> We entered 2009 facing a world much different than the
year before. Americans were losing their jobs, their homes
and their health insurance. Prudent investments were
diminished by the stock-market downturn. AARP met the
challenge head-on. Together, we created opportunities for
greater economic security.
Early in the year, our member’s voices helped
persuade Congress to help those affected by the
economic downturn. (See sidebar.)
50+ Workers
Nearly half of AARP’s members work full- or
part-time, and many were hurt by the economic
downturn. Our early wins for laid-off workers
included persuading Congress to extend
unemployment benefits and to help people pay
for COBRA health benefits. AARP also:
• Leveraged the power and convenience of
the Internet by providing extensive tips and
guidance on everything from writing a resume
to shifting careers. For the first time, AARP
offered free Web-based seminars on topics such
as navigating job loss and finding jobs in the
“green” sector.
• Held well-attended career fairs at our member
events in Las Vegas, Chicago and San Antonio.
• Helped more than 38,000 mature job-seekers
assess their skills, get training or identify job
openings through AARP state offices’ support of
the AARP Foundation’s WorkSearch program.
• Built or joined state networks of employers in
a number of hard-hit states, including Nevada,
North Carolina and Michigan.
• Posted tips for what to do when unemployed,
or where to find help paying bills, on the Real
Relief web page created by AARP and the AARP
Foundation.
• Played a pivotal role in drafting legislation to
overturn a 2009 U.S. Supreme Court decision
Short-Term Relief
The new Congress quickly addressed
the needs of 50+ individuals in the
economic stimulus package, thanks to
AARP’s diligent advocacy. The American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
• Older persons: Provided a $250
supplemental payment to recipients of
Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement
and Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Workers: Helped laid-off workers pay
for health insurance through COBRA.
Also extended unemployment benefits
—a particular relief for people 55+ (who
suffered an average nine months of
joblessness—eight weeks longer than
younger people, as of November 2009).
• Health care: Jump-started efforts to
computerize health records, and promoted
comparative effectiveness research,
which helps doctors make more informed
decisions about what is best for their
patients.
(Gross v. FBL Financial Services Inc.). This Court
ruling delivered a major blow to older workers
by imposing a much higher standard of proof
for age-discrimination victims than for workers
facing bias based on their race, gender or
disability.
