups are calling attention to the problem, and rolling out several tools, available to the public, to help women better take control of their retirement and economic security.  The Dept. of Labor’s Wi$eUp program, the Treasurer’s Tomorrow’s Money website, and AARP’s planning and education resources. 

The groups delivered a simple message “Women’s financial history does not have to be their future.”  A quick glimpse of women’s retirement looks bleak:

• Of the 59 million women currently earning a salary in the nation, less than half – just 47 percent – has a retirement plan (US Dept. of Labor Women’s Bureau). 
• Retired women are more likely to be poor than elderly men, and the risk of poverty increases with age (AARP).
• Nearly half of all women work in jobs without retirement plans or 401(k)s (Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement)
• A retired woman’s median income in 2004 was $12,080, compared to $21,102 for men (Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement).
• In Illinois, less than 1 in 3 women receive income from pensions. (Institute for Women’s Policy Research).

 “A secure retirement doesn’t have to leave so many women out of the picture,” said Ruby Haughton-Pitts, a member of AARP’s Executive Council in Illinois. “By working together, getting informed and educated on the issues, thousands of women in Illinois can take better hold of the retirement they have worked so hard for.”

“Women generously invest their time, energy and money in their jobs, families and homes,” said Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. “Our web resources will help them invest in themselves as well, so they can be better prepared for retirement.”

The group’s efforts are aimed at helping women access the resources they need to learn how to save more; encourage better participation in retirement plans, and increase their contribution rates in existing retirement plans.  Additionally, the tools can also help people estimate how much they’ll need for a secure retirement, how to manage existing savings; take advantage of tax incentives for savings; and protect themselves from identity theft, fraud and scams.

“The Women’s Bureau is delighted to join the Illinois State Treasurer and AARP Illinois in announcing a great tool to help women achieve financial security,” said Women’s Bureau Regional Administrator Nancy Chen, Chicago.  “The Wi$eUp program offers a curriculum both online or in a classroom format on basic money management from handling credit, debt and savings to learning investment and retirement planning.”

Over the next two decades, nearly 40 million women will reach retirement age, unfortunately, for many women the so-called “three legged stool” of the retirement system – Social Security benefits, income from an employer-provided retirement plan, and individual savings – is wobbly at best.

Robin Katz’s story illustrates the specific issues and challenges Illinois working women face when preparing for retirement. A 49-year old graphic designer who owns her own business, Robin nevertheless lives paycheck to paycheck because of health challenges that have depleted her personal savings, the lack of an employer-provided retirement plan, and the uncertainties of inconsistent income flow because of her line of work.

“I really do not save any money. Between health insurance payments which go up every year, and mortgage payments I basically live paycheck to paycheck,” said Katz.

More information on the programs:  The Women’s Bureau’s Wi$eUp program, which provides online calculators, money management basics, credit education, saving basics, insurance and risk management, and tools on how to invest.  Available at www.wiseupwomen.org.

The Treasurer’s Office new website Tomorrow’s Money, found at: www.illinois.tomorrowsmoney.org, provides a step-by-step guide for women to balance their budgets, save for retirement and bounce back from unexpected changes such as a job loss or divorce.

AARP educational tools and materials are available at www.aarp.org/money.

AARP has over 1.7 million members in Illinois. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These include AARP engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; Segunda Juventud, our quarterly newspaper in Spanish; Live and Learn, our quarterly newsletter for National Retired Teachers Association members; and our web site, www.aarp.org. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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• “Save more – Pay more” - Punish consumers for conserving gas, by charging higher rates when people use less gas (decoupling rider);
• Force consumers to pay more to cover the unpaid energy bills of those customers who are unable to afford Ameren’s new higher rates (uncollectibles rider); and
• Charge consumers even more for infrastructure development (QIP rider)