Divided We Fail: The Work Continues

By: State: Utah | Source: AARP.org

Peace of mind for many Americans means getting affordable health services when their children and parents need care and having confidence in their savings and investments. In these times of economic anxiety, we citizens and our elected leaders must address both our short term crises and long-term challenges. AARP and our Divided We Fail partners applaud the Obama administration's actions as outlined in the President's address to joint sessions of Congress in February as important first steps in the policy process to address the overwhelming burden of health care costs on families, businesses, and American competitiveness. Making Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security financially sustainable is essential to our nation's future fiscal health and the financial well-being of millions of Americans.

The Divided We Fail effort will continue to encourage elected officials to work towards a bipartisan health reform plan that solves the underlying problems in our health care system. There are still many tough choices to be made to protect economic growth, foster medical innovation, and provide access to affordable coverage. Divided We Fail leaders have already been meeting with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to craft areas of common ground. There are many tough choices that must be made to advance these legislative goals.

Over the past two years, Divided We Fail has mobilized 1.6 million Americans and over 100 allied organizations to propel action on health and financial security reform—and those efforts continue today. In 2009 events are being held in every state to inform and educate the public and make their voices heard in the legislative process. Nationwide Divided We fail is engaging advocates to explain the urgency for reform to their neighbors and create a frank dialogue about the trade-offs needed for real change.

Here in Utah we will be holding tele-town halls and other opportunities for dialogue with elected officials who can speak directly with Divided We Fail advocates, AARP members and other Utahns about health care reform. We also offer financial security and literacy seminars for civic, religious, and employee groups of 20 or more people.

If you would like to get engaged here in Utah as a Divided We Fail volunteer, or to learn more about hosting a seminar, please contact Gail Goodwin at 1-866-448-3616 or via email: ggoodwin@aarp.org. Also remember to visit www.aarp.org/ut often to keep up to date on events and activities connected with these vital issues.

If you would like to learn more about the national Divided We Fail effort go to www.dividedwefail.org.

Other Resources

www.dividedwefail.org