AARP Online Community: AARPin - My Journals & Blogs

Anita Price Served with Distinction

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 14, 2008 – Goodbye and best wishes to Anita Price, who served with distinction as AARP Indiana’s volunteer state president for the past seven years.

Indiana has been well served by Price’s commitment, energy and sense of humor.

Price volunteered many years with AARP’s Health Advocacy Services program, promoting health, fitness and healthy behaviors among older Hoosiers. She also served several years as a citizen lobbyist on AARP Indiana’s volunteer Legislative Team, which meets state legislators every week when the General Assembly is in session.

New Orleans born and Chicago raised, Price brought Southern style and Midwest steel to AARP. We thank her and will miss her.

Please consult our home page for an announcement about Price’s successor, Clyde Hall.

Added: November 18, 2008
Views: 223 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Congrulations and Good Luck to Election Winners

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 6, 2008 - AARP Indiana congratulates all new and returning members of the Indiana General Assembly and invites them to join our Divided We Fail initiative to make health care and financial security their top legislative priorities.

We of course recognize the difficult fiscal and policy constraints that are facing lawmakers: the need for essential human services naturally increases in a weak economy, even as the economy weighs heavily on state revenues.

But AARP stands ready work on a nonpartisan basis with all state lawmakers, and with Gov. Mitch Daniels, to find common-sense solutions to Hoosiers’ health and financial security concerns.

AARP invites lawmakers to help us strengthen age-discrimination law; to protect the CHOICE home health care program from budget cuts; to ensure that the Medicaid budget meets the health care needs of low-income Hoosiers; and to guard consumer interests in an environment of rising utility costs.

Hard work? Absolutely, though we are confident our elected officials are preparing themselves thoroughly to meet the challenges ahead.

For now, then, please join us in congratulating all of our election winners on their success, and please join us too in urging them to keep Hoosier’s health and financial security needs foremost in their minds.

Added: November 6, 2008
Views: 176 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Statehouse Candidates Conduct Crucial Conversation

INDIANAPOLIS – AARP Indiana extends its sincere thanks to four candidates for the Indiana General Assembly who joined us for a thoughtful policy discussion at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library on Oct. 13.

June Lyle, AARP state director, described the event as “a civil conversation about the issues that matter.”

Exactly, thanks to the candidates’ close attention to the issues and respectful attitudes toward the audience and each other.

The candidates were incumbent Republican Rep. Phil Hinkle and Democratic challenger Stephanie DeKemper in House District 92; and incumbent Republican Rep. Jon Elrod and Democratic challenger Mary Ann Sullivan in House District 97.

Moderator Paul Chase, AARP’s associate state director for public policy, guided the discussion around such topics as property taxes, long-term care, livable communities and job training for Hoosiers age 50+.

Perhaps surprisingly in this age of spin, all four candidates answered the questions directly, specifically and concisely. (Not surprisingly, the cookies were really good!)

Areas of general agreement included the need to rebalance Indiana’s long-term care budget away from nursing homes and toward home and community based care.

The candidates also agreed that Indiana’s adult workforce needs more and better opportunities for training, and that age-discrimination claims should be fielded by the state Civil Rights Commission (not the Labor Department, where jurisdiction now lies).

Property taxes represented the biggest area of disagreement.

Hinkle and Elrod favored constitutional caps on the tax (no greater than 1 percent of assessed value, which is already state law), while DeKemper and Sullivan argued for caution before enacting a constitutional cap.

This isn’t going to be a blow-by-blow account of the candidates’ exchanges, if only because yours truly didn’t take sufficient notes.

But AARP Indiana is happy to say for the record that the candidates honored us with their thoughtful ideas and presence, and we wish all of them good luck in their campaigns and their commitments to public service.

Added: October 14, 2008
Views: 259 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Statehouse Ceremony Honors Retired Teachers

INDIANAPOLIS – Bet you didn’t know that the world’s oldest person is a retired teacher who lives in Shelbyville, Ind.

That would be Edna Turner, age 115, who was recently honored as Indiana’s Outstanding Retired Teacher by the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, AARP Indiana and Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Daniels presented the award to Edna’s family at a Statehouse ceremony that was part of IRTA Appreciation Day on Oct. 9. The annual event honors the contributions of all of Indiana’s retired educators.

Daniels was joined at the event by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall Shepard, who named IRTA member Harriett “Happy” Curts as the Outstanding CASA Volunteer of 2008. Curts’ daughter accepted the award in her mother’s absence.

Also on the dais was AARP Indiana State Director June Lyle, who reminded the audience that AARP was founded in 1958 by the same retired educator who founded the National Retired Teachers Association in 1947 – Ethel Percy Andrus.

Lyle said the two organizations have had a close relationship ever since, because both share the belief that everyone should be able to age with dignity and purpose.

Quoting Andrus, Lyle said, “We believe age is an achievement, not a tragedy. The latter years, we contend, have much meaning and great promise. Activity, we contend, is life, and work is our salvation. We are living proof that the elderly can proudly go on serving as an integral, serviceable and respected part of their communities.”

Although AARP no longer uses the term “elderly,” Dr. Andrus’ words echo loudly in the lives and activities of retired teachers across Indiana.

AARP extends warm wishes and hearty congratulations to Edna Turner, Happy Curts and all of Indiana’s retired educators.

Added: October 13, 2008
Views: 193 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Meet the Candidates!

INDIANAPOLIS – Think your vote doesn’t matter? Think again.

A single seat is all that separates political control of the Indiana House of Representatives. And since House control determines whose bills get heard and who writes the state budget, the candidates are especially sensitive to your views and vote.

So, who you gonna vote for?

AARP Indiana invites you to meet the candidates for House Districts 92 and 97 on Monday, Oct. 13 in the Knall Meeting Room at the new Central Library in downtown Indianapolis. (40 E. St. Clair St., at the north end of American Legion Mall.)

The candidates for HD 92 are incumbent Republican Rep. Phil Hinkle and Democratic challenger Stephanie DeKemper. The district includes most of Pike and Wayne townships on the far West Side of Indianapolis.

The HD 97 candidates are incumbent Republican Rep. Jon Elrod and Democratic challenger Mary Ann Sullivan. The district covers much of Center and Perry townships, from the town of Beech Grove on the southeast to Belmont Avenue on the west. It also includes Downtown Indianapolis.

All four candidates will answer your questions and talk informally with you at this Town Hall-style debate from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

AARP does not endorse or financially support any candidate or political party. But AARP does encourage candidates to address the special concerns of older Hoosiers, including non-institutional options for long-term care, age discrimination, essential funding for human services, and long-term financial security.

Add your voice to the mix. But first attend this important debate to learn first-hand what the candidates think.

It’s the smart thing to do.

Added: September 29, 2008
Views: 289 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Retired Teachers Name New Indiana Executive Director

Indiana Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) President Eugene Wease has announced that Andy Thomas, former deputy attorney general and a former state representative, has been named as the new executive director, effective September 1, 2008. Thomas succeeds current Executive Director Ralph D. Ayres, who earlier announced his retirement.

Thomas comes to IRTA from the Office of the Indiana Attorney General, where he served as deputy attorney general in the Government Litigation Division since 2006. Immediately prior to his work with the AG, Thomas served as the State Representative for House District 44, located in west central Indiana, from 2002 to 2006.

Thomas’ previous leadership positions include teaching legal classes at Indiana State University and Ivy Tech Community College as an Adjunct Professor; Chief Deputy Prosecutor of Clay County; Vigo County Deputy Prosecutor; and serving as general practice attorney at Thomas and Thomas Attorneys in his hometown of Brazil, Indiana.

Thomas received a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Valparaiso University and a Political Science B.A. from Indiana University.

“We were blessed with a large number of outstanding candidates,” said IRTA President Eugene Wease. “That’s why we are so pleased to obtain such a highly qualified leader for IRTA. We look forward to working with him.”

In accepting the position, Thomas stated, “I have big shoes to fill in succeeding Ralph Ayres. I plan to travel the state to introduce myself to local IRTA members. I’m proud to be working for Indiana’s premiere organization which advocates for quality of life issues for retired educators, who have dedicated their professional lives to preparing young Hoosiers for the challenges of life. These retired educators continue to give through their volunteer efforts back to our local communities.”

Founded in 1950, IRTA is the largest and oldest organization in Indiana serving retired educators. IRTA has nearly 23,000 members.

Added: August 13, 2008
Views: 369 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Cancellation

An expired drug return that was to have been held Sept. 18 at Sam's Club in Columbus has been cancelled. The cancellation will not affect an expired drug return in Greenwood, also on Sept. 18 and also at Sam's Club. That event will proceed as planned.

Added: August 12, 2008
Views: 307 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Sarah Waddle Tackles New Responsibilities

AARP Indiana State Director June Lyle has announced the appointment of Sarah Waddle as Associate State Director for Advocacy.

Sarah joined AARP in 2005 as a program coordinator, responsible for volunteer support and event management. In her new role, Sarah will build community-based grassroots and volunteer networks and advance AARP's state and federal advocacy agendas.

Before joining AARP, Sarah was a manager of advocacy projects and grassroots development for the American Cancer Society.

She is a native Hoosier and a graduate of Hanover College. Sarah is an avid concert-goer, traveler and swimmer. She recently participated in a house-rebuilding project in New Orleans with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Congratulations, Sarah!

Added: August 1, 2008
Views: 285 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Divided We Fail Barnstorms Evansville

You’ve seen our billboards all over town. The ones that say, “A Republican and a Democrat walk into a bar. This shouldn’t sound like a joke.”

Now’s your chance to find out in person what Divided We Fail is all about. All you have to do is turn on the TV, visit the ballpark for a fun afternoon with the Otters, or attend a community conversation where your thoughts and opinions will top the agenda.

And please visit the Divided We Fail Web site at any time, www.dividedwefail.org.

Here’s our Evansville schedule of events (all times CDT):

Thursday, Aug. 21 and Sunday, Aug. 24

Divided We Fail on Public TV, Newspaper

WNIN Channel 9 will present a “Newsmakers” interview with AARP Indiana State Director June Lyle. The show airs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Look for an edited transcript in Sunday’s Courier & Press.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Town Hall Community Conversation

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. @ Ivy Tech Community College

Like the song says, “Everybody’s talkin’ at ya” about health and lifetime financial security. Here’s the chance to speak your mind in a moderated discussion that looks at three broad approaches to a more secure future for all generations.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Divided We Fail with the Evansville Otters

1:05 p.m. @ Bosse Field

Celebrate baseball and Divided We Fail when the Otters take on the Washington Wild Things at historic Bosse Field. The first 2,000 people through the gate will receive a Divided We Fail water bottle.

Make a Difference! Get involved and stay involved at www.aarp.org/getinvolved

Added: July 29, 2008
Views: 348 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Veto override helps keep Medicare fair

Veto override helps keep Medicare fair

Senator Lugar reverses stance, supports needed change

INDIANAPOLIS – Acting in strong bipartisan fashion, Congress passed legislation on July 16 that will help keep Medicare fair for 44 million Americans who rely on it for their health care coverage.

The new law stops a scheduled reimbursement cut to doctors that would have pinched their ability to accept and treat Medicare patients.

It raises asset limits for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, which had been set at unreasonably low levels.

And it implements a national system of electronic prescribing that will not only eliminate trips to the pharmacy, but also help save lives and money by reducing harmful drug interactions.

“This bipartisan legislation will help more Americans afford their health care bills while bringing doctors’ offices and pharmacies into the 21^st century with e-prescribing,” said June Lyle, AARP Indiana state director.

Passage of the legislation ended a seesaw battle that raged within Congress and between congressional majorities and President Bush. All sides wanted to halt the scheduled reimbursement cuts to doctors, but the White House and Senate Republicans wanted a narrower fix instead of the broader legislation favored by a bipartisan House majority and by Senate Democrats.

AARP members weighed in with more than 1.2 million phone calls, e-mails and petition signatures urging support for the broader bill. AARP Indiana joined the fight, too, working in partnership with the Indiana State Medical Association.

That view ultimately prevailed when both the House and Senate voted on July 16^th to override the president’s veto. The override required strong bipartisan cooperation, which AARP regards as a positive sign for future improvements to health care.

“By breaking down partisan divisions and gathering overwhelming support from Republicans and Democrats, this law proved that lawmakers can still set aside their differences and work toward meaningful policy,” said Bill Novelli, chief executive officer of AARP.

All but two of Indiana’s 11-member congressional delegation supported the override. Joining the majority was Sen. Richard Lugar, who had previously voted against the legislation.

For more information and readers’ comments about the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, please click this link from AARP Bulletin Today. http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/congress_overrides.html

Added: July 22, 2008
Views: 281 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (59)