Mike Spellman, right, is an advocate for AARP issues at the legislature. He volunteers for several organizations including the Vet Center in Evanston, where he and Hilteray McGhee Jr. work at the front desk. Photo by Matthew Gilson

Summary:
• Volunteers are needed to work on legislative agenda.
• Health reforms, government accountability, budget deficits loom.
• AARP volunteers can make a difference.

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. He’s keenly interested in veterans and health care, issues that he also pursues as a volunteer for the Vet Center in Evanston and the American Indian Center in Chicago.

“My entire nonprofit life was dedicated to working with people and making their lives better,” said Spellman, who spends 15 to 20 hours a month as a legislative advocate. “This was a natural way to do it.”

AARP Illinois is gearing up for a busy legislative session that opens in January. Deficits are looming. Health reforms are on the front burner. AARP is working with the Change Illinois coalition on government accountability and reforms. With that and more on its plate, AARP is looking for more Mike Spellmans.

Each year, AARP Illinois strives to add more volunteers who can help with the demanding legislative agenda.

Legislative advocates are kept abreast of issues and receive special training. They spend two days in Springfield learning the rules—what lobbyists legally can and cannot do—as well as exploring the details of specific legislative issues.

“It’s really key to learn how to explain a complicated piece of legislation in 30 seconds,” said Jennifer McDermott, advocacy program coordinator for AARP Illinois.

Nancy Nelson, director of advocacy for AARP Illinois, credits the volunteers’ work with protecting the Illinois Community Care Program from drastic budget cuts to in-home services last year. Volunteers made more than 8,000 phone calls to the General Assembly.

Nelson also said the advocates deserve credit for passage of Illinois’ Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, which requires insurance companies to report and justify their profits and how much they spend on patient care to the Illinois Department of Insurance. The volunteers rounded up 50 cosponsors for the bill by writing letters, making phone calls and visiting lawmakers at the Capitol and in their home districts.

One of those sponsors was Rep. Gregory S. Harris, a Democrat from the northwest side of Chicago. He said lawmakers appreciate the informed professionalism of the dozens of AARP advocates. They stand out in a sea of almost 2,000 lobbyists registered with the state.

“When AARP folks come into my office, they are so well-prepared, compared to other people who see me,” Harris said. “They know the issue, they are very clear on the pros and cons, and they make it clear that they will be back and hold you accountable to your vote.”

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