AARPCA
 
  My Profile  
 
  About Me  
 
  My Photos  
 
  My Videos  
 
  My Journals  
Offline
My Badges
Create The Good
Create The Good
 
Savings Challenge
Savings Challenge
Background
Location:
SACRAMENTO, California
United States
My Websites:
http://www.aarp.org/ca
http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/advocacy/GovernmentWatch.html/
Quote:
We learn the inner secret of happiness when we learn to direct our inner drives, our interest and our attention to something besides ourselves. Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus
    My Bookmarks (4)

My Journals (81)

New Website Helps Hold Politicians Accountable

 

AARP Launches Government Watch Website to Hold Elected Leaders Accountable on Issues that Matter Most to Older Americans
 
 
Washington, D.C. – AARP today launched Government Watch, an interactive website designed to enable older Americans to hold accountable Congress and the Obama Administration on issues that matter most to them. Rolling out in conjunction with AARP’s first designated “key vote” of the 111th Congress, Government Watch puts Members of Congress on notice that when they cast a vote on an issue important to Americans 50+, 80 million eyes will be watching.
 
After each key vote, AARP will notify its 40 million members and let them know how each Member of Congress voted, encouraging them to contact their Senators and Representatives to register their thanks or disappointment through email, phone calls and office visits. At the end of each congressional session, AARP will release a “Key Vote Summary,” providing a one-stop summary of how Members of Congress voted on key legislation.  In addition, AARP recognizes Members of Congress who champion legislation that benefits Americans 50+ through AARP’s Congressional Award Program.
 
“Today’s elected leaders must find solutions to unprecedented challenges, challenges that will require tough decisions and statesmanship,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President. “From fixing our broken health care system to helping to restore financial stability for Americans in communities throughout our nation, Congress and the new Administration have a real opportunity to make better the lives of the millions of Boomers and older Americans.  AARP’s 40 million members are calling for action, and they want their government to do so in a transparent and accountable manner.”
 
Government Watch features several tools to help keep the public informed.  Among them are AARP’s 2009 federal advocacy agenda; priority legislation; a congressional vote summary by state; Administration action on issues facing older Americans; fact sheets detailing the impact of AARP’s legislative priorities on Americans 50+ in each state; and Congressional champions. Standout features include:
  • Eye on Congress:  Government Watch’s “Key Vote Summary” tracks how the Senators and Representatives are voting on the issues critical to Americans age 50+.  It also provides members with a simple way to give their elected officials feedback on his or her voting record.
  • Eye on the States:  AARP has offices in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  For each state, AARP has data that underscores why we need to: reform health care; invest more in home and community based care; help struggling homeowners stay in their homes while paying off debt; and provide all Americans with a way to save for retirement at work.
For more information on Government Watch visit www.aarp.org/governmentwatch.
Added: February 12, 2009
Views: 201 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP on Health Care Scare Tactics

AARP on Health Care Scare Tactics: Health Research Investment Helps Doctors Give Best Possible Care to Patients

WASHINGTON—AARP CEO Bill Novelli released the following statement in response to false reports regarding health care provisions in the economic recovery package:

 
“They’re at it again.  Opponents of health reform are now using scare tactics in a misguided attempt to stop progress in its tracks, blocking attempts to fix the broken health care system that is hurting American families and our economy.
 
“The latest attacks revolve around a smart policy in the economic recovery package that would fund ‘comparative effectiveness research’—a wonky term that just means giving doctors and patients the ability to compare different kinds of treatments to find out which one works best for which patient.
 
“Opponents—like some drug companies and medical device makers—don’t want this research.  They fear it will cut the profits they make on ineffective drugs and equipment.
 
“But they won’t tell you that this research could save your life by giving your doctors better information so they can prescribe the best treatments available to you.
 
“This research is a common sense idea that is, unfortunately, not happening now.  Some estimates say that only about half of all therapies that patients receive have been backed up by head-to-head comparisons with alternatives.
 
“While our country spends more than $2 trillion a year on health care, we spend less than 0.1 percent on evaluating how that care works compared to other options.
 
“AARP strongly opposes any attempts that would limit doctors and hospitals from providing the best possible care to their patients. 
 
“And despite what opponents are saying, comparative effectiveness research funding was in the economic recovery package in both houses of Congress from the very beginning.  That’s because lawmakers understand the need to improve the quality and performance of our health system.
 
“The economic recovery bill before Congress will help stabilize our economy and take important steps toward reforming our health care system.”
Added: February 10, 2009
Views: 167 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Get Real Relief During Tough Economic Times

With the cost of food and health care skyrocketing, families losing their homes, retirement accounts shrinking and millions of Americans without a job, AARP recently launched Real Relief (www.aarp.org/realrelief), an online resource to help people weather these tough economic times.

 
Created to help individuals and families seeking assistance and guidance, this one-stop online portal offers programs and tools for those struggling to make ends meet, seeking employment or job training, worried about retirement, cutting back on expenses, or protecting investments. 
 
Content on the Real Relief site includes:
 
·         Retiree information─helpful tools and resources for retirees who may be facing economic challenges.
 
·         Programs to help make ends meet─including free tax preparation assistance and help accessing and applying for public benefits.
 
·         Job tips­─direction on what to do if you are seeking full or part-time employment; and specific companies that value older workers.
 
·         Tips on protecting your money─learn how to avoid scams, protect your assets, and choose a financial planner.
 
·         Financial calculators─all designed to help you keep your finances on track.
 
·         Money saving tips─suggestions on how and where to cut back on expenses.
 
·         Economic news─featuring specialized articles in AARP Bulletin Today.
 
·          1-888-OUR-AARP─a toll-free number where members can find help and answers.
 
We encourage you to use these online resources or to share them with others in need. 
 
For more information, visit www.aarp.org/realrelief

 

Added: January 30, 2009
Views: 220 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Praises President, Congress for Passing Fair Pay Act

 

AARP CITES ‘BREAKTHROUGH’ AS PRESIDENT SIGNS LEDBETTER FAIR PAY ACT AFTER CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL
 
Washington, DC – AARP praised President Obama and Congress for their expeditious handling of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, calling the legislation an “important breakthrough” in the fight against discrimination.   
 
 

The bill was signed into law today by the President in the first signing ceremony of his Administration.  With bipartisan cooperation, the new Congress demonstrated its resolve to protect against discrimination in the workplace, advancing the legislation within the past three weeks. The House gave final approval Tuesday.

 
 

AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond thanked the President and Congress for their swift handling of the bill, calling it an “important breakthrough in the fight against discrimination, not only for women but for older and disabled workers as well.”

 
 

“The Ledbetter Act sets a standard for the cause of equality in the workplace,” LeaMond added.

 
 

Even though the Ledbetter case addresses sex discrimination, the legislation also applies to cases involving claims under federal age discrimination and disability discrimination laws.

 
 

The bill was drafted after what AARP has called “misguided reasoning” in the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. decision which involved a long-time employee who had been paid much less than her male colleagues.  The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that a 180 day filing limit for discrimination began with her first discriminatory paycheck, rather than starting after each discriminatory payment. 

 
 

The new law allows workers to file suit up to 180 days after any paycheck that they believe is discriminatory.

 
AARP argued that the law was needed to appropriately reflect workplace realities in providing proper redress to victims of discrimination.

 

Added: January 29, 2009
Views: 163 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Praises President, Congress for Approving Fair Pay Act

AARP CITES ‘BREAKTHROUGH’ AS PRESIDENT SIGNS LEDBETTER FAIR PAY ACT AFTER CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL
 
Washington, DC – AARP praised President Obama and Congress for their expeditious handling of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, calling the legislation an “important breakthrough” in the fight against discrimination.   
 
 
The bill was signed into law today by the President in the first signing ceremony of his Administration.  With bipartisan cooperation, the new Congress demonstrated its resolve to protect against discrimination in the workplace, advancing the legislation within the past three weeks. The House gave final approval Tuesday.
 
 
AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond thanked the President and Congress for their swift handling of the bill, calling it an “important breakthrough in the fight against discrimination, not only for women but for older and disabled workers as well.”
 
 
“The Ledbetter Act sets a standard for the cause of equality in the workplace,” LeaMond added.
 
 
Even though the Ledbetter case addresses sex discrimination, the legislation also applies to cases involving claims under federal age discrimination and disability discrimination laws.
 
 
The bill was drafted after what AARP has called “misguided reasoning” in the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. decision which involved a long-time employee who had been paid much less than her male colleagues.  The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that a 180 day filing limit for discrimination began with her first discriminatory paycheck, rather than starting after each discriminatory payment. 
 
 
The new law allows workers to file suit up to 180 days after any paycheck that they believe is discriminatory.
 
AARP argued that the law was needed to appropriately reflect workplace realities in providing proper redress to victims of discrimination.

Added: January 29, 2009
Views: 142 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP LAUNCHES LARGEST ONLINE RESOURCE CENTER FOR CAREGIVERS

 

AARP AND BEST SELLLNG AUTHOR GAIL SHEEHY JOIN TOGETHER TO LAUNCH THE WORLD’S LARGEST ONLINE COMMUNITY AND RESOURCE CENTER FOR CAREGIVERS
 
Sheehy to Connect with AARP’s 40 Million Members Through Exclusive Video, Blogs, Online Chats and Editorial Content
 
WASHINGTON (January 16, 2009) – AARP , the leading organization for people 50+, today announced the debut of exclusive new online resources and content to help the more than 44 million caregivers across the country in their unique daily challenges.  AARP’s Ambassador of Caregiving, Gail Sheehy , will serve as a major contributor to the online caregiving portal on www.aarp.org . 
 
The renowned author of Passages will communicate with AARP’s 40 million members and others through interactive Web casts featuring exclusive videos of caregiving families, personal blogs and online chats.  Her mission is to guide members through the emotional and practical sides of the caregiver role and to build a community of ideas and practical solutions. 
 
As AARP’s Ambassador of Caregiving, Sheehy traveled around the country to film the personal stories of families in different phases of the caregiving journey.  She also interviewed experts who hold the key to the best resources.  The Web casts will roll out throughout 2009.  The first installments are available now on www.aarp.org/gailsheehy.
 
“Gail’s expertise and emotional compassion on the issue of caregiving makes her the ideal voice to speak to our members and we’re thrilled to be able to provide these new tools and resources,” said Emilio Pardo Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, AARP.  “Not only will we be able to connect her “in real time” with our members, we’ll also continuously be updating the site with relevant news and information that our members can use to empower themselves on a daily basis.”
 
“None of us is prepared for the role of caregiving,” said Sheehy.  “Many of us find ourselves thrust into this universal passage with nowhere to turn and a sense of helplessness and fear that only add to the stress.  Through the power of the AARP community, I can share my own personal passage as a caregiver and that of the thousands of people I have met along the way with the many millions who feel alone and without direction.  To be able to do this in real time on the Web offers me a unique opportunity, and I am grateful to AARP for their vision and dedication to this issue touching so many Americans.”
 
Described as America’s “emotional tour guide,” Sheehy has published 15 books.  Her book 1976 book Passages was named by The Library of Congress as one of the ten most influential books of our time.  Passages has been printed in 28 languages and remained on The New York Times Bestseller list for more than three years.  In 2006, Random House rereleased Passages in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of its first printing.  Other best sellers include The Silent Passage , New Passages , Understanding Men’s Passages , and Hillary’s Choice .  She is also a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and to Parade since 1984.  Her articles have won her numerous journalistic awards. 
 
 
### 
ABOUT AARP
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 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 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.
 

Added: January 16, 2009
Views: 259 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

DIVIDED WE FAIL LAUNCHES NEXT PHASE OF CAMPAIGN IN CALIFORNIA

Congressman George Miller among more than 360 members of Congress, 1.6 million people who have pledged to help bring health care and economic crises to an end

 

To reinforce our commitment to Divided We Fail - representatives from AARP California, U.S. Congressman George Miller and Contra Costa County Supervisor Laura Bonilla met on Tuesday, January 13, to recognize efforts to put health care and financial security at the top of our nation’s “to do” list.

 

The meeting covered progress made with the Divided We Fail campaign and acknowledge work from local AARP volunteers for championing advocacy efforts for older adults.

 

AARP would like to thank Congressman George Miller for his continued support of the Divided We Fail effort. Thank you for standing up against gridlock! 

 

We often ask our Representatives to champion causes on our behalf. At AARP, we believe that we should say "Thank You" when they do.

 

In 2008, Congressman Miller championed the following advocacy efforts to help older adults:

 

He secured House and Senate approval of a bill to provide needed housing reform to help homeowners facing foreclosure.  

 

Co-sponsored a bill to temporarily suspend the requirement for taxpayers age 70-1/2 and older to make annual minimum distributions from their retirement plan accounts in 2009.

 

Sponsored legislation to shine a light on hidden 401k fees so citizens have the information they need to wisely invest their hard-earned money.

 

Voted to extend expiring provisions under the Medicare Program to help patients and providers.


Congressman Miller and more than 360 of his colleagues have signed the pledge or sent a letter of approval supporting the Divided We Fail platform.  For the next 12 months, Divided We Fail will be increasing our grassroots activity by hosting events in the community; engaging volunteers and being more active than ever before.

 

Our groups are pledging – just as a staggering 1.6 million people have done along with us – that we will come to the table to help frame the debate, empower the public, weigh in on potential policy solutions and have a hand in the negotiations that will come.
 

 

As the nation embarks on a new path and a new administration, AARP will be working in California and Washington to move our nation forward in a bipartisan fashion to address health care and a lifetime financial security.

 

We can't wait - the time to address these problems is now.

 

Learn more at www.dividedwefail.org or www.aarp.org/ca 
 

Added: January 14, 2009
Views: 202 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

TV Writers Agree to Settle Age Discrimination Lawsuits

 

Hollywood Age Discrimination Lawsuit Settlement Reached
TV Writers Agree to Settle Age Discrimination Lawsuits
 
Los Angeles, CA -- Television writers represented jointly by AARP attorneys and attorneys in private practice settled the first two of 23 class action lawsuits alleging widespread age discrimination by networks, studios, and talent agencies in hiring and referral of older writers for employment. The lawsuits were filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. [Case Nos. BC268836 (and related); Hon. Emilie H. Elias presiding]
 
AARP attorneys serve as co-counsel for writers age 40 and older who have sued TV networks, studios and talent agencies in nearly two dozen class action lawsuits that allege violation of California age discrimination law.  The plaintiffs in these cases have sued on behalf of themselves and a class of more than 6,000 older television writers.
 
The two settlements in this litigation were recently approved by the court. An agreement with talent agency International Creative Management (ICM) that changes ICM’s business practices and compensates writers with $4.5 million and settlement was also reached with the Broder Kurland Webb agency. The two lawsuits settled cover about 600 writers.
 
The dispute
 
The 23 state class action lawsuits charge that more than 50 television industry defendants systematically "gray listed" the writers, freezing them out of employment opportunities in violation of federal and state laws prohibiting age discrimination.
 
One of the many plaintiffs in the state court lawsuits is two-time Emmy winner Tracy Keenan Wynn, 62. Wynn, the son and grandson of award winning actors, alleges that he and the other plaintiffs have been unable to find employment over the past eleven years because of pervasive age discrimination in the television industry. Defendants in the lawsuits include, such major Hollywood players as the Walt Disney Company, NBC, CBS,  Fox, Universal Television, Viacom, Warner Brothers Television, DreamWorks, the William Morris Agency. and many others.
 
These state court actions charge that there is relentless industry-wide discrimination against talented older writers. The suits allege an industry "pattern or practice" of hiring young writers almost exclusively because many producers apparently are convinced that only younger writers are capable of producing scripts that appeal to the “twenty something” audiences they target based on the belief that they are more receptive than older viewers to the appeals of the advertisers who pay for television programming.
 
The result, the suits allege, is that "older writers, as a class, have been robbed of their right to participate in their chosen profession, have suffered severe emotional distress and loss of self worth, and have seen their incomes dramatically reduced to the point where many have been required to sell their homes, deplete their retirement savings and file for bankruptcy." The state court actions involve hundreds of plaintiffs who applied for or were deterred from applying for television writing jobs with various producers, networks, and talent agencies.
 
The first two settlements
 
Edwards, et al. v. ICM alleged that more than 150 television writers and the class they propose to represent were victims of systematic age discrimination by talent agencies who refused to represent or refer older writers for work at studios and production companies. ICM, is the fourth largest talent agency representing TV writers, representing 14 percent of writers.
 
Although ICM denies that it discriminated against older writers, as part of the settlement it agreed to establish an independent task force to examine its representation practices, and to participate in a job relief program that will help promote older television writers based on script evaluations by a neutral panel of qualified experts. ICM also agreed to pay the affected writers from a $4.5 million compensation fund.
 
The rest of the suits
 
The other 21 suits are still pending in California state court. AARP attorneys have joined with four law firms representing the plaintiffs - Sprenger & Lang, PLLC; Kator, Parks & Weiser, PLLC; Katz, Marshall & Banks, LLP, all of Washington, DC; and Schwartz, Steinsapir, Dohrmann & Sommers, LLP of Los Angeles.
 
Further information can be found at the website, www.writerscase.com
 
###
 
Added: January 8, 2009
Views: 175 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP 2009 Priorities: Promoting Health and Economic Security

 

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 111th 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 21st 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.
 
 
-more-
·         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 111th 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 21st 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.”

 
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 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 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.
Added: January 6, 2009
Views: 277 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Operation Energy Save

Help a Neighbor Save Money on Energy Costs

 
The weather is getting colder, and many of your friends, family and neighbors may be struggling to pay their rising heating and electric bills.You can help by volunteering through Operation Energy Save! 
 
Operation Energy Save isan easy way for individuals to help their neighbors save money on energy costs in cold weather.  Just use follow the instructions in an easy-to-understand information toolkit that includes a detailed checklist, instructional guide and easy tips proven to reduce energy costs.
 
To get your project started, click here Operation Energy Save.
Added: December 8, 2008
Views: 190 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
  Previous   1 ... 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9   Next