Social Security & Medicare To Take Focus At Hofstra University

AARP Announces Prime Sponsorship of "Issue Alley" at Oct. 16^th Presidential Debate and Launch of Campus-wide Activities on Future of Social Security, Medicare

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With under a month until the November 2012 elections and New York's Presidential Debates just a few short days away, AARP announced a key sponsorship today to keep issues that matter to 50-plus voters front and center for the candidates; specifically Social Security, Medicare, and Financial Security.   

AARP will serve as the prime sponsor of Issue Alley at the Presidential Debate, an area which has mobile campaign exhibitions hosted by CNN, C-SPAN, Rock the Vote and other nonpartisan groups, where they will each make their case to voters on what should be the most important issues for the upcoming debates and elections. AARP is also sponsoring a series of activities prior to the Presidential Debate on October 16^th, taking place at Hofstra University on Long Island, to bring attention to the critical concerns of 50-plus voters, including hosting several on-campus, intergenerational conversations on the future of Social Security and Medicare. 

"As part of our long-standing history of providing our 37 million members and the general public basic, non-partisan information about where the candidates stand on issues important to the 50-plus population, AARP is proud to join Hofstra University in sponsoring Issue Alley at the upcoming  Presidential Debates in New York as a part of our 2012 voter engagement efforts. Our members tell us that they want Social Security and Medicare to be there for their kids and grandkids because they know just how critical these programs are to retirement security," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond.  "These are important issues to voters of all ages, and AARP encourages everyone to make their voice heard about what they think should be done to strengthen Medicare and Social Security."

To a roomful of over 250 participants, AARP held an intergenerational conversation on Social Security and Medicare last night on Long Island at the Hofstra campus and will hold a similar event on Tuesday, October 16^th.

The You've Earned a Say TourMobile, part of AARP's national conversation on the future of Social Security and Medicare, will stop at Hofstra at the Debate to engage Americans with the pros and the cons of policy options being discussed in Washington and on the campaign trail, and allow them to send a message to the candidates. 

These activities are part of AARP's proud 26-year tradition of providing non-partisan information so voters can make informed decisions and choose candidates that best fit their views and values.  AARP is non-partisan and does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.

In addition to the debate at Hofstra University, AARP has sponsored Presidential Debate activities at the University of Denver (CO), the upcoming Vice-Presidential Debate at Centre College (KY), and the final Presidential Debate at Lynn University (FL).

Last month, AARP launched the "You've Earned a Say: Vote for Retirement Security" 2012 Voters' Guides at www.earnedasay.org, featuring information from presidential, senatorial and congressional candidates – in their own words – on their plans to strengthen Social Security, Medicare and financial security.

Earlier in August, AARP released a series of surveys on the opinions of voters ages 50 and over, which found that these voters overwhelmingly think the candidates have not done a good job of explaining their plans on Social Security (67%) and Medicare (63%).  Voters 50-plus – across party lines – say that getting more information on the candidates' plans on Social Security (72%) and Medicare (70%) will help them determine their vote on Election Day.

"Voters of all ages are sending a clear message to the candidates and campaigns: They are tired of the 30 second ads and political spin.  They want straight answers about the candidates' plan for the future of Medicare and Social Security," added LeaMond. 

For more information, please visit www.earnedasay.org.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York