Sen. Crapo & AARP Hold Statewide Financial Security Town Hall

Nation's Debt, Retirement & Personal Finances Take Center Stage as Economic Issues a Top Concern for State's 50+

BOISE, Idaho, March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cracked nest eggs, barely recovering retirement accounts and dwindling personal savings are leaving most Idahoans in a state of financial insecurity – and they are looking for answers. Tonight, at a statewide tele-town hall hosted by AARP, Idahoans had the chance to get advice, learn where to find resources and discuss what's at stake from one of Idaho's top elected officials, Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees Social Security, health care and related tax issues.

Thousands of AARP members from across Idaho joined the hour-long meeting, taking advantage of being able to pose questions about their financial future and that of the nation to Senator Crapo and AARP Idaho officials, Jim Wordelman, State Director and Peggy Munson, Volunteer State President.  

"I appreciate this opportunity to speak with Idahoans and AARP members about the need to address out national debt.  Idahoans know how to balance their checkbooks and plan for their future," said Senator Mike Crapo.  "The federal government does not, as 40 cents of every dollar we spend is borrowed money." 

The town-hall couldn't have come at a better time – with the nation's debt at center stage, locally, Idahoans are seeing prices for gas, groceries and prescriptions soar while salaries and retirement incomes don't.  How bad are personal finances in the state?  According to a new AARP survey, 36% of Idahoans 50+ reported difficulty paying their electric bills (http://bit.ly/gBePOb).  Over one third of the state's 65+ have seen their retirement savings decrease, while 71% are seeing prices for the basics soar (http://aarp.us/hQUR4r).    

"AARP is grateful to Senator Crapo for joining our members across Idaho in a meaningful conversation about their financial future and that of the nation," said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho.  "Many Idahoans are worried about retirement, if they can even afford it, and want to know the facts on issues at the national level – tonight we helped them do just that."

Idaho has one of the lowest retirement incomes in the nation.   AARP found that economic issues, including having enough money to retire, are one of the top challenges for Idahoans 50+ second only to paying for their health care costs (http://bit.ly/gBePOb).  

AARP is Idaho's largest membership organization with 180,000 members.

Follow us on Twitter @AARPIdaho and Facebook: AARP Idaho

SOURCE AARP Idaho