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

Tuesday, April 14^th, 2009                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

DIVIDED WE FAILTOWN HALL WITH REP. BIGGERT FOCUSES ON HEALTH CARE CRISIS

Crowd Discusses Health Care Problems and Solutions - Event Highlights Urgent Need to Fix Rising Health Care Costs as Key Part of Addressing Economy

HINSDALE, Illinois – The recession is delivering another harsh blow to people across Illinois – loss of health care coverage and inability to keep pace with soaring costs, for many it’s causing a health care crisis.  The issue was the focus of a public “Cost of Doing Nothing” town hall today hosted by Divided We Fail (a coalition that includes AARP, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Business Roundtable and SEIU) and Illinois Congresswoman Judy Biggert.  Residents from across the 13^th Congressional District attended and several spoke about how the issue was hitting home. 

With nearly a third of the state living without health insurance in the past year, the problem is simple but painful- soaring job loss is leaving record numbers of people without health care, skyrocketing costs are forcing families to skip care, cut back on medications or delay going to the doctor.  The Divided We Fail coalition is urging Congress and President Obama to address health care costs now.

“As wages tighten and unemployment rises, soaring medical costs are squeezing individuals, families, businesses, and the nation as a whole,” said Merri Dee, State President for AARP in Illinois. “To solve America’s health care crisis, all of us must come together to find solutions that work.”

The town hall was moderated by Merri Dee, State President for AARP Illinois, and in addition to Rep. Biggert, included Kim Maisch, Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, and National-LouisUniversity professor and health policy expert Stephen Thompson.

“The time for action is now. The cost of doing nothing is too high,” added Dee.

Divided We Fail has organized nearly 1,000 events across the country to give voice to the millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care. More than 360 members of the 111th Congress signed the Divided We Fail pledge or wrote a letter of support. In addition to AARP, Business Roundtable, NFIB and SEIU, more than 100 independent groups have joined the coalition’s efforts. 

A recent report released by Families USA found that during 2007 – 2008, approximately 3.5 million Illinoisans—30.8 percent of residents under age 65—were uninsured.  The report also showed nearly four out of five uninsured Illinoisans, or 78.7 percent, were in working families, working full- or part-time. The cost of the average family premium for employer-sponsored plans is expected to nearly double in the next few years (from $13,000 a year to $24,000).

####

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

Monday, April 20, 2009                                                                                 

AARP LAUNCHES COMMUNITY EFFORTS IN MOLINE AIMED AT HEALTH CARE CRISIS

Health Advocates Call on State & National for Solutions - Urge Passage of Illinois Health Insurance Reform Bill

MOLINE , Illinois – As the recession grips the nation, job loss means loss of employer sponsored health care and it’s creating a crisis.  With state lawmakers and Congress home for spring break, advocate groups from across the state gathered in Moline with a simple message: “Fix our broken health care system now – the cost of doing nothing is too high.”

The groups, including AARP, and Progressive Action for the Common Good, highlighted the problems, and launched local efforts aimed at turning up the heat for solutions.  The efforts are aimed getting Congress to address the crisis and the State Senate to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (House Bill 3923) – a bill set to help reform the industry in Illinois.  The legislation passed the State House of Representatives last week.

“Our elected officials in Illinois and WashingtonDC have a clear cut job to address the nations failing health care system,” said Ron Bjurstrom, Moline resident and member of AARP Illinois State Legislative Council. “Requiring insurance companies put people before profits is a clear move in the right direction and we urge the State Senate to pass this bill.”

The grassroots efforts include community forums and town halls being held across the state, on-line advocacy efforts and a new 800 number, the Health Care Hotline (1-800-664-9903), to help connect people directly with their State Senators – urging them to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act.  AARP has also made the issue an “accountability vote” – meaning the Association will track the roll call vote on the bill and inform its nearly 2 million members in the state how their state legislator voted.

The Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by State Representative Greg Harris, would introduce stronger consumer protections to the private health insurance market by, among other measures:

• Requiring insurance companies to spend at least 75 percent of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, or profits.
• Establishing an Office of Patient Protection to advocate for patients’ rights, and conduct external independent review of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

####

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

Thursday, April 16, 2009                                                                   David Irwin          (312) 458-3621                                                                                                                                                                                           

 AARP LAUNCHES COMMUNITY EFFORTS IN MARION AIMED AT HEALTH CARE CRISIS

Health Advocates Call on State & National for Solutions - Urge Passage of Illinois Health Insurance Reform Bill

MARION , Illinois – As the recession grips the nation, job loss means loss of employer sponsored health care and it’s creating a crisis.  With state lawmakers and Congress home for spring break, advocate groups from across the state gathered in Marion with a simple message: “Fix our broken health care system now – the cost of doing nothing is too high.”

The groups, including AARP, the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging, and the Shawnee Alliance for Seniors, highlighted the problems, and launched local efforts aimed at turning up the heat for solutions.  The efforts are aimed getting Congress to address the crisis and the State Senate to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (House Bill 3923) – a bill set to help reform the industry in Illinois.  The legislation passed the State House of Representatives last week.

“Our elected officials in Illinois and WashingtonDC have a clear cut job to address the nations failing health care system,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “Requiring insurance companies put people before profits is a clear move in the right direction and we urge the State Senate to pass this bill.”

The grassroots efforts include community forums and town halls being held across the state, on-line advocacy efforts and a new 800 number, the Health Care Hotline (1-800-664-9903), to help connect people directly with their State Senators – urging them to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act.  AARP has also made the issue an “accountability vote” – meaning the Association will track the roll call vote on the bill and inform its nearly 2 million members in the state how their state legislator voted.

The Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by State Representative Greg Harris, would introduce stronger consumer protections to the private health insurance market by, among other measures:

• Requiring insurance companies to spend at least 75 percent of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, or profits.
• Establishing an Office of Patient Protection to advocate for patients’ rights, and conduct external independent review of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

####

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

Friday, April 10, 2009                                                                        Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609

NEW LAW PROTECTS CONSUMERS FROM PRIVATE GAS SUPPLIERS’ PREDATORY PRACTICES

Governor Quinn Delivers New AARP-Backed Law Taking Aim at Slick Promises of Lower Bills & Deceptive Sales Pitches

CHICAGO, Illinois – With nearly 45% of the country struggling to pay for basic home utilities, it’s easy for people to fall prey to the promise of lower natural gas bills – a promise that too often falls short, resulting in much higher bills.  Today, Governor Pat Quinn has delivered a new law to change that, protecting Illinois consumers from the predatory bait and switch practices of alternative retail gas suppliers (ARGS). 

With the signing of Senate Bill 171 into law, Illinois consumers have a new law on their side.  The law requires alternative natural gas suppliers to disclose marketing information, to help ensure consumers aren’t misled into bait and switch contracts, establishes cancellation rights, and limits the amounts charged for early termination.  The legislation was sponsored by Senator Don Harmon and Representative Thomas Holbrook.

“On behalf of our nearly 2 million members in Illinois, AARP commends Governor Quinn for this new law, delivering needed consumer protections to an industry that in many cases is looking to make a quick buck from someone already struggling to make ends meet,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. 

Key provisions of the law include:

• Prohibiting alternative suppliers from misrepresenting their affiliation with a government entity, gas utility, consumer group or any other entity.
• Requiring when all sales solicitation, agreement, verification or contract are translated into a foreign language that all documents are provided to the consumer in that language.
• Allowing consumers to change their mind about switching to an alternative gas supplier.
• Giving consumers the ability to rescind a contract without having to pay termination fees, within 10 days of receiving the first bill.

According to the Attorney General’s office, since 2005, over 3,000 complaints have been filed against ARGS in Illinois.  Many complaints cited people were duped with misleading sales pitches and false promises of the lower bills.

####

For Immediate Release :                                                  Contacts: Gerardo Cardenas (312) 351-0228

Tuesday, April 14, 2009                                                                     David Irwin          (312) 458-3621                                                                                                                                                                                           

 AARP LAUNCHES COMMUNITY EFFORTS IN ROCKFORD AIMED AT HEALTH CARE CRISIS

Health and Consumer Advocates Call on State & National for Solutions - Urge Passage of Illinois Health Insurance Reform Bill

ROCKFORD , Illinois – As the recession grips the nation, job loss means loss of employer sponsored health care and it’s creating a crisis.  With state lawmakers and Congress home for spring break, advocate groups from across the state gathered in Rockford with a simple message: “Fix our broken health care system now – the cost of doing nothing is too high.”

The groups, including AARP, and the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, highlighted the problems, and launched local efforts aimed at turning up the heat for solutions.  The efforts are aimed getting Congress to address the crisis and the State Senate to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (House Bill 3923) – a bill set to help reform the industry in Illinois.  The legislation passed the State House of Representatives last week.

“Our elected officials in Illinois and WashingtonDC have a clear cut job to address the nations failing health care system,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “Requiring insurance companies put people before profits is a clear move in the right direction and we urge the State Senate to pass this bill.”

The grassroots efforts include community forums and town halls being held across the state, on-line advocacy efforts and a new 800 number, the Health Care Hotline (1-800-664-9903), to help connect people directly with their State Senators – urging them to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act.  AARP has also made the issue an “accountability vote” – meaning the Association will track the roll call vote on the bill and inform its nearly 2 million members in the state how their state legislator voted.

“The passage of the HB 3923 in the House sends a clear signal to the health insurance companies in Illinois.  We are sick of paying more every year and getting less,” said Emily Miller, Staff Attorney and Health Care Advocate with Illinois PIRG.  “It’s time for the unfair and abusive business practices of the health insurance industry to end.”

The Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by State Representative Greg Harris, would introduce stronger consumer protections to the private health insurance market by, among other measures:

• Requiring insurance companies to spend at least 75 percent of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, or profits.
• Establishing an Office of Patient Protection to advocate for patients’ rights, and conduct external independent review of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

####

AARP has made guaranteeing access to affordable health coverage for people aged 50-64 an essential element of health reform.

Why?

Americans aged 50-64 -- who make up nearly half of AARP’s 40 million members -- are taking a hard hit in these times of shrinking employer-sponsored health coverage. They have become the fastest growing group of uninsured. The rate at which they have been losing coverage is really alarming -- 36 percent between 2000 and 2009. And, now, in today’s turbulent economy, as more working men and women in this age group are losing jobs with employer-sponsored health care, they are finding it more and more difficult – if not impossible -- to get affordable individual coverage.

This is -- in large part -- because health insurers consider age and pre-existing conditions when setting their rates. Seven of every ten Americans in this age group have at least one -- if not several – such chronic health conditions as diabetes and heart disease. Insurance industry data show that insurers reject between 17 and 28 percent of all applications from people aged 50-64. And those “lucky” enough to find individual coverage must pay, on average, premiums that average three times higher than premiums for those of the same age who have employer coverage. And their out-of-pocket spending for health care is more than twice that of those with employer coverage -- despite less generous benefits.

This problem is becoming more serious because, thanks to the aging of the baby boomers, our 50-64 population is growing rapidly. Nearly one of every five Americans will be 50-64 by 2015. So, AARP is pressing Congress to find a common-sense solution to the coverage gap for 50-64-year-olds. For information on AARP’s efforts to help people in this age group – and on ways you can help – please check out our new web page for health reform – www.healthactionnow.org.

For Immediate Release:                                                          Contacts: Jim Bray (217) 494-5532

Thursday, April 9, 2009                                                                            David Irwin (312) 206-6755                                                                                                                                                                                           

PUBLIC RALLY CALLS FOR AN END TO CORRUPTION IN ILLINOIS POLITICS

Voters, Public join Civic, Business, Religious & Non-Profit Groups in Chicago to CHANGE Illinois!

CHICAGO , Illinois – Mere steps from indicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s office, hundreds of people gathered in downtown Chicago today with a simple message: “We’ve had enough!”  Voters joined with civic and business leaders, religious and non-profit groups for a public CHANGE Illinois! rally calling for an end to corruption in Illinois politics.

“Corruption in Illinois has turned us from the land of Lincoln to a national laughingstock,” said Rev. Patricia Watkins, Executive Director of Target Area Development Corp.  “We need to take special interest money out of Illinois politics – the people deserve to get their voices back.”

The rally, organized by CHANGE Illinois! , focused on the need to clean up Illinois politics now.  Rally speakers drove home the need for political reform and urged the General Assembly to take action , including: Rev. Patricia Watkins , Executive Director of TARGET Area Development Corp.; Rami Nashashibi , Inner City Muslim Action Network, Executive Director; Merri Dee , AARP Illinois State President; Peter Bensinger , Chicago business leader and former Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency; Jesus “Chuy” Garcia , Enlace Chicago, Executive Director; and Rev. Philip Blackwell , Senior Minister of First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.

“On behalf of AARP’s nearly 2 million in Illinois, I can say we’re tired of politics as usual standing in the way of progress as it should be,” said Merri Dee, State President for AARP.  “The people of Illinois need to stand up and demand that things change.”

CHANGE Illinois ! has launched a statewide campaign to end the culture of corruption in Illinois politics.  The coalition’s first priority is take large donations out of Illinois campaign through enacting strict campaign contribution limits.  The coalition has been taking the message to communities across the state, setting up the CHANGE Illinois ! Hotline (1-800-719-3020) to connect voters to their state lawmakers to urge them to help put an end to pay-to-play politics.  Illinois is one of only four states with no limits on political campaign contributions.

“Unless people throughout Illinois contact their legislators and demand change, we’re going to see even more waste and corruption in our government,” Peter Bensinger,  Co-Chair of CHANGE Illinois!, said. “If we can’t change the way government does business in Illinois, corporate leaders are going to think twice about doing business here.”

Since 1970, over 1000 Illinois public officials have been convicted of corruption , including 19 judges (serving half the state’s population), 30 Chicago Alderman , two Governors with a third now indicted and a former State Attorney General --- one conviction every other week.

For more information about the CHANGE Illinois! The Coalition for Honest and New Government Ethics:  www.ChangeIL.org

For Immediate Release :                                                  Contacts: Gerardo Cardenas (312) 351-0228

Wednesday, April 8, 2009                                                                  David Irwin          (312) 458-3621                                                                                                                                                                                           

 AARP LAUNCHES COMMUNITY EFFORTS IN PEORIA AIMED AT HEALTH CARE CRISIS

Health and Consumer Advocates Call on State & National for Solutions - Urge Passage of Illinois Health Insurance Reform Bill

PEORIA , Illinois – As the recession grips the nation, job loss means loss of employer sponsored health care and it’s creating a crisis.  With state lawmakers and Congress home for spring break, advocate groups from across the state gathered in Peoria with a simple message: “Fix our broken health care system now – the cost of doing nothing is too high.”

The groups, including AARP, the Campaign for Better Health Care, BradleyUniversity’s Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service, and the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, highlighted the problems, and launched local efforts aimed at turning up the heat for solutions.  The efforts are aimed getting Congress to address the crisis and the State Senate to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (House Bill 3923) – a bill set to help reform the industry in Illinois.  The legislation passed the State House of Representatives last week.

“Our elected officials in Illinois and WashingtonDC have a clear cut job to address the nations failing health care system,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “Requiring insurance companies put people before profits is a clear move in the right direction and we urge the State Senate to pass this bill.”

The grassroots efforts include community forums and town halls being held across the state, on-line advocacy efforts and a new 800 number, the Health Care Hotline (1-800-664-9903), to help connect people directly with their State Senators – urging them to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act.  AARP has also made the issue an “accountability vote” – meaning the Association will track the roll call vote on the bill and inform its nearly 2 million members in the state how their state legislator voted.

“The passage of the HB 3923 in the House sends a clear signal to the health insurance companies in Illinois.  We are sick of paying more every year and getting less,” said Emily Miller, Staff Attorney and Health Care Advocate with Illinois PIRG.  “It’s time for the unfair and abusive business practices of the health insurance industry to end.”

The Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by State Representative Greg Harris, would introduce stronger consumer protections to the private health insurance market by, among other measures:

• Requiring insurance companies to spend at least 75 percent of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, or profits.
• Establishing an Office of Patient Protection to advocate for patients’ rights, and conduct external independent review of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

####

For Immediate Release :                                                  Contacts: Gerardo Cardenas (312) 351-0228

Tuesday, April 7, 2009                                                                       David Irwin          (312) 458-3621                                                                                                                                                                                           

 AARP LAUNCHES COMMUNITY EFFORTS IN CHAMPAIGN AIMED AT HEALTH CARE CRISIS

Health and Consumer Advocates Call on State & National for Solutions - Urge Passage of Illinois Health Insurance Reform Bill

CHAMPAIGN , Illinois – As the recession grips the nation, job loss means loss of employer sponsored health care and it’s creating a crisis.  With state lawmakers and Congress home for spring break, advocate groups from across the state gathered in Champaign with a simple message: “Fix our broken health care system now – the cost of doing nothing is too high.”

The groups, including AARP, the Campaign for Better Health Care, and the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, highlighted the problems, and launched local efforts aimed at turning up the heat for solutions.  The efforts are aimed getting Congress to address the crisis and the State Senate to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (House Bill 3923) – a bill aimed at reforming the industry in Illinois.  The legislation passed the State House of Representatives last week.

“Our elected officials in Illinois and WashingtonDC have a clear cut job to address the nations failing health care system,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “Requiring insurance companies put people before profits is a clear move in the right direction and we urge the State Senate to pass this bill.”

The grassroots efforts include community forums and town halls being held across the state, on-line advocacy efforts and a new 800 number, the Health Care Hotline (1-800-664-9903), to help connect people directly with their State Senators – urging them to pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act.  AARP has also made the issue an “accountability vote” – meaning the Association will track the roll call vote on the bill and inform its nearly 2 million members in the state how their state legislator voted.

“The passage of the HB 3923 in the House sends a clear signal to the health insurance companies in Illinois.  We are sick of paying more every year and getting less,” said Emily Miller, Staff Attorney and Health Care Advocate with Illinois PIRG.  “It’s time for the unfair and abusive business practices of the health insurance industry to end.”

The Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by State Representative Greg Harris, would introduce stronger consumer protections to the private health insurance market by, among other measures:

• Requiring insurance companies to spend at least 75 percent of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, or profits.
• Establishing an Office of Patient Protection to advocate for patients’ rights, and conduct external independent review of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

####

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                      Contacts: David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Friday, April 3, 2009                                                   Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609                 

ILLINOIS HOUSE PASSES KEY HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM BILL

AARP “Accountability Vote” Efforts Let 1.8 Million Illinois Members Know How Their Legislator Voted on Issue

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois –People already struggling with job loss are now being forced to fight with private health insurance companies to get the coverage they need.  That may change soon, as the Illinois House passed key legislation to reform several important aspects of the industry.  AARP today applauded the State House for passing, by a vote of 62-45, the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (HB 3923) - a bill that will enact stronger protections in the private health insurance market.

Designated an “accountability vote” by AARP on behalf of its 1.8 million Illinois members, each elected official’s vote is posted on AARP’s Illinois site ( www.aarp.org/il ) so individuals across the state can see how their legislators voted on this important bill.

“Today, the people of Illinois are one step closer to the consumer protections they deserve when it comes to their health insurance,” said Robert Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director.  “AARP commends Representative Greg Harris for his dedication and leadership on this issue.”

With record numbers of people losing their employer-based health insurance and now purchasing coverage in the private insurance market, the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by Representative Greg Harris, will establish several critical consumer protections.  The Senate’s vote on the legislation will also be tracked and reported as it happens.

The legislation will:

• Require insurance companies to spend at least 75% of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, and profits.
• Establish an Office of Consumer Health Insurance to conduct external independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

“This legislation is critical to removing barriers between people and the health care they and their families need,” added Gallo.  “We know the insurance industry is working to ensure this bill doesn’t see the light of day – AARP is urging the Senate to stand up, do what’s right and pass the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act.”

Health care reform is a top priority for AARP.

NAME                                     VOTE             

Edward Acevedo-D                 Y                    

Luis Arroyo-D                         Y

Suzanne Bassi-R                      N

Mark Beaubien-R                    N

Daniel Beiser-D                       Y

Patricia Bellock-R                    N

Maria Antonia Berrios-D         Y

Bob Biggins-R                         N

William Black-R                      N

Mike Boland-D                        Absent

Mike Bost-R                            N

John Bradley-D                       Y

Dan Brady-R                           N

Rich Brauer-R                          N

James Brosnahan-D                 Did not vote

Daniel Burke-D                       Y

William Burns-D                      Y

John Cavaletto-R                     N

Linda Chapa LaVia-D              Y

Franco Coladipietro-R             N

Sandy Cole-R                          N

Annazette Collins-D                Y

Marlow Colvin-D                     Y

Michael Connelly-R                 N

Elizabeth Coulson-R                N

Fred Crespo-D                         Y

Tom Cross-R                           N

Shane Cultra-R                                    N

Barbara Flynn Currie-D           Y

John D’Amico-D                     N

Monique Davis-D                    Y

William Davis-D                      Y

Anthony DeLuca-D                 Y

Lisa Dugan-D                          Y

Kenneth Dunkin-D                  Y

Jim Durkin-R                           N

Roger Eddy-R                          N

Keith Farham-D                       Y

Sara Feigenholtz-D                  Y

Robert Flider-D                        Y

Mary Flowers-D                       Y

LaShawn Ford-D                     Y

Mike Fortner-R                        N

Jack Franks-D                          Did not vote

John Fritchey-D                       Did not vote

Paul Froehlich-D                      Y

Esther Golar-D                         Y

Careen Gordon-D                    Did not vote

Jehan Gordon-D                      Y

Deborah Graham-D                 Present

Julie Hamos-D                         Y

Betsy Hannig-D                       Y

Greg Harris-D                          Y

Kay Hatcher-R                         Y

Elizabeth Hernandez-D            Y

Jay Hoffman-D                                   Y

Thomas Holbrook-D                Y

Constance Howard-D              Y

Eddie Jackson, Sr.-D               Y

Naomi Jakobsson-D                Y

Charles Jefferson-D                 Did not vote

Kevin Joyce-D                         Y

Renee Kosel-R                         Did not vote

Lou Lang-D                             Y

David Leitch-R                                    N

Joseph Lyons-D                       Y

Michael Madigan-D                 Y

Sidney Mathias-R                    N

Frank Mautino-R                     N

Karen May-D                           Y

Emily McAsey-D                     Y

Michael McAuliffe-R              Y

Kevin McCarthy-D                  Y

Jack McGuire-D                      Y

Deborah Mell-D                       Y

Susana Mendoza-D                  Y

David Miller-D                                    Y

Bill Mitchell-R                         N

Jerry Mitchell-R                       N

Donald Moffitt-R                     N

Rosemary Mulligan-R              Present

Richard Myers-R                     N

Elaine Nekritz-D                      Y

JoAnn Osmond-R                    N

Harry Osterman-D                   Y

Brandon Phelps-D                   Y

Sandra Pihos-R                                    N

Raymond Poe-R                      N

Robert Pritchard-R                   N

Harry Ramey, Jr.-R                  N

Dennis Reboletti-R                  N

David Reis-R                           N

Dan Reitz-D                             Y

Al Riley-D                               Y

Robert Rita-D                          N

Chapin Rose-R                                    N

Kathleen Ryg-D                       Y

Jim Sacia-R                              N

Angelo Saviano-R                    N

Timothy Schmitz-R                  N

Darlene Senger-R                     N

Michael Smith-D                      Y

Keith Sommer-R                      N

Cynthia Soto-D                        Y

Ron Stephens-R                       N

Ed Sullivan Jr.-R                      N

Andre Thapedi-D                     Y

Jill Tracy-R                              N

Michael Tyron-R                     N

Arthur Turner-D                      Y

Patrick Verschoore-D              Y

Ronald Wait-R                         Y

Mark Walker-D                        Y

Eddie Washington-D                Y

Jim Watson-R                          N

Dave Winters-R                       N

Karen Yarbrough-D                 Y

Micahel Zalewski-D                 Y

AARP is also informing its members of the vote through on-line advocacy tools, community events, and its statewide publications.