Cost Breaks on Utilities Available to Some Alabamians who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid for Low-Income Families (MLIF) may be eligible for discounts on their Alagasco and Alabama Power bills. SSI and MLIF recipients are exempt from the Alabama Power Company rate increase that was approved in October by the Alabama Public Service Commission.

To receive the exemption, customers must complete a form and return it to Alabama Power. The forms are available at all power company offices, or by calling customer service at 1-800-245-2244. Alagasco will also waive the monthly service charge for customers who receive SSI. The benefit is available to a household's Alagasco account holder or anyone living in the home who is receiving SSI. Customers should call 1-800-292-4008 to request instructions on applying for this program.

Licensed drivers can have their vehicles evaluated for comfort and safety 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., Friday, November 7, at Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1685 Taylor Road in Montgomery. During the 20-minute evaluation, trained volunteers complete a 12-point checklist with each driver, and make recommendations for maintaining and improving all aspects of driving health. For an appointment, call Dr. Raines at (334) 229-5602.

On the verge of the upcoming election, Divided We Fail announced recently it has received its one millionth pledge to keep the candidates focused on delivering the solutions to our nation’s current crises.

“In less than two years, the Divided We Fail has brought in more than a million people who have signed commitments to demand elected leaders deliver action and not just rhetoric,” said AARP’s Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. “Along with our one million pledges, we also have received signed commitments from a majority of both House and Senate members, including Senators McCain and Obama. It’s obvious that Divided We Fail is generating the political will necessary to bring about change in 2009.”

In addition to its pledge signing campaign, Divided We Fail and AARP have:
• Invested tens of millions of dollars on national TV, radio and print advertising;
• Hosted multiple issue forums in every state to help educate voters;
• Released voter guides that include direct quotes from the candidates on health and economic security issues;
• Attended nearly every major candidate campaign event to ensure that Senators McCain and Obama speak on the issues of health care and economic security;
• Sponsored dozens of candidate debates for every office from the Presidential primaries to members of Congress;
• Signed up nearly 100 other organizations that support Divided We Fail, including everyone from the Entertainment Industry Foundation to Girl Scouts USA;
• Fielded and released national polling on the issues of health care and economic security to the general public and the presidential campaigns; and
• Hosted multiple national issue forums and briefings on Capitol Hill.

In addition, after Election Day the groups that make up Divided We Fail – AARP, Business Roundtable, National Foundation of Independent Business and Service Employees International Union – will release mutually agreed upon health care principles that the groups, and the more than 50 million people they represent, insist must be a part of any health care reform discussion.

“One million pledges is an indication of the importance of these issues to all Americans, and we have no intentions of stopping here,” added LeaMond. “Divided We Fail is looking forward to having these million pledge signers help us keep an eye on every member of Congress and the Administration, so we can ensure that the promises made on the stump are promises kept.”

The pledge, available online at http://www.dividedwefail.org, follows:

I want to join with millions of other Americans to support candidates who will give us action, answers and accountability on health and lifetime financial security. We need to elect leaders who will end the gridlock in Washington and get things done.

I pledge to:
• Vote for candidates who will ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care.
• Vote for candidates who will ensure that all Americans have peace of mind about their long-term financial security—with a real plan of action, and a real commitment to the American people.
• Vote for candidates who are specific about what they’ll do and how, and who stop speaking in generalities.

I’m using my vote to deliver the message that the time to address these problems is now.

Candidates owe us action, answers and accountability, and they must commit to delivering long-term, lasting solutions if elected.

 

With Medicare enrollment around the corner, AARP Bulletin Today answers Part D questions in an exclusive guide on prescription drug coverage. It helps readers understand the basics, navigate the coverage gap, consider all options and find the plan that's right for them, and avoid scams and hard sells when signing up.

Do you look closely at where your income goes each month, or what you need to save for the years ahead? New interactive tools help AARP.org visitors manage their money and plan for the future; use them to estimate home mortgage interest or college savings, retirement income and social security benefits, or your personal budget. To use these planning and saving tools, or to learn more about protecting your financial future, visit

http://www.aarp.org/money

AARP and the Alabama Securities Commission are holding an “Investor’s University” series this fall. The free financial planning and protection workshops are open to the public and lunch is provided. Reservations are required, and seating is limited, so for more information or to register, call 1-866-542-8167.

Americans are living longer, and AARP Alabama wants you to get the most out of every day. To learn more about living life to the fullest, attend the 2008 River Region Successful Aging Initiative 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2008, at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. Health screenings will be offered, along with workshops and sessions on looking better and feeling better. A continental breakfast and lunch will also be provided. The public is invited and all events are free, but registration is required before August 14. Learn more or register by calling 1-877-926-8300.