For Immediate Release                  Contact

November 23, 2009                            AARP: David Allen or Jordan McNerney

                                                                        202-434-2560

                                                           AMA:  Brenda Craine                 

                                                                      202-789-7447

AARP, AMA Join Together to Debunk Medicare Myths Launch National TV Ad Today

WASHINGTON — As health reform reaches a critical juncture in Congress, AARP and AMA are joining forces to cut through the noise and focus on the benefits of health reform for older Americans who depend on Medicare and the physicians who care for them.  Today, AARP and AMA are launching a national television ad that separates fact from fiction and highlights how health reform will improve Medicare by lowering prescription drug costs and making certain that neither government nor insurance bureaucrats come between Medicare patients and their doctors when making important health decisions.

“We know opponents of health care reform won’t rest,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond.  “We’ll continue to fight for older Americans and to protect and strengthen Medicare, not only for today, but for generations to come.”

“Together, AMA and AARP are working to put the scare tactics to bed once and for all and inform patients about the benefits of health reform,” said AMA President J. James Rohack, M.D.  “Preserving the patient-physician relationship, improving the private insurance market so that coverage can’t be denied if you get sick or lose your job, and finally fixing the Medicare physician payment formula that puts seniors’ access to care at risk are some of the key goals we’re working for this year.”

As debate continues in the halls of Congress and across America, so do the myths and scare tactics designed to mislead seniors about what health care reform will mean for their Medicare.  Special interests have pumped millions of dollars into distorting reform proposals and confusing seniors. 

“AARP is fighting to protect and improve the sacred promise of Medicare made to the millions of older Americans who depend upon it,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond.  “Now, special interests are using myths and misinformation to distort the truth and wrongly suggesting that Medicare will be harmed.  After a lifetime of hard work, don’t seniors deserve better?” 

The new TV ad features a physician and a “spin doctor” each sharing their perspective on health reform, with the physician correcting misinformation about health reform.

This ad is just one part of a multi-faceted education campaign AARP and AMA have undertaken and will continue as they educate their members and others about the truth behind health care reform.  In 2009 alone, AARP has sponsored or has been featured in 649 town hall meetings, tele-town hall meetings, forums and roundtables, and has reached over 50 million readers and viewers through its publications and television, radio and print ads.  AMA has reached millions through grassroots patient and physician outreach, news conferences, satellite media tours, media appearances, social media, direct mail, and TV, radio and print advertising. 

The ad can be found at http://www.aarp.org/getthefacts.

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.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; 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.

About the American Medical Association

The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues. Working together, the AMA's quarter of a million physician and medical student members are playing an active role in shaping the future of medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit www.ama-assn.org.

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For Immediate Release                    Contact: David Allen or Jordan McNerney

November 19, 2009                                           202-434-2560

AARP Statement on H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009

WASHINGTON — AARP Senior Vice President David Sloane released the following statement in support of H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009:

“H.R. 3961 will make certain that millions of Americans in Medicare will be able to keep their access to and choice of physicians, and that’s why we support it.  We recognize that if the Congress acts, as it has repeatedly in the past, on physician payment reform, then Part B premiums may rise.  But it’s important to consider the changes proposed in H.R. 3961 together with proposed changes in H.R. 3962 that would improve efficiency in the Medicare program and reduce beneficiary premiums.  According to CBO, on net these premium increases will account for less than 2 percent of Medicare Part B premium collections over the next ten years. 

“Absent Congressional action, physicians will face a 21 percent reduction in reimbursement rates next year and may stop taking Medicare patients, undermining the ability of millions of Medicare beneficiaries to get the care that they need and stay healthy.

“At the end of the day, ensuring access to one’s doctor continues to be a high priority for Medicare beneficiaries—and for AARP.  We believe that H.R. 3961 meets this goal by permanently fixing the current flawed payment formula and replacing it with a new payment system which protects access to physicians by paying them fairly and better rewarding them for providing primary care and preventive services.”

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.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; 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                  Contact: David Allen or Jordan McNerney

November 19, 2009                                         202-434-2560

AARP Statement on Passage of H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009

WASHINGTON — AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement applauding the House on its passage of H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009:

“We applaud the House for ensuring that millions of people in Medicare will have the peace of mind of knowing that they will be able to keep access to the physician of their choice.  The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act will fix the flawed Medicare physician payment formula and eliminate a looming 21 percent cut to reimbursement rates.  With today’s vote, the House has taken a major step towards reforming the physician payment system so doctors will not only continue to treat existing Medicare patients, but also accept new patients.

“We urge the Senate to act promptly on behalf of older Americans and the physicians who care for them and ensure that an unwarranted physician pay cut does not threaten access to care.  With only weeks to go before the cuts go into effect, the time to act is now.”

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.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; 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                   Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

November 16, 2009                                          Heather Heppner 312-458-3623

Survey Finds Nearly 70 percent of Illinois AARP Members Back Health Care Reform Legislation

Association Urges Senators to Support Key Provisions of the Bill as Measure Moves to their Chamber

CHICAGO — A new poll of Illinois AARP members released today finds strong support across party and ideological lines for elements of health care reform included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives.  The bill, which strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age and closes the Medicare prescription drug doughnut hole, was endorsed by AARP.

Among AARP members, strong majorities reported that many of the bill’s key provisions were convincing reasons to support the legislation.  These include 80 percent of Illinois AARP members who believe the bill should be supported because it improves coverage for critical preventive services like cancer screenings; 77 percent who believe it should be supported because it prevents insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions; 74 percent who believe it should be supported because it protects Medicare benefits for seniors; and 68 percent who believe it should be supported because it closes the Medicare part D coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole.”

“This survey demonstrates what we’ve been hearing from our members for a long time,” said AARP Illinois State President Merri Dee.  “Despite an inflammatory debate on a very personal and important issue, our members—across party and ideological lines—support health care reform that protects Medicare, lowers the price of prescription drugs, increases their access to coverage and protects their choice of doctors.”

While a partisan divide was evident when respondents were asked about the current plan in Congress, Illinois AARP members supported the legislation by more than a 2-1 margin (67 percent who “strongly” or “somewhat” support it, versus 27 percent “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose it). 

Other reform elements with high levels of support among AARP members included 79 percent who support it because it would allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies; 77 percent because it would allow individuals to keep their current health insurance coverage if they are happy with it; and 67 percent because it would aggressively crack down on waste, abuse and fraud in Medicare.

“The bill recently passed by the House incorporates the reforms that our members care most about.  We’ll continue the fight for these critical elements as the Senate takes up its own legislation in the coming weeks.  Our members, and all older Americans, are counting on lawmakers to reform the health care system this year,” Ms. Dee added.

Starting on Tuesday, November 17, AARP will launch a new national television ad on a mix of news, lifestyle, cable and sports channels.  The ad, entitled “HELP,” demonstrates that people from all walks of life are feeling stranded by the current health care system.  It calls attention to the need for the kind of health care reform AARP has been fighting for: reform that will put patients first, protect Medicare, bring down drug costs and ensure that no one can be denied affordable health care because of their age or health history. 

AARP surveyed its members from October 30 to November 8, 2009 about the current health care reform plan in the House of Representatives. This survey included 420 individuals from Illinois and is representative of AARP members with a margin of error of +/- 4.8%.

The AARP survey can be accessed online at: http://www.aarp.org/research/surveys/care/health/hcreform/articles/hrhcr.html

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

November 11, 2009                                            Heather Heppner 312-458-3623

House Health Reform Plan

Will Benefit Millions of

Illinoisans

AARP Urges U.S. Senate to Support and Pass Landmark Health Care Reform Legislation

SPRINGFIELD – The U.S. House of Representatives’ historic vote on health care reform was a decisive step to fix our broken health care system – but for millions of Americans struggling with soaring health care costs the Senate must take the next step, and pass the Affordable Health Care for American Act (H.R. 3962) and the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act (H.R. 3961).  Over 3 million Illinoisans stand to particularly benefit from key provisions in the bill.

“AARP is dedicated to ensuring the passage of a comprehensive health care reform plan,” said Merri Dee, State President for AARP Illinois.  “Older Illinoisans are struggling every day with skyrocketing premiums and prescription drug costs, and AARP can say with confidence that the Affordable Health Care for America Act will bring relief for many of them.”

Nearly 1.6 million Illinoisans depend on Medicare for stable, affordable health care. The House plan will protect Medicare benefits for these individuals, while also improving Medicare drug coverage and access to preventative services. 

In 2007, 32% of Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois fell into the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole.”  The House bill will reduce brand name drug costs by 50% for individuals in the “doughnut hole” and will take immediate steps to eliminate the “doughnut hole” entirely by 2019.  This could add up to a savings of $2,000 next year for Illinoisans facing high drug costs.

The House plan will also provide relief for 273,000 uninsured Illinoisans ages 50-64, and another 207,000 Illinoisans in the same age group who depend on the individual market for insurance coverage, by preventing insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, or charging exorbitant premiums based on age.

In addition, as many as 1,022,000 Illinoisans in this age group may be eligible for subsidies that will make premiums more affordable.

“The time for health care reform is now,” added Dee.  “Illinoisans and all Americans have waited too long for a solution to our nation’s health care crisis.”

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For Immediate Release                    Contact: David Allen or Jordan McNemey

November 7, 2009                                             202-434-2560

AARP PRAISES HOUSE PASSAGE OF HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL

  “We must fix this broken, inequitable system”

WASHINGTON —AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released this statement following tonight’s passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) by the House of Representatives:

“AARP is pleased that the House has passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  This bill meets our goals of improving Medicare’s benefits and making critical health insurance market reforms that make coverage more affordable.

“Our nation is now closer than ever to a health care system that actually works for all Americans.  For too long, insurance companies have taken advantage of discriminatory practices to cherry pick the most profitable customers.  And for too long, the high costs of prescription drugs have forced seniors to choose between their medications and other necessities.

“We must fix this broken, inequitable system.

“This legislation protects Medicare and ensures that it will be there for today’s seniors and for future generations.  The bill makes prescription drugs more affordable for people in Medicare by closing the program’s dangerous gap in drug coverage and allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices.  It adds cost-free preventive services like cancer screenings and cracks down on waste and fraud to protect and strengthen traditional Medicare benefits.  In addition, the legislation provides benefits to help seniors and people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities by establishing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.

“For all Americans—especially those age 50 to 64 who often struggle to find affordable insurance—this plan strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age, and stops insurers from denying coverage based on a person’s health history or gender.  For those who still cannot find affordable coverage on their own, this bill offers help so they can purchase insurance.

“We thank those representatives who voted for this landmark legislation, and we urge those members who did not support health care reform tonight to reconsider the needs of their constituents when this issue returns to the House for a final vote.”

AARP members can see how their representatives voted on health care reform by going to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch .  AARP’s Government Watch is a one-stop online portal that will be tracking and publicizing every designated key vote on issues facing Americans age 50-plus.   A “Key Vote Summary” highlighting votes on these issues will be published at the end of each congressional session.

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.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; 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                   Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-351-0228
November 7, 2009                                            Heather Heppner 312-206-4662

AARP ILLINOIS KEY VOTE NEWS ALERT

AARP Praises House Passage of Health Care Reform Bill

Critical legislation would strengthen Medicare, improve coverage for all Americans

CHICAGO — Today, the United States House of Representatives passed by a vote of 220-215, critical health care reform legislation that would strengthen Medicare for seniors and end discrimination by insurance companies that prices millions of Americans out of affordable health coverage.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) makes prescription drugs more affordable for seniors by closing the dangerous gap in Medicare drug coverage and allowing the program to negotiate lower drug prices. It adds cost-free preventive services like cancer screenings and cracks down on waste and fraud to protect and strengthen traditional Medicare benefits. In addition, the legislation provides benefits to help seniors and people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities by establishing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.

For all Americans—especially those age 50 to 64 who often struggle to find affordable insurance—this plan strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age, and stops insurers from denying coverage based on a person’s health history or gender. For those who still cannot find affordable coverage on their own, this bill offers help so they can purchase insurance.

ILLINOIS HOUSE MEMBERS VOTE:

Bobby Rush (D) - Yes
Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D) - Yes
Daniel Lipinski (D) - Yes
Luis Gutierrez (D) - Yes
Mike Quigley (D) - Yes
Peter Roskam (R) - No
Danny Davis (D) - Yes
Melissa Bean (D) - Yes
Janice Schakowsky (D) - Yes
Mark Kirk (R) - No
Debbie Halvorson (D) - Yes
Jerry Costello (D) - Yes
Judy Biggert (R) - No
Bill Foster (D) - Yes
Timothy Johnson (R) - No
Donald Manzullo (R) - No
Phil Hare (D) - Yes
Aaron Schock (R) - No
John Shimkus (R) - No

“We applaud those Illinois members of the House who supported this crucial legislation,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. “This bill will help millions of older Americans get the health coverage they need, while strengthening Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations. We look forward to working with these lawmakers to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act this year.”

“It’s disappointing that some lawmakers voted against this bill and the opportunity to fix our health care system,” Gallo added. “When millions of older Americans are struggling to afford quality insurance and millions of seniors must choose between their prescriptions and other necessities, we know this legislation must move forward. We hope they will reconsider their votes when a health care bill returns to the House for final approval.”

AARP notified the 111th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its nearly 40 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members.

AARP members can see how their representatives voted on health care reform by going to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch. AARP’s Government Watch is a one-stop online portal that will be tracking and publicizing every designated key vote on issues facing Americans age 50-plus. A “Key Vote Summary” highlighting votes on these issues will be published at the end of each congressional session.

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

November 2, 2009                             

AARP SET TO FIGHT AMEREN’S NEW RATE INCREASE PROPOSAL

Volunteers Attend Last 2009 Hearing, Urge ICC to Reject $162 million Increase 

DECATUR – Barely one year after hitting consumers with a multimillion dollar rate increase, Ameren is back at the trough – asking the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve an even larger rate hike. On behalf of its 1.8 million Illinois members, AARP is set to fight the utility company’s plans, urging the ICC to say “No Way!” to their request.

Ameren has asked the ICC for a $162 million increase on the delivery of electric and natural gas to its Illinois customers, barely a year after getting the go-ahead from the ICC to jack up their rates by the same amount. The state will render a decision in 2010. For working families and older adults living on fixed incomes, Ameren’s proposed rate hike comes at the worst possible time – with average annual increases estimated at nearly $125 for both services.

“The country is in a recession. Now is not the time for utility companies to seek rate increases,” said AARP volunteer Nancy Funk, who presented testimony during tonight’s ICC public hearing in Decatur, the last of the scheduled 2009 hearings on this rate case. “We urge the ICC to do the right thing, and reject Ameren’s proposal.”

AARP is encouraging its members and the public to attend the hearings and voice their opposition, and if they cannot attend them to call the ICC directly at 1-800-524-0795 and provide a direct comment. Consumers can also go online to http://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/comment , and provide comments.

In the current economic downturn, utility bills are on the largest expenses individuals face every month. According to an AARP survey, older adults can spend nearly 20 percent of their income on utility costs, while almost half of people 50 and older said the recession has made it harder for them to pay their utility bills.

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For Immediate Release                    Contact: David Allen or Jordan McNemey

November 7, 2009                                             202-434-2560

AARP PRAISES HOUSE PASSAGE OF HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL

  “We must fix this broken, inequitable system”

WASHINGTON — AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released this statement following tonight’s passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) by the House of Representatives:

“AARP is pleased that the House has passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  This bill meets our goals of improving Medicare’s benefits and making critical health insurance market reforms that make coverage more affordable.

“Our nation is now closer than ever to a health care system that actually works for all Americans.  For too long, insurance companies have taken advantage of discriminatory practices to cherry pick the most profitable customers.  And for too long, the high costs of prescription drugs have forced seniors to choose between their medications and other necessities.

“We must fix this broken, inequitable system.

“This legislation protects Medicare and ensures that it will be there for today’s seniors and for future generations.  The bill makes prescription drugs more affordable for people in Medicare by closing the program’s dangerous gap in drug coverage and allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices.  It adds cost-free preventive services like cancer screenings and cracks down on waste and fraud to protect and strengthen traditional Medicare benefits.  In addition, the legislation provides benefits to help seniors and people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities by establishing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.

“For all Americans—especially those age 50 to 64 who often struggle to find affordable insurance—this plan strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age, and stops insurers from denying coverage based on a person’s health history or gender.  For those who still cannot find affordable coverage on their own, this bill offers help so they can purchase insurance.

“We thank those representatives who voted for this landmark legislation, and we urge those members who did not support health care reform tonight to reconsider the needs of their constituents when this issue returns to the House for a final vote.”

AARP members can see how their representatives voted on health care reform by going to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch .  AARP’s Government Watch is a one-stop online portal that will be tracking and publicizing every designated key vote on issues facing Americans age 50-plus.   A “Key Vote Summary” highlighting votes on these issues will be published at the end of each congressional session.

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.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; 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.

# # #  

For Immediate Release                                  Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 

October 29, 2009                                               312-351-0228

AARP COMMENDS GOVERNOR FOR FIRST STEP TOWARDS REFORMING THE ICC

Group Calls on State Senate to Confirm Appointment of Consumer Advocate

SPRINGFIELD– With utility companies back at the trough seeking multimillion dollar rate increases, consumers need to have their interests represented with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Joined by state legislators, AARP today commended the Governor for taking a first step towards reforming the ICC, while at the same time urged him to continue ensuring Illinoisans have access to affordable utilities.

“In these tough economic times, utility bills can break a family’s budget,” said AARP Illinois volunteer Dean Clough. “We urge the Governor to continue bringing reform to the ICC, so that consumers are fairly represented, and decisions are duly balanced.”

AARP commended Governor Pat Quinn for appointing consumer John Colgan to fill a vacant position at the ICC. The Association also urged the State Senate to confirm this appointment, which is a positive step toward balancing the interests of utility companies with those of the public.

“The consumers of Illinois lack real choices in many circumstances when it comes to their utility providers so it is very important that the Illinois Commerce Commission is able to weigh the impact any utility rate increases would have on the public,” State Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) said.  “Having a fully operational Commission is essential to making sure that consumers’ voices are heard before any rate request decisions are made.”

With Ameren seeking a $226 million rate increase, a year after getting a $162 million increase, AARP is working with other consumer advocates, state legislators and the Attorney General to urge the ICC to reject the request.

In the current recession, further utility rate increases can have a devastating impact on the economies of older residents, and low-income individuals and families. Older adults spend nearly a quarter of their income on utility costs. According to a recent AARP survey, almost half of people aged 50 and older said the economic downturn has made it harder for them to pay their utility bills.

“Illinois consumers have had enough with utility companies that seek further rate hikes, while continuing to post record profits,” added Clough.

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