With members of Firefighters Local 311 Pipes and Drums leading the way, WI Alliance affiliates, members and guests welcomed senators from the WI Dem 14 and WIARA honorees to the 16^th Annual Senior Power Luncheon.   With the announcement from the Democratic Party of the recall of Governor Scott Walker later that afternoon, the “Take Back Our State” theme of the October 10^th event couldn’t have been more appropriate.  To view photos of the event, click the link below.

The WIARA Senior Power Luncheon is dedicated to honoring those individuals who have made a significant contribution to improving the lives of seniors and working families in our state.  United States Senator Herb Kohl, MSNBC Radio/Television host Ed Schultz, the WI Dem 14 and WIARA Honorees Marlene Ott, Bonnie Murphy and Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris have all dedicated their lives to serving others.

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl’s determination to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, continue Wisconsin’s SeniorCare program and fight for legislation to protect seniors and improve quality of services in nursing home, his benefited millions.  His influence and legacy will continue to benefit Wisconsinites for many, many years to come.  Thank you Senator Kohl.

Unable to attend due to an unexpected change in scheduling, MSNBC Radio/Television host Ed Schultz sent a video expressing his appreciation for the award.  Accepting the award for Ed Schultz was John Nichols, editor of The Nation Magazine .  John Nichols is a frequent guest and contributor on The Ed Show.  He delivered an inspiring message citing the need for all of us to be personally involved in the political process.  His message hit home and he received a standing ovation.

Our three WIARA honorees, Bonnie Murphy, CWA Local 4603 retiree and labor activist; Marlene Ott, WEAC Council 10 retiree and community activist; and Mark Harris, County Executive of Winnebago County, have a long history of service to their communities.  They bring the energy, dedication and commitment that change and improve the lives of all.

WIARA’s 16^th annual Power Luncheon was a huge success and was a reminder of the work ahead as we take back our state and recall Governor Scott Walker.  If you would like to volunteer to help with the recall, please email our office at wiara@att.net or call us at

414-771-9511.  

Let your voice be heard.

Attend one of the candidate forums.

The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans and the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups are hosting various statewide Recall Candidate Forums in Wisconsin.

Please join us for an informational discussion on state issues and programs affecting retirees, seniors and our children and grandchildren.  Find out where candidates stand on these important issues and programs.

• Medicare and Medicaid                                                                                
  
• Family Care
• Senior Care
• Internet Sales Tax
• Corporate Spending on Political Campaigns
• Tax cuts and increases
• Voter ID Requirements  
  

Please let your voice be heard and become a more informed voter by attending one of the following candidate forums:

More than 70 organizations have joined the Wisconsin Council on Long Term Care, including The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, in signing on to a resolution asking the Legislature to remove the caps and continue expansion of community-based long-term care in Wisconsin.  The 2011-2013 biennial budget proposes to cap enrollment on all major long-term care programs (including Family Care, IRIS, Partnership), except nursing homes and freeze funding for legacy waivers (COP and CIP) and children’s long-term supports.   Under the proposed cap, the waiting list is expected to grow significantly and the Department of Health Services has predicted an increase in nursing home admissions. 

Over 70 statewide and regional agencies have signed on in support of a May 3, 2011 resolution from the Wisconsin Council on Long-Term Care which urges the Governor, the Department of Health Services, and the Legislature to lift the caps on community long-term care and continue statewide implementation of Family Care, IRIS, PACE and Partnership on its original schedule in the 2011-2013 state budget

"The board rejected Kapanke's legal challenge to the recall effort. While it also knocked out 92 signatures from the recall petitions, 21,776 valid signatures remained, well above the 15,588 needed."

Seniors First to Reap Benefits of New Health Law

Starting in mid-June, seniors with Medicare prescription drug plans who have entered the “donut hole” coverage gap will receive a $250 rebate check in the mail from the government as part the health reform law’s early implementation.