AARP Illinois: Nearly 1.8 Million Strong

A budget deficit in the billions has placed the state of Illinois in “financial peril.” Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D, confers with House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R, (back to camera) during budget negotiations last year. Photo by Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register/AP Photo

Illinois in ‘Financial Peril’
One of every 10 Illinois workers is unemployed. Medicaid now covers 2.4 million Illinoisans. Income tax collections have plunged by more than $2.1 billion in a year. A Pew Center on the States report listed Illinois as one of 10 states in “financial peril.” The report highlighted several factors that led to this dire situation: The looming budget shortfall of more than $10 billion is one of the three largest in the nation and Illinois hasn’t balanced its budget since 2001.  More >>

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Mike Spellman, left, and Hilteray McGhee Jr. volunteer at the Vet Center in Evanston. Spellman is also an advocate for AARP at the legislature in Springfield. Photo by Matthew Gilson

A Front Row Seat at the Capitol
Mike Spellman took the leap into advocacy work two years ago, after a turn as legislative chairman of his local AARP chapter sparked his interest in politics. Spellman, 66, a retired Army reservist and nonprofit executive, decided to become a registered lobbyist to advocate for AARP at the legislature in Springfield. More >>

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State-by-State Resource Guides
• Guide to Health Care Provider Performance
• List of No-Call Registration Info
• Guide to Transportation Assistance
• Guide to Nursing Home Performance Data

Local Resources
• Citizens Utility Board
• Illinois Department on Aging
• Illinois Retired Teachers Association
• Illinois General Assembly