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Divided We Fail Asks President to Keep Health Reform a Priority

The leaders of Divided We Fail are urging President Obama and his administration to keep health reform a top priority this year. AARP CEO Bill Novelli, Business Roundtable President John Castellani, National Federation of Independent Business CEO Dan Danner and SEIU President Andy Stern sent a letter to the president, urging him to signal that health reform will be a priority this year by including reform policies in his budget submission

“Health care is inexorably tied to America’s economic well-being,” the leaders wrote. “For families and workers, job losses and economic woes are compounded by soaring health care costs for the care they need. Unsustainable growth in health care places an unaffordable burden on all businesses.”

The Divided We Fail national allies—representing more than 50 million Americans—joined together two years ago to bring health and financial security to the top of the country’s agenda. The movement’s 2009 mobilization and education activities include events across the country to highlight the need for health reform and the “cost of doing nothing.” It its letter, the group asks the president to continue his early progress on health reform by including policies in his budget that will lower costs and boost quality throughout the system.

“Health care reform requires everyone working together and taking responsibility to improve the system,” they added. “We stand ready to work with you and your Administration to engage the American people on these issues and propel action.”

Divided We Fail’s supporters include more than 360 members of the 111th Congress who have signed the pledge or written a letter of support. In additional to AARP, Business Roundtable, NFIB and SEIU, more than 100 independent groups have pledged their support. To learn more and sign the pledge, visit DividedWeFail.org.

For a complete copy of the letter to the president, please contact AARP’s [STATE] office at the number above.

Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Business, are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – the most pressing domestic issues faction our nation. Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone – individuals, businesses and government – has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

Added: February 10, 2009
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More Nebraskans Eligible for LIHEAP

Nebraska is making it slightly easier this winter for families coping with a sluggish economy and soaring energy costs to receive help paying heating bills.

The federal government is making more than $44 million available to Nebraska residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The state recently expanded LIHEAP eligibility from 116 percent to 125 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines. This means that a single person with an income up to $13,005 or a couple with an income up to $17,505 qualifies for LIHEAP during the 2008-09 season. For a family of four, the income limit is $26,505.

“AARP applauds the state for making these modest changes but more needs to be done,” said AARP Nebraska State Director Connie Benjamin. “Even with the broadened eligibility standard, Nebraska is tied with Missouri for having the strictest LIHEAP income guidelines in the nation after North Carolina. Too many Nebraskans on limited incomes are not receiving the help they need to pay their home heating bills because they are ineligible or unaware of the program.”

LIHEAP helps people pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. You need not have an unpaid bill to receive LIHEAP assistance. Additional money may be available if you have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing your heat. Examples of emergency situations include: broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced, lack of fuel, termination of utility service or danger of being without fuel or of having utility service terminated.

LIHEAP applications are available at county DHHS offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

“The most important thing to remember is that LIHEAP funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis,” Benjamin said. “AARP encourages eligible Nebraskans to apply for assistance immediately.”

Additional information about other types of heating assistance programs, including those sponsored by utility companies, is available at http://liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Nebraska.htm

Added: February 4, 2009
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The Cost of Doing Nothing

Reforming America’s Broken Health Care System Now

As wages tightennd unemployment rises, soaring medical costs are squeezing individuals, families, businesses, and thnation as a whole. One in two Americans say someone in their family skipped pills, postponed or cut back on needed medical care due to the cost of care. Medical expenses are often a key contributor in filing for bankruptcy. And, government spending on health programs is rising so rapidly that it jeopardizes other priorities.

President Obama promised to make health reform a priority.

Reining in health care costs was a major factor in how voters cast their ballots. According to the exit polls, 66 percent of voters said they were worried about health care costs and half of them said they were very worried.

The financial burden of health care will only get worse over time without action.

If nothing is done, your family premium for employer sponsored insurance will jump by nearly 40 percent by the end of the first term of the Obama Administration, and will almost double by 2016. The full cost will rise from an average of about $13,000 this year to over $24,000 in 2016.
As health care costs continue to grow faster than wages, your insurance will become more and more unaffordable.
The share of your income spent on your family’s health insurance will nearly double between now and 2016. Your premiums will jump from 6.7 percent of median household income this year to 9 percent in 4 years, and to 12 percent in 8 years.
Money spent on employee health insurance is money that can’t go into your paychecks to keep up with the costs of other necessities.
Employers ‐‐ if they keep picking up most of the cost of employee coverage – will see their share of health insurance bills increase from an average of almost $9,900 per worker today to $13,300 in 2012 and $17,900 in 2016.
You will pay more for less coverage.
The financial protection offered by health insurance will continue to deteriorate if we do not act. Without health reform, the average health insurance deductible – what people have to pay before their insurance kicks in – will climb 73 percent in the next eight years to over $2,000.
Financial hardships will force millions to turn to government help for health care.

Join us to make Washington keep its promise to fix America’s health care system. Help end the partisan bickering and gridlock by demanding action now. We can’t afford to wait. Visit
Economists predict that the unemployment rate will reach 9 percent by the end of 2009. Without health reform, each one percentage point rise in the unemployment rate could cause 1.1 million to become uninsured and Medicaid and SCHIP enrollment to jump by 1 million at a cost to taxpayers of $3.4 billion. www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

Added: February 3, 2009
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Health Care Town Hall in Omaha Feb. 9

Is Health Care Reform Within Our Reach?

A Community Discussion

Free & Open to the Public

Monday, February 9 – 7 p.m.

TAC Building, 3215 Cuming Street – Omaha

OPS Board Room – 2^nd Floor

Americans are struggling with skyrocketing premiums, small businesses are fighting to remain competitive while providing benefits, and still many more Americans lack access to health insurance and as a result, face mounting hospital bills. We’ve all heard stories of families going bankrupt from thousands of dollars in medical bills, elderly choosing between prescriptions and groceries, and patients being denied life saving medical procedures due to costs.

We all know what the problems are,

now is the time to find a solution.

Panelists include: Dr. Richard O’Brien, co-author of NMA health care reform plan and Creighton University Center for Health Policy & Ethics; Jane Fleming Kleeb, State Director SEIU Change That Works; Jennifer Carter, Director/Attorney Appleseed’s Health Care Access Program; and Jon Bailey, Director, Rural Research & Analysis Center for Rural Affairs.

Sponsored by Nebraska Appleseed, Voices for Children, AARP-Divided We Fail, Opportunity @ Work, Creighton University Center for Health Policy and Ethics, Health Care For America Now! and Metropolitan Community College

Added: February 2, 2009
Views: 135 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Nebraska Quick Facts on Social Security

Now available from AARP is a new one-page overview of quick facts on Social Security for Nebraska. Information is provided about Nebraska's older population, average personal income, Social Security beneficiaries, Social Security benefits, Social Security's role in lifting retirees out of poverty, and Social Security's income percentages among older residents' income. Here are the highlights:

Nebraska's 65+ population is expanding.
Nebraska ranks 25th in income level among the states.
One in six Nebraska residents receives Social Security.
Social Security pumps over $3 billion into Nebraska's economy.
Nearly all Nebraska residents 65 or older receive Social Security.
Social Security lifts nearly half of Nebraskan retirees from poverty.
Social Security is the only source of income for one in four Nebraskans age 65 +.

Go to the link below and click on Nebraska to access the complete fact sheet.

http://www.aarp.org/research/socialsecurity/general/ss_facts_08.html

Added: January 28, 2009
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Women's Scholarship Fund for 40+ Women

The AARP Foundation today announced the third annual Women’s Scholarship Program to provide funds to women ages 40 and over who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families.

“The AARP Foundation is pleased to be offering the Women’s Scholarship Program again this year,” said AARP Nebraska State Director Connie Benjamin. “The AARP Foundation is committed to elevating opportunities for women. Since its beginning, the program has provided valuable resources enabling nearly 550 deserving women across the U.S. to have access to educational tools to advance their professional goals.”

While many individuals benefit from the work of the AARP Foundation, research shows that women are disproportionately at risk of having insufficient resources in the second half of their lives due to lower earnings and different work patterns. The AARP Foundation first announced the Women’s Scholarship Program in 2007 to help women 40+ overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford.

The scholarship program is made possible by the AARP Foundation with generous support from the AARP Foundation Women’s Leadership Circle. Scholarships are available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources. To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must:

Be female age 40 or over (as of March 31, 2009);
Be able to demonstrate financial need; and
Be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary school or training program within 6 months of the scholarship award date.

Priority consideration is given to women in three categories: 1) women raising children of another family member (such as grandparents raising grandchildren, or those raising siblings or nieces/nephews); 2) women who have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time; and 3) women in dead end jobs (those with no opportunity for advancement, low pay and lacking either health or retirement benefits).

Scholarships may be used for any course of study at a public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities. Funds are payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books.

Interested applicants can submit their application online beginning February 3, 2009 at www.aarpfoundationwlc.org . The application process closes on March 31, 2009 and scholarships will be awarded in early summer 2009.

Scholarship winners will be chosen by an independent selection committee established by the AARP Foundation. They will be chosen on the basis of financial need, personal circumstances and achievements, educational goals, and the likely impact of the scholarship on their lives and their families and communities. The Foundation will award up to 100 scholarship awards ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program.

For more information about the AARP Foundation, please log on to www.aarp.org/foundation .

Added: January 23, 2009
Views: 164 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Nebraska News Hotline

AARP Nebraska has initiated a new tool to help people who are interested in advocacy issues keep up with our efforts to enact legislation improving the quality of life for older Nebraskans.

We have established a toll-free number with a pre-recorded message that provides information about issues that AARP is working on. This week's 15-minute message on the AARP Nebraska News Hotline covers state funding for community aging services. That message will be available through January 23.

To listen to the message, call 1-866-955-6297 .  Since this is a pre-recorded message, there is no opportunity to ask questions, but if something on the call triggers a question or if you would like more information about the services described, please feel free to contact me by phone at 402-323-5424 or by email at mintermill@aarp.org.

To summarize our position on community aging services, AARP is supporting additional funding for community aging services because:

It's good for persons who need long-term care, but don't want or need to move to an institution;

It's good for family members who need help to meet the needs of older family members; and

It's good for taxpayers who have benefited from a reduction in Medicaid spending that is due in part to the provision of these services.

We hope that you will find these messages to be helpful in understanding AARP's position on issues and in providing information about the services and benefits that are available in Nebraska.

Mark Intermill
Associate State Director for Advocacy

Added: January 16, 2009
Views: 183 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Divided We Fail Launches Next Phase

Today, leaders of AARP Nebraska launched the next phase of Divided We Fail, a national movement to bring health and financial security to every American. Joining with the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AARP is hosting more than 50 events in nearly every state to educate and engage the public about issues of health reform and economic security. Divided We Fail will also present to lawmakers more than 1.6 million pledges signed by supporters from across the country, including signatures from nearly 7,600 Nebraskans.

“The last two years have been an important platform for the real work that begins today,” said AARP State Director Connie Benjamin. “We want Divided We Fail to be the catalyst for real health and economic reform. The president-elect and new Congress have hit the ground running this month, and we’re here to help with the support of over 221,000 Nebraska AARP members.”

Since its formation in 2007, Divided We Fail has organized nearly 1,000 local events including 500 “Community Conversations” to inform Americans about the options to address health care and financial security and gather new ideas from the public. Volunteers in their red Divided We Fail shirts became a fixture on the campaign trail, showing their support from the early primary states to Election Day.

In Nebraska, Divided We Fail is launching its 2009 mobilization and education with visits today and on Jan. 14 to the offices of U.S. Senators Nelson and Johanns and Reps. Fortenberry, Terry and Smith. The launch continues over the first Congressional recess where Divided We Fail will host town hall meetings to help constituents connect with their lawmakers and discuss how the health care and economic crises are affecting them.

“For 20 straight years, small businesses have said that healthcare costs are their number one issue, and things haven’t gotten any better,” said NFIB State Director Bob Hallstrom. “The Divided We Fail coalition will spur our nation’s political leaders to begin working together to address the threats to America’s healthcare system and our overall economic competitiveness.”

“Partisan gridlock won’t do anything to end the health and economic problems our country faces,” added Jane Fleming Kleeb , Nebraska spokesperson for the SEIU. “If our organizations—labor, consumers and business representing 53 million Americans – can join forces, so can our leaders in Washington. We’re just getting started and we’re ready to help.”

Divided We Fail’s supporters include more than 360 members of the 111^th Congress who have signed the pledge or written a letter of support. All five members from Nebraska are supporters of Divided We Fail. In addition to AARP, Business Roundtable, NFIB and SEIU, more than 100 independent groups have pledged their support. Nebraska organizations that have joined Divided We Fail are the Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Nebraska Nurses Association, Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha, Center for People in Need, Nebraska Appleseed Center, Alzheimer’s Association Great Plains Chapter, and the Nebraska Association of Area Agencies on Aging. To learn more and sign the pledge, visit DividedWeFail.org.

Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Business, are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – the most pressing domestic issues faction our nation. Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone – individuals, businesses and government – has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

Added: January 15, 2009
Views: 107 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Tax-Aide Sites in Lincoln

AARP Tax-Aide Offers Free Tax

Counseling in Lincoln

AARP Tax-Aide, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation to middle- and low-income taxpayers of all ages, with special attention to individuals age 60 and over.

From early February to April 14 this year, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will offer free one-on-one counseling at three locations in Lincoln, said AARP Tax-Aide District Coordinator Allan Smith.

“We encourage people to take the anxiety out of tax time and seek help from volunteers at one of our Tax-Aide sites,” he said. In addition to assistance with state and federal income taxes, volunteers can help taxpayers file for the state homestead exemption, the

federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the state earned income tax credit.

The homestead exemption provides property tax relief to homeowners who are on limited incomes and 65 or older or disabled. Tax-Aide volunteers can help determine if a homeowner qualifies for the homestead exemption and assist them in completing the application. Smith added that both the federal and state earned income tax credits are refundable income tax credits for low-income wage earners, ages 25-64, but they must file a tax return in order to receive them.

So, what should you bring when you visit an AARP Tax-Aide site? Smith recommends:

Copy of last year’s income tax returns
2005 tax forms and preparation booklet
W-2 forms from each employer
Unemployment compensation statements
SSA-1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits
All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DV, 1099-misc, etc.) showing interest and/or dividends, as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets
1099 R forms if you receive a pension or annuity
All forms indicating federal income tax paid
Child care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number)
A list of itemized deductions that can be supported with receipts
Social Security numbers for all dependents

Taxpayers should call the numbers below to find out when Tax-Aide counselors are available at the Downtown ActivAge Center, or just walk in to the two library locations:

Downtown ActivAge Center 1005 O St. 441-7158 (By

(Appointment or walk in)

M-T-W-Th 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Feb. 2-April 14)

Gere Library 2400 S. 56^th St. 441-8560 (Walk in)

Su 1:30 – 5 p.m; Tu 1 – 7:30 p.m.; Th 1-5 p.m. (Feb. 1-April 14)

Bess Dodson Walt Library 6701 S. 14^th St. 441-4462 (Walk in)

M, W 1-5 p.m. (Feb. 2-April 13)

AARP Tax-Aide is administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated, 501 (c)(3) nonpartisan charitable organization. The AARP Foundation administers publicly and privately funded programs, such as AARP Tax-Aide and the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Added: January 15, 2009
Views: 162 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Divided We Fail Launches Next Phase

Divided We Fail Launches Next Phase of National Campaign to Fix America’s Health and Economic Crises

7,600 Nebraskans call for bipartisan action and end to gridlock

On Jan. 13, leaders of AARP Nebraskalaunched the next phase of Divided We Fail, a national movement to bring health and financial security to every American. Joining with the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AARP is hosting more than 50 events in nearly every state to educate and engage the public about issues of health reform and economic security. Divided We Fail will also present to lawmakers more than 1.6 million pledges signed by supporters from across the country, including signatures from nearly 7,600 Nebraskans.

“The last two years have been an important platform for the real work that begins today,” said AARP State Director Connie Benjamin. “We want Divided We Fail to be the catalyst for real health and economic reform. The president-elect and new Congress have hit the ground running this month, and we’re here to help with the support of over 221,000 Nebraska AARP members.”

Since its formation in 2007, Divided We Fail has organized nearly 1,000 local events including 500 “Community Conversations” to inform Americans about the options to address health care and financial security and gather new ideas from the public. Volunteers in their red Divided We Fail shirts became a fixture on the campaign trail, showing their support from the early primary states to Election Day.

In Nebraska, Divided We Fail is launching its 2009 mobilization and education with visits today and on Jan. 14 to the offices of U.S. Senators Nelson and Johanns and Reps. Fortenberry, Terry and Smith. The launch continues over the first Congressional recess where Divided We Fail will host town hall meetings to help constituents connect with their lawmakers and discuss how the health care and economic crises are affecting them.

“For 20 straight years, small businesses have said that healthcare costs are their number one issue, and things haven’t gotten any better,” said NFIB State Director Bob Hallstrom. “The Divided We Fail coalition will spur our nation’s political leaders to begin working together to address the threats to America’s healthcare system and our overall economic competitiveness.”

“Partisan gridlock won’t do anything to end the health and economic problems our country faces,” added Jane Fleming Kleeb , Nebraska spokesperson for the SEIU. “If our organizations—labor, consumers and business representing 53 million Americans – can join forces, so can our leaders in Washington. We’re just getting started and we’re ready to help.”

Divided We Fail’s supporters include more than 360 members of the 111^th Congress who have signed the pledge or written a letter of support. All five members from Nebraska are supporters of Divided We Fail. In addition to AARP, Business Roundtable, NFIB and SEIU, more than 100 independent groups have pledged their support. Nebraska organizations that have joined Divided We Fail are the Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Nebraska Nurses Association, Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha, Center for People in Need, Nebraska Appleseed Center, Alzheimer’s Association Great Plains Chapter, and the Nebraska Association of Area Agencies on Aging. To learn more and sign the pledge, visit DividedWeFail.org.

Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Business, are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – the most pressing domestic issues faction our nation. Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone – individuals, businesses and government – has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

Added: January 15, 2009
Views: 128 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (53)