For Immediate Release                                                        Contacts: David Irwin 312-206-6755

January 29, 2009                                                                            Gerardo Cardenas 312-351-0228

AARP CONGRATULATES QUINN ON APPOINTMENT TO ILLINOIS GOVERNOR

Statement by Bob Gallo

AARP Illinois State Director

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – On behalf of AARP’s 1.8 million members in Illinois, we congratulate Pat Quinn on his appointment as Governor.  Quinn has a strong record of being a true advocate for the people of Illinois; protecting consumers through the creation of the Citizen’s Utility Board and working to increase access to health care for people in need.   

Governor Quinn’s leadership in establishing the Illinois Reform Commission is a good step toward changing the way the people’s business gets done and key to addressing the integrity of government in our state.  Ensuring matters are dealt with in an open and honest manner is critical to tackling the tough issues for the people of Illinois.   

In unprecedented times, Governor Quinn now faces the challenges of addressing the issues facing Illinois residents.  As the brunt of the economy continues to hammer households and families across the state, unemployment rates soar, while retirement savings and access to health care slip away. 

AARP is committed to working with Governor Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly to ensure that the people of Illinois have the access to affordable, quality health care and the financial security they need and deserve.  These are the kitchen table issues affecting people across the state and the ones our lawmakers have the responsibility and duty to work together to address.

In these difficult times for our nation and Illinois, the needs and concerns of the people must be placed above those of politics. Illinois lawmakers must work across party lines, set aside differences, and break through the gridlock that has in so many cases crippled progress.  

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For Immediate Release:                    Contact:       Gerardo Cardenas    (312) 458-3609

January 28, 2009                                                     Heather Underwood (312) 458-3623

AARP ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIPS TO HELP WOMEN STRUGGLING IN JOB MARKET

AARP Foundations’ Women Scholarship Available to Moderate and Lower Income 40+ Women in Illinois

CHICAGO–   As the unemployment crisis grips the nation, more women are at risk of poverty, especially those over 40 - AARP is set to change that for some of those in need.   Today, the AARP Foundation announced its third annual Women’s Scholarship Program aimed at helping women aged 40 and older get the job skills, training and educational opportunities they need to get ahead.

“To navigate the current economic crisis, people need education and training to get back on track,” said AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo. “Since its creation, the Women’s Scholarship Program has given dozens of women across the nation access to the educational tools they need to get better jobs and have an improved professional outlook.”

The AARP Women’s Scholarship Program was created in August 2007 to help women 40+ overcome financial and employment barriers by participating in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford. Since then, nearly 350 women across the nation have been granted the scholarships.

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must:

• Be female age 40 or over (as of March 31, 2009);
• Be able to demonstrate financial need; and
• Be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary school or training program within 6 months of the scholarship award date.

Priority consideration is given to women who are: raising children of another family member (such as grandparents raising grandchildren, or those raising siblings or nieces/nephews); have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time; or are in dead end jobs with no opportunity for advancement.

Scholarships may be used for any course at a public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities.  Funds are payable to the institution and may be used for tuition, fees, and books. Interested applicants can submit their application online beginning February 3, 2009 at www.aarpfoundationwlc.org .  The application process closes on March 31, 2009 and scholarships will be awarded in early summer 2009.    

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For Immediate Release                                               Contacts:

January 22, 2009                                                         Gerardo Cardenas        312-458-3609

                                                                                           Heather Underwood         312-458-3623

AARP SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO END DECEPTIVE SALES PRACTICES

Bill Would Protect Consumers Against Misleading Practices by Alternative Natural Gas Suppliers

CHICAGO– For too long, many Northern Illinois consumers who switched from their utility to alternative natural gas suppliers found themselves victims of misleading sales pitches and predatory contracts. A new bill recently passed by the state legislature will put an end to deceptive sales practices, and protect the pocketbooks of individuals and families, already struggling with high utility bills in this recession.

Senate Bill 171, sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (D-39), and Representative Thomas Holbrook (D-113), awaits the Governor’s signature. The Illinois Attorney General, the Illinois Commerce Commission, the Citizens Utility Board and other consumer advocates worked with the sponsors to craft the bill. AARP stands in support of this legislation and urges Gov. Blagojevich to sign it into law.

“Individuals and families are struggling in this economy just to pay their utility bills. The last thing they need is to be the victims of predatory marketing practices, from companies that deceive them into signing costly natural gas contracts,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. “AARP commends the bill sponsors and the consumer advocates who crafted this bill, and urges the Governor to sign it into law to further protect Northern Illinois consumers.”

The bill increases consumer protections by requiring alternative natural gas suppliers to disclose critical marketing information, so that consumers will not be misled into signing misleading or predatory contracts; the bill also protects consumers by establishing clear cancellation rights, and limiting the amounts an alternative supplier can charge for early termination.

The consumer protections established by the bill include:

• The right for consumers to change their mind about switching to an alternative gas supplier.
• The right for consumers to rescind a contract without having to pay termination fees, within 10 days of receiving the first bill.
• Prohibiting alternative suppliers from misrepresenting their affiliation with a government entity, gas utility, consumer group or any other entity.
• Requiring that if any part of the sales solicitation, agreement, verification or contract is translated into a foreign language, that all documents be provided to the consumer in that language.
• Providing consumer education information on the Illinois Commerce Commission website, including a comparison of the products offered by alternative suppliers.

Last summer, an AARP nationwide survey found that almost one-quarter of respondents – 22 percent – were not confident about their ability to afford home energy costs during the winter, and almost 70 percent said they would lower the temperature setting on their thermostats to save money.

More information about the legislation can be found in the Citizens Utility Board’s website: http://www.citizensutilityboard.org. For information about AARP’s survey on home energy costs, please visit: http://www.aarp.org/research/utilities/access/bulletin_energy_costs.html.

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For Immediate Release                                  Contact: Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609

January 14, 2009                                                          Heather Underwood (312) 458-3623

ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE ACTS TO PROTECT HEALTH COVERAGE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

AARP Urges Governor to Sign Bill Preventing 40,000 Illinois Families from Losing Coverage Under Family Care

Statement by Bob Gallo

Senior State Director AARP Illinois

SPRINGFIELD– The Illinois Legislature took decisive action to protect thousands of Illinois families by passing legislation that will make sure they do not lose the health coverage they need through the State’s FamilyCare program.

On behalf of our 1.8 million Illinois members, AARP commends both the House of Representatives and the Senate for passing Senate Bill 1415, which protects the critical health coverage thousands of families had under FamilyCare, and which was threatened by a CookCounty court decision.

Now it’s time for the Governor to act. AARP urges Governor Blagojevich to protect the health coverage of thousands of hard working men and women – and their children – by signing SB 1415, the FamilyCare Protection Act, into law. In the current recession, the last thing working families need is to lose their health care.

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

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

ILLINOIS CONGRESS MEMBERS GET STRONG MESSAGE: FIX HEALTH CARE AND ECONOMIC CRISES

Sen. Durbin Joins with Divided We Fail Leaders in D.C. as 1.6 Million Signed Pledge Cards Delivered to Congress Urging Action on Issues

CHICAGO , Illinois – Today, tens of thousands of Illinois voters had a simple, but strong message for their members of Congress: Break through partisan gridlock to fix the nation’s health care and economic crises!  The voters signed Divided We Fail pledge cards which were delivered at an event in Washington, D.C., along with 1.6 million cards from across the nation. 

The activities, which included events in nearly every state, launched the next phase of Divided We Fail – a national movement focused on health care reform and financial security issues. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) joined with leaders from AARP, SEIU, National Federation of Independent Business and Business Roundtable for the event. 

“Many people in Illinois are facing tough times, their health care costs are soaring while their incomes and finances are shrinking - that’s why we’re calling on Congress to make fixing these problems a top priority,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP in Illinois.  “AARP commends Senator Durbin and all those members of Congress who’ve joined with us to set aside partisan differences, break through the gridlock and work towards solutions”

Since its formation in 2007, Divided We Fail has organized nearly 1,000 local events including 500 “Community Conversations” to inform Americans about the options to address health care and financial security and gather new ideas from the public.  Volunteers in red Divided We Fail shirts became a fixture on the campaign trail, showing their support from the early primary states to Election Day.

Divided We Fail is launching its 2009 mobilization and education with today’s event. The launch continues over the first Congressional recess where town hall meetings will be held to help constituents connect with their lawmakers and discuss how the health care and economic crises are affecting them.

More than 360 members of the 111^th Congress have signed the pledge or written a letter of support for Divided We Fail.  In additional to AARP, Business Roundtable, NFIB and SEIU, more than 100 independent groups have pledged their support.  To learn more and sign the pledge, visit www.DividedWeFail.org .

Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all.  That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Business, are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – the most pressing domestic issues faction our nation.  Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone – individuals, businesses and government – has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

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

Thursday, January 8, 2009                                         Gerardo Cardenas       312-458-3609

AARP COMMENDS ILLINOIS HOUSE FOR PASSAGE OF “DIVIDED WE FAIL” RESOLUTION

Lawmakers Unanimously Vow to Cut Through Gridlock & Partisan Politics - Tackle Broken Health Care System & Financial Security Issues

Statement by Bob Gallo

AARP Sr. State Director for Illinois

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois – Today, all members of the Illinois House of Representatives stood together to pass a resolution with a simple message “Divided We Fail!”  By passing this House Joint Resolution 127, Illinois lawmakers have committed to come together to breakthrough the political gridlock that has at times crippled the legislative process and address the important issues of health care and financial security.

AARP commends State Representative Lou Lang (D-Skokie) and former State Representative, now Congressman, Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) for their leadership in introducing the “Divided We Fail” resolution and for their efforts to see it recognized by their fellow House members.   We stand ready with our 1.8 million AARP Illinois members in to help state lawmakers tackle these issues and deliver on the promises contained in this resolution.   

These are difficult times as a nation, as a people and as a state – but together we can work to make things better.  Divided We Fail is a nationwide effort focused on amplifying the public’s voice on some of the biggest and most critical issues facing our nation and our state. 

Divided We Fail has brought together AARP, SEIU, the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, lawmakers and concerned members of the public from across the nation to urge solutions to the pressing issues of affordable health care and financial security. 

The issues of health care and financial security aren’t just important ones, they are AARP’s top priorities and we are calling on all lawmakers to make the issues their top priorities as well.

AARP urges the State Senate to adopt this resolution and commit to overcoming partisan politics and gridlock to address these issues.

For more information on Divided We Fail please visit: www.dividedwefail.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    CONTACT:

January 6, 2009                                                                                                                Mark Kitchens

                                                                                                                                         Drew Nannis

                                                                                                                                         202-434-2560

AARP Sets Priorities for 2009 to

Promote Health and Economic Security

New Survey Indicates Concern for Escalating Health Care Costs,

Ability to Pay for Housing, and Decline of Retirement Savings  

AARP’s Novelli: “ This is not the time for business as usual.  It is the time to demonstrate bold leadership…to demand change and to work hard to bring about that change.  And that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

Washington , DC – At an event today where he outlined the organization’s annual legislative and advocacy priorities, AARP CEO Bill Novelli pledged to work with Congress and the Administration to address our nation’s most serious challenges.  In outlining the AARP agenda for the 111^th Congress, Novelli stressed the urgent need to provide economic relief for America and to fix our health care system. Novelli also identified key areas that will ensure that older workers have the skills they need to compete for 21^st Century jobs, help put all Americans on the path to retirement security and strengthen communities across the nation by addressing the housing crisis.

“People are losing their jobs, their homes, their health care and their pensions and retirement security that they have worked a lifetime to attain,” said Novelli.  “People have lost confidence and they need help.  As we work our way out of this mess, two things are clear:  First, the decisions that Congress and the Obama administration make over these next few months will have an impact for decades to come.  Second, there are opportunities in all this.”

Today, AARP also released the findings of a new economic survey.  The survey found that Americans remain concerned about their ability to pay health care bills, and many expect to delay retirement and work longer due to investment losses, and that elected officials in Washington should take a prominent role in addressing these important issues. Among adults 45+, 64% said the economy is in very bad shape.  And in a new finding, 1/3 of respondents said that they are concerned about being able to afford their mortgage or rent payments. In addition, 55% of those surveyed said that they are concerned about being able to pay their health care bills over the next 12 months. And more than 3 in 10 (32%) employed respondents said that they have stopped putting money into their retirement accounts in the past 12 months, a sharp increase from the number (20%) AARP reported in October 2008. 

According to the survey:

·          83% say the government should help people who have lost their jobs keep their health insurance or purchase affordable health insurance.

·          Nearly 7 in 10 said that the government should help people who are facing foreclosure so that they can stay in their homes. 

·          Of those adults ages 45+ who lost money in their investments over the past year and are currently working or looking for work, more than half (57%) expect to delay retirement and work longer as a result of their investment losses.

·          One in four (25%) retirees who are not currently working or looking for work say that, within the past 12 months, they have either looked for a job because they needed more income but been unable to find one (8%) or thought about returning to work because they needed more income (17%)  

In discussing the findings of the new report, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond noted, “The economy’s effect on people who are in the workforce, near-retirees and retirees is drastic; the time for solutions is now.  Whether working or retired, people need relief from the current economic crisis, from jobs to housing to the skyrocketing cost of health care.  It’s critical that we realize, too, that this is not an ‘older American’ issue or a problem for Generations X or Y; this is a nationwide crisis and AARP’s advocacy agenda reflects the need to solve these problems for all generations.”

Following are a few of the key initiatives that AARP is working toward in the 111^th Congress:

·          Reducing Health Care Costs & Improving Quality:  Advance health information technology, evidence-based practices, chronic care coordination, and disease management and prevention; and provide greater consumer access to information on health care quality and costs.

·          Expanding Health Care Coverage:  Extend quality, affordable, health care coverage through Medicaid, private insurance reform, new incentives to expand coverage to the 50-64 age group and expansion of children’s coverage through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

·          Training for 21^st Century Jobs: Provide training and job search resources so that workers age 50+ who are losing their jobs can re-enter the workforce.

·          Making Saving Simple: Promote a universal payroll deduction mechanism that allows employees to automatically contribute a portion of their wages to retirement savings accounts, such as through automatic IRAs.

·          Helping Homeowners:  Enact legislation that would allow bankruptcy judges the discretion to modify primary mortgage debt so more Americans facing foreclosure can stay in their homes.

“This is an exciting time,” added Novelli.  “Despite obvious challenges, we are faced with a rare opportunity to lead in putting America back on track—we have a crisis that demands it, a new administration and Congress with a mandate for change, and a public ready for change.  This is not the time for business as usual.  It is the time to demonstrate bold leadership—to take our agenda to the people and our nation’s leaders, to demand change and to work hard to bring about that change.  And that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

For Immediate Release                                               Contacts:

December 31, 2008                                                     David Irwin                312-458-3621

                                                                                           Heather Underwood         312-458-3623

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: FIX BROKEN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

AARP Calls on Legislature to Make Health Care Top Priority in 2009

Statement by Bob Gallo

 SeniorState Director

AARP Illinois

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois — The economic situation is forcing more Illinois families to face a broken health care system.  Everyday an increasing number of people are cutting back on necessities in order to pay for health care and delaying seeing their doctor because it’s too expensive.  High health care costs are leaving many unable to afford the care they need. 

Enough is enough.  AARP is calling on the Illinois General Assembly to make a New Year’s resolution to fix the state’s health care system.  The people of Illinois are losing the battle against a health care system that is unaffordable and inadequate and it’s time for all of our state lawmakers to make health care a top priority.

AARP is advocating for health care quality measures to establish needed reforms in the insurance industry, helping to ensure people are not denied coverage because of pre-existing health conditions, their age or other factors.  We will press for the expansion of health insurance through Medicaid to cover people between the ages of 50-64, and work to ensure Illinois pays its health care bills on time so people can get care when they need it. 

This New Year’s resolution will require lawmakers to break through political gridlock and set aside partisan bickering to focus on health care solutions that work.  AARP is dedicated to working with the General Assembly to ensure Illinois residents have affordable access to the health care they need and deserve.

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

December 30, 2008                                                          Heather Underwood           312-458-3623              

ECONOMIC STRESS TAKING TOLL ON PEOPLES’ HEALTH

AARP Survey Finds Financial Stress Causing Health Problems for Nearly 20% of 45 plus Population

CHICAGO , Illinois –   The latest victim of the economic recession could be your health.  According to a recent AARP survey, one in five adults ages 45 and older are suffering health problems due to financial stress.  The survey details the health care problems and challenges many Americans are facing because of the current economic situation.

“Right now people are increasingly concerned about their jobs, retirement savings and simply being able to provide for their families and it’s taking a major toll on their health,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director.  “It’s a harsh irony that worrying about being able to afford health care is actually causing health problems.”

Key findings from the AARP survey, Impact of Economy on Health Behaviors, include:

·          20% of people  45 and older reported health problems due to financial stress

·          About one fifth, 22%,  have delayed seeing a doctor due to cost

·          16% had to use retirement savings or other savings to pay for medical care

·          21% have cut back on other expenses in order to afford their medical care

·          One in six, 16%, are not confident they will be able to afford health care in the coming year

The survey also found that health problems due to financial stress is having a greater affect on individuals 45-54 and 55 - 64, than on those ages 65 and older (22% and 25% vs. 13%, respectively).

Mounting health care costs are contributing to the financial woes felt by many.  Over the last five years health insurance premiums for families have increased by 65 percent.  The average cost of health insurance for an American family now exceeds the yearly income of a minimum wage worker.  According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, insurance premiums have increased 119 percent from 1999 to 2008, while workers’ earnings have risen just 29 percent.

“Clearly rising health care costs during difficult financial times is a major cause for concern for many people,” added Gallo.  “In Illinois, AARP will work side by side with state lawmakers to address the growing health care crisis.”

In Illinois, AARP is advocating for health care quality measures to establish needed reforms in the insurance industry, helping to ensure people are not denied coverage because of pre-existing health conditions, their age or other factors.  AARP will also press for the expansion of health insurance through Medicaid to cover people between the ages of 50-64.  At the national level, AARP is working on several measures to ensure health care is affordable and accessible.

The full survey can be found at the following link: http://www.aarp.org/research/health/carefinancing/healthcosts_08.html

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     CONTACT: Heather Underwood (312)458-3623

December 18, 2008                                                                 Gerardo Cardenas (312)458-3609

NEW ILLINOIS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HITS ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE

AARP Finds Workers over 55 See 52% Rise in Unemployment – Association Presses for Solutions, Provides Resources to Help

CHICAGO , Illinois – As the economic crisis deepens, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) delivered some harsh new numbers for the state - in November, the Illinois unemployment rate was 7.3% up from 6.8 % in October (well above the national rate for November of 6.7%). While all age groups are affected, AARP has found that older workers tend to be among the hardest hit when it comes to unemployment trends.    The full IDES report can be found: http://lmi.ides.state.il.us/laus/lausmenu.htm .

Nationally there are over 1.3 million workers 55 and older who are currently unemployed – a 52% increase in the last year.  AARP has found that when older, longer tenured workers lose employment, it takes them longer to find the next job and they are more likely than younger workers to exhaust their unemployment benefits in the process. There has been a 55% increase in the unemployment rate of workers 45 and older. 

“Older people, who are already seeing their retirement dreams slip away, are joining the ranks of the unemployed at an alarming rate at the exact time that they need their jobs the most,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director.  “As we continue to see record unemployment rates across the nation and in Illinois, it’s critical that our elected leaders continue to work towards solutions.”

Adding to the crisis, nearly $3 trillion has been erased from 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts in the last 14 months, leaving older workers entering into retirement in just as tenuous a situation as they faced in the workforce.

To help bring some financial relief to older Americans, Congress recently passed the “Worker, Retiree and Employer Act of 2008,” that places a one year moratorium on mandatory withdrawals from shrinking 401k and IRA accounts.  AARP also successfully pressed for a temporary extension of unemployment insurance benefits, allowing workers up to 13 additional weeks if regular unemployment benefits are exhausted before finding a new job.

AARP has several resources available at www.aarp.org and is encouraging older workers to connect with companies that have positions to fill at www.aarp.org/employerteam or retirementjobs.com.    

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