For Immediate Release                  Contacts:

Tuesday, February 19, 2008            Heather Underwood   312-206-4662

                                                             Gerardo Cardenas      312-351-0228

PEORIA AARP MEMBERS

FIGHT AMEREN RATE HIKES

Consumers Fill Auditorium to Urge Illinois Commerce Commission to Say “No Way to Higher Energy Bills!”

PEORIA, Illinois –  Staring at another possible Ameren rate hike, people from across the county converged on Woodruff High School tonight to say enough is enough.   They gathered for an Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) hearing on Ameren’s proposals to deliver consumers a $247 million hike in their energy bills.  AARP is strongly opposed to the hikes as it will have a harsh effect on seniors.

“When is Ameren going to get their fill?” said Mary Patton, a resident and AARP member from Peoria.  “It’s ridiculous that we have to pay this much and now Ameren’s looking to send us even higher bills – it just isn’t fair for consumers.”

Ameren’s plan to hit consumers with roughly $250 million more in service fees and surcharges means higher utility bills dealing a serious blow to thousands of seniors on fixed incomes – many of whom already spend 10-15% of their household income on utility bills.  ComEd is also seeking ICC approval to increase rates in it’s service areas by over $350 million.  The rate hikes will all but wipe out historic billion dollar rate relief legislation passed last year to help consumers struggling with the 100-300% rate increases.

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

Earlier this year, AARP joined forces with State legislators, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Citizen’s Utility Board in vowing to fight the proposed increases and urging the ICC to repeal these and other utility companies’ plans to increase their rates and side with the state’s consumers.

The ICC has scheduled 6 public hearings on the rate hikes across the state in February. AARP has set up an “Energy Rate Hotline” (1-800-719-3020) to connect consumers directly to the ICC. 

Remaining rate hike hearing schedule:

Quincy John Wood Community College, Mary Ellen Orr Auditorium, 1301 S. 48^th Street, Quincy, Illinois, on February 26, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 P.M,., and

Champaign City Hall, 1^st Fl. City Council Chambers, 102 Neil, Champaign, Illinois on February 28, 2008 at the hour of 7:00 P.M.

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:

February 13, 2008                                                               David Irwin             312-458-3621

                                                                                               Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

BELLEVILLE AARP MEMBERS

FIGHT AMEREN RATE HIKES

Consumers Fill City Hall to Urge Illinois Commerce Commission to Say “No Way to Higher Energy Bills!”

BELLEVILLE, Illinois –  Staring at another possible Ameren rate hike, people from across the county converged on Belleville City Hall tonight to say enough is enough.   They gathered for an Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) hearing on Ameren’s proposals to deliver consumers a $247 million hike in their energy bills.  AARP is strongly opposed to the hikes as it will have a harsh effect on seniors.

“When is Ameren going to get their fill?  I’m already paying over $400 a month, including nearly $150 for delivery charges alone,” said Wanda Clayton an resident and AARP member from Swansea.  “It’s ridiculous that we have to pay this much and now Ameren’s looking to send us with even higher bills – it just isn’t fair consumers.”

Ameren’s plan to hit consumers with roughly $250 million more in service fees and

surcharges means higher utility bills dealing a serious blow to thousands of seniors on fixed incomes – many of whom already spend 10-15% of their household income on utility bills.  ComEd is also seeking ICC approval to increase rates it’s service areas by over $350 million.  The rate hikes will all but wipe out historic billion dollar rate relief legislation passed last year to help consumers struggling with the 100-300% rate increases.

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

Earlier this year, AARP joined forces with State legislators, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Citizen’s Utility Board in vowing to fight the proposed increases and urging the ICC to repeal these and other utility companies’ plans to increase their rates and side with the state’s consumers.

The ICC has scheduled 6 public hearings on the rate hikes across the state in February. AARP has set up an “Energy Rate Hotline” (1-800-719-3020) to connect consumers directly to the ICC. 

Remaining rate hike hearing schedule:

Peoria City Hall, Room 400, 419 Fulton, Peoria, Illinois on February 19, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 PM.’

Quincy City Hall, 1^st Fl., City Council Chambers, 730 Maine, Quincy, Illinois, on February 26, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 P.M,., and

Champaign City Hall, 1^st Fl. City Council Chambers, 102 Neil, Champaign, Illinois on February 28, 2008 at the hour of 7:00 P.M.

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                                   Contact: David Irwin

Thursday, February 07, 2008                                                       (312)206-6755

AARP Illinois Applauds Senate’s Inclusion of Older Americans in Economic Stimulus Package

Bipartisan Package Includes 20 Million Older Americans in Rebate Program

AARP ILLINOIS KEY VOTE NEWS ALERT

CHICAGO, Illinois - By an overwhelming majority, the U.S. Senate today passed an amendment to the economic stimulus package that will provide rebates to approximately 20 million older Americans who depend primarily on Social Security.  This vote is a critical step toward passing a fair and targeted stimulus package that would put money into the hands of people who will quickly put it into the economy and provide support to those who need it most.

The amended stimulus package would provide a $300 rebate check to any American with $3000 of qualifying income – including Social Security income – in 2007, and up to $600 for individuals who pay income taxes.  Rebates would be doubled for married couples filing jointly, and families would receive an additional $300 per child under age 17.  It would also count veterans’ disability payments as qualified income, extending rebate eligibility for up to 250,000 disabled veterans. 

*Did not vote

** How a legislator votes on issues is only one factor in evaluating his or her legislative performance, which should also include such things as constituency services and committee work.

“AARP applauds Senator Durbin for voting to include older Americans in the stimulus package,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director.  “He understands that Americans of all ages are feeling financial pressure and can play a role in stimulating the economy.  This bipartisan package is timely and targeted – putting money in the hands of people who will spend it quickly and providing support to those who need it most.  We look forward to the President’s signature on the final package.”

AARP has supported a stimulus package that includes older Americans with an aggressive campaign on Capitol Hill and through grassroots volunteers, who have contacted the Senate with more than 220,000 emails and phone calls. 

AARP notified the 110^th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its 39 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members. “We believe people make the right choices when they understand the issues and position taken by their elected officials.  AARP intends to ensure that its members get that information,” added Gallo.

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, 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, www.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                                   Contacts: David Irwin

Monday, February 11, 2008                                                     (312) 458-3621

                                                                                           Gerardo Cardenas

                                                                                                 (312) 458-3609                

AARP DISAPPOINTED IN COMMERCE COMMISSION DELIVERING MORE RATE SHOCK

Peoples Gas Gets Approved to Charge More When People Use Less – Ameren & ComEd Make Move to Increase Rates

Statement by Robert Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director

AARP stands in strong opposition to the recent decision by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to approve of People’s Gas and North Shore Gas plans to hit consumers, businesses and families with more rate hikes.  The plan will serve to charge people more money when they are using less natural gas and it’s a clear move in the wrong direction.  Consumers lose again.  

On the heels of this decision, the ICC is conducting public hearings in the Ameren service area–the company is also seeking to hit downstate consumers with nearly $250 million in delivery fee increases and surcharges.  It’s no surprise that ComEd is also making a case to the ICC to increase rates by over $361 million.  AARP is urging the ICC to take a stand on behalf of Illinois consumers, and put people before more utility company rate increases.

Older consumers spend an average of 10-15 percent of their household income on home utility costs- forcing many to choose between heating their homes and filling their prescriptions.  No one should be faced with that choice. 

In 2007, AARP was joined by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the Citizen’s Utility Board, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers, and broad coalition of consumer groups and advocates to fight the last round of rate increases.  Together we won a new law for Illinois consumers delivering significant utility reforms and a billion dollar rate relief package.  Now those hard fought consumer victories are quickly falling prey to utility companies’ rate increases.  

As Illinois utility companies continue to deliver harsh and unjustified rate increases, AARP will stand up for all consumers in strong opposition.  We urge the ICC to do what’s right and oppose more rate shock in Illinois.

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For Immediate Release                                             

January 29, 2008            

AMEREN PROPOSAL FOR RATE HIKES MET WITH A FIGHT

Attorney General, Legislators, AARP & Citizen’s Utility Board Join Forces- Urge ICC to Say No to $247 million in Rate Increases 

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – With Ameren gearing up to hit Illinois consumers with another round of utility rate hikes, State Legislators, AARP, the Citizen’s Utility Board and representatives from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Office joined together at the state capitol today to say “Enough is Enough!”  

The ICC has scheduled 6 public hearings on the rate hikes across the state in February, and AARP is encouraging its members and the public to attend and voice their opposition. AARP has also set up an “Energy Rate Hotline” (1-800-719-3020) to connect consumers directly to the ICC.

“I am proud to work with AARP to make sure consumers have a voice when it comes to their utility rates,” Rep. Bob Flider (D-Mt.Zion) said. “I urge all consumers to attend these hearings and provide their input so the ICC has full knowledge and understanding of what a rate increase would mean for the consumers of this state.  I will continue working with AARP to amplify the public’s voice when it comes to protecting their pocketbooks.”

“The massive opposition to the rate hikes last year exemplified the power the public can wield when it is organized and united,” Rep. Mike Smith (D-Canton) said.  “It is once again time for energy customers to stand up to the utility giants by attending these public hearings and showing how these increases would impact local residents’ pocketbooks.”

“The Attorney General’s office will take a very careful look at Ameren’s request to protect the rights of consumers,” said Janice Dale, on behalf of Attorney General Madigan.  “We will work to make sure that electricity consumers are represented during this process.”

“Ameren’s plan would deliver a serious blow to thousands of residents across the state - especially to seniors living on fixed incomes,” said Frank Price, an AARP volunteer from Springfield.  “Last year we fought hard for a new law to provided $1 billion in rate relief to Illinois consumers – the proposed increases are a move in the wrong direction.” 

“It was just a few months ago that Ameren got its hands slapped by the Governor and the General Assembly, and despite healthy, even record, profits over the last few years, the company is reaching into our pockets once again. As the electric consumer rebellion of 2007 showed, Ameren may have the electricity, but people have the power. And if the people’s voice is heard, we are confident Ameren’s latest rate-hike attempt will be rejected,” said David Kolata, CUB’s Executive Director.

Ameren is seeking approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission to deliver an extra $247 million increase in the form of surcharges and delivery fees to consumers.  The groups are urging the ICC to deny the proposal which moves to wipe out the billion dollar rate relief package signed into law last year to combat soaring electric rates.

Public hearing schedule:

Decatur Public Library, Madden Auditorium, 130 N. Franklin, Decatur, Illinois on February 4, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 P.M.;

Marion, Williamson County Pavilion (behind the mall), Marion, Illinois on February 6, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 P.M.;

Belleville City Hall, 1st Floor City Council Chambers, 101 S. Illinois, Belleville, Illinois on February 13, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 P.M.;

Peoria City Hall, Room 400, 419 Fulton, Peoria, Illinois on February 19, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 P.M.;

Quincy City Hall, 1st Fl. City Council Chambers, 730 Maine, Quincy, Illinois, on February 26, 2008, at the hour of 7:00 P.M.; and

Champaign City Hall, 1st Fl. City Council Chambers, 102 Neil, Champaign, Illinois on February 28, 2008 at the hour of 7:00 P.M.

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; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These include AARP 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.

Nominate An Outstanding Volunteer for the 2008 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service

AARP’s commitment to volunteer service can be traced back to the life and vision of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Each year, AARP honors the legacy of Dr. Andrus with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, our most prestigious and visible volunteer award. The 2007 Andrus Award for Community Service recognized 53 unique individuals, one, (sometimes two) from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, who have demonstrated the power to make it better in their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP’s mission, vision and commitment to volunteer service, and that inspire other to volunteer.

Like Dr. Andrus, these winners have a desire to bring ideas and dreams to life. Their work and achievements have positive impact on the lives of many.

Use this form to nominate your candidate for the 2008 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service.

 http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/aboutaarp/AA2008NominationForm.pdf

Read about the 2007 Winners  http://www.aarp.org/about_aarp/community_service/andrus_award_winners.html

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