Barbara Easterling to Seniors: You Continually Amaze Me

Alliance for Retired Americans President Barbara Easterling looks at the fight for health care reform and other battles union retirees fought in 2009 and tells Alliance members: “You continually amaze me.”

As 2009 draws to a close, I want to say thanks for all you did this year to educate and mobilize your fellow union retirees on state and national issues. No matter how long the day, or how tough the fight, you consistently rose to the challenge.

It was an honor and a privilege to become president of the Alliance for Retired Americans earlier this year.  For me, the Alliance is a constant reminder of how people can accomplish great things when brought together around a common goal.

We’ve sure had our hands full this year with health care. I know this has been difficult. Seniors have been hit with a whirlwind of lies and scare tactics from insurance companies and political opportunists. Too often the truth gets lost in all this sound and fury—seniors actually have much to gain from health care reform.

Because of your great work in 2009, we have a chance to pass a law that will help Americans of all ages better afford to see a doctor or get a prescription filled. As I write this, we are nearing the finish line. But in this marathon health care debate, the last mile may be the hardest. We cannot stop now.

In 2010, we will need to finish health care reform, keep a watchful eye out for those who want to “reform” Social Security, and get ready for next fall’s elections. Older voters will make up more than one-third of the turnout in many states, so it will be more important than ever to educate our fellow retirees on the issues and where the candidates stand.

I hope you can join us in Las Vegas for the Alliance’s National Convention. From April 5-8, we will hold workshops and training sessions to strengthen our organizing and advocacy skills. We also will hear from leading experts in public policy, health care, aging and the media.

Again, thank you for all you do. Union retirees continually amaze me. You bring such experience, energy and passion to your work. You are making a difference.

Best wishes for happy and healthy holidays.

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