FOURTH DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

TELL CONGRESS TO SAY NO TO DRUG COMPANIES

 

Getting prescription drug costs under control is a critical part of health reform.
Some "biologic" drugs, often used to treat cancers, cost up to $10,000 a month!
...and the big drug companies are fighting tooth and nail to keep it that way.

Tell Congress that health reform must include a path to cheaper biologic drugs.

Imagine your prescription drugs cost $10,000... every month.

Some drugs called biologics, often used to treat serious illnesses like multiple sclerosis, diabetes and cancer, do – and the drug companies have fought for years to keep cheaper, generic versions of these powerful drugs off the market!

If we're going to get serious about reducing health care costs nationwide, we've got to have more sensible policies when it comes to bringing down drug prices.

But Congress is hearing from drug companies and their lobbyists every day because they don't want prices to decrease. It's up to us to make sure these special interests don’t win this crucial fight!

Tell Congress that health reform must fix the high cost of biologic prescription drugs.

These drug companies and their allies say that they deserve to make a big profit because they developed the drugs. Don't get me wrong: No one wants to deny them the ability to receive a fair profit. But they want exclusive control of these drugs for over a decade.

It's just not fair to deny financial relief for the millions of patients who rely on these drugs for survival, but are forced to pay outrageous prices month after month.

Congress needs to start listening to the people who are paying the high prices instead of the companies charging them.

Ask Congress to fight for reform that will lower prescription drug costs.

It's the right thing to do and the right time to do it. Thank you for doing all you can to help us achieve health reform.

Sincerely,
Barry Jackson
AARP Online Advocacy Manager
 

AARP COMMENTS ON PROPOSED RULE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Attached are comments that were filed with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission today from AARP Oklahoma on proposed rules relating to “Demand Programs” to promote energy efficiency and conservation. There will be a public hearing on December 20 at 9:30 am at the OCC in Conference Room 301 if you’re interested in attending or want to participate. Sean W. Voskuhl Associate State Director AARP Oklahoma 126 N. Bryant Avenue Edmond, OK 73034 405-715-4475 swvoskuhl@aarp.org BEFORE THE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA IN THE MATTER OF A RULEMAKING BY THE OKLAHOMA CORPORATION COMMISSION AMENDING OAC 165:35, ELECTRIC UTILITY RULES ) ) ) ) CAUSE RM NO.200700007 COMMENTS OF AARP ON PROPOSED RULES RELATING TO “DEMAND PROGRAMS” TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION November 19, 2007 AARP submits the following comments in the above referenced docket. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization with over 430,000 members in Oklahoma. AARP is dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources and engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy. AARP has been active before the Oklahoma state legislature and the Corporation Commission in advocating on behalf of our members who are concerned about rising energy and telecommunications bills. The Commission has proposed a new rule relating to demand and energy efficiency programs, and cost recovery. This is an important step for Oklahoma. By 2030 natural gas consumption in the US is projected to grow by a fifth and electricity use by half. Such growth will produce higher prices and greater price volatility. Both the energy industry and all consumers have much to gain from the adoption and implementation of energy efficiency programs that help consumers lower their monthly energy usage as well as reduce their monthly energy bills. Indeed, policymakers in most states have adopted or are considering various approaches to promote energy efficiency in the utility sector. AARP supports development of affordable, cost-effective energy efficiency programs. Energy efficiency programs that are designed to reduce usage without impacting comfort, convenience or productivity are a good investment for consumers at a time of rising energy prices. Energy efficiency also benefits the environment by reducing emissions. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (“ACEEE”), Oklahoma stands at 44th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia ranked on energy efficiency policies and programs, including expenditures on energy efficiency, building codes, appliance standards, tax incentives and conservation by state agencies. 1 Thus, a properly designed DSM rule has great potential to both reduce usage and lower consumers’ energy bills. While AARP supports the Commission’s efforts to increase energy efficiency in Oklahoma, we are not fully in support of the proposed rule. Specifically, AARP recommends 1) the rule require at least 25% of expenditures on energy efficiency be targeted to low income households; 2) the proposed provisions on cost recovery should be revised to ensure cost recovery is open and transparent and that only reasonable costs directly related to the programs are recovered from ratepayers; 3) “advanced meters” and dynamic pricing for the residential class should not be a permitted program under this rule. AARP supports the proposed customer protections that would be provided to customers who participate in the utility-provided energy efficiency programs and urges that the protections not be weakened. In addition, AARP reserves the right to make additional comments on these and other provisions of the proposed rule at the scheduled technical conferences or public hearings. I. The Rule Should Include a Target for Serving Low Income Households Energy bills are a significant burden on low income Oklahoma families. According to analysis of U.S. Census data conducted by the public finance and economics consulting firm of Fisher, Sheehan & Colton, the very poorest households in the state (below 50% of the Federal Poverty level) pay 54.6% of their annual income for home energy bills. The analysis of energy affordability also found that home heating and cooling bills are unaffordable for households at incomes of 185% of poverty and below and that Oklahoma’s federal LIHEAP allocation covers only a small portion of the need.2 In other research the Applied Public Policy Research Institute for Study and Evaluation (“APPRISE”) found that utility energy efficiency programs targeted at low income customers resulted in energy savings and most were a cost-effective investment of resources. 3 The research, co-sponsored by AARP, energy assistance providers and several utilities, also revealed that in addition to reducing energy usage, these programs can have an impact on the health, safety and comfort of low-income customers. For example, the evaluation of one program found a lower level of unsafe use of a stove or oven for heat, as participants were better able to afford their utility bills. Although low income households can obviously benefit from energy efficiency programs, they may not be able to participate in utility-sponsored programs that are aimed at the general body of ratepayers. For example, programs that offer customers rebates on purchases of new energy efficient appliances are unlikely to be utilized by low income households who could not afford to make the purchase, even with a rebate. That is why many states include specific requirements for utilities to target some percentage of energy efficiency programs and/or funding to serve low income customers. In fact, both PSO and OG&E indicated at the April Technical Conference on DSM that they currently offer at least some energy efficiency programs aimed at low income households. Therefore, AARP recommends that at least 25% of the expenditures on residential energy efficiency programs should be set aside for programs targeted at low income households, earning 185% of poverty or less. The rules should also encourage the utilities to work with the agencies administering LIHEAP funds in referring qualified customers and coordinating provision of services. II. Cost Recovery Should be Open and Transparent and Linked to Performance In adopting any energy efficiency program, the Commission should ensure that ratepayers will see smaller utility bills if they consume less energy. In other words, programs must be cost effective, program costs must be reasonable and cost recovery should not be automatic. The following provisions of the proposed rule impact the overall cost to consumers and whether or not they will see bill savings as well as energy savings: Sec 165:-41-2. General program elements. This section states that electric utilities “shall administer programs designed to lower energy bills and or usage”. Thus, the language envisions ratepayers lowering usage but their bills remaining the same, or even increasing. The goal should be to lower both usage and bills, otherwise ratepayers will see no benefit and reject energy efficiency programs and educational efforts. AARP recommends the word “or” be stricken from the sentence referenced above. Sec. 165:35-41-8. Cost-effectiveness standard. In this section the proposed rule sets forth a cost-effectiveness standard and states that the present value of project benefits would be calculated annually. AARP does not disagree with the cost-effectiveness standard proposed. However, calculating the value of energy saved is open to interpretation. For example, the energy efficiency programs may displace the need for a new plant or a new purchased power contract. Obviously, there are many variables in potential cost for a new plant or a new purchased power contract. It would be inappropriate to base the value of saved energy on the highest possible estimation of what a future plant or contract might have cost ratepayers. High cost estimates on the generation side would cause some programs to look “cost-effective” when in reality they are not. The Commission should establish the value of energy saved in a proceeding open to all interested parties. Sec. 165:35-41-10. Utility administration. AARP endorses the limitation of administrative expenses to 10% of total program costs and that inspection and verification by an independent expert should be included in the administrative expenses. Ten percent is a reasonable percentage of “overhead” for the utility and ensures the maximum number of program dollars will go toward serving ratepayers. Sec. 165:35-41-11 Cost recovery. The proposed rule allows a utility to recover costs through a rider, and it appears the rider would change quarterly. There is a limit on expenditures of .25% of nonfuel revenue, although the limit could be exceeded. The only review of expenses comes from staff. AARP supports the limitation on total expenses, but believes the cap should be a firm cap with no exception. In addition, AARP does not support the use of a rider as the first choice in a cost recovery mechanism. It more fair to consumers to include program costs in rates. That is because use of a cost recovery rider distorts the traditional regulatory structure by isolating the costs of one program or category of expense and recovering those costs separately and independent of any other cost changes occurring within the utility’s operations. A rider amounts to piecemeal ratemaking. When rates are reviewed in a rate case, the Commission considers costs that are rising, as well as aspects of the company’s operations where costs may have held steady or decreased. A rider that tracks only cost increases looks at only one side of the equation. AARP recommends the rule require that costs for programs would be recovered in rates as part of a general rate case. In addition, and regardless of whether cost recovery is done through a rider or in a rate case, cost recovery should be an open and transparent process involving other parties in addition to staff. As troubling as the method of cost recovery are the proposed bonuses to be earned by the utility for spending under budget and for exceeding to the energy savings goal. First, the rule proposes that funds not spent within a given year shall be retained by the utility if the year’s goals are met. This provision is an invitation to short cuts and inflated savings estimates. Measurement and evaluation is done by the utility itself and may not be subject to independent review unless ordered by the Commission.4 When consumers bills rise with a cost recovery rider they should at least be assured that all of the money they pay is going to help reduce energy usage, not add to utility profits. AARP recommends that any unspent funds should be carried over to the next year to be spent on approved programs. Second, the proposed rule would allow a utility that exceeds the target for the year to keep 50% of the net benefit attributable to the demand programs for that reporting year. Again, because measurement and evaluation may not or may not be independently audited, this provision is another invitation to inflated results. AARP recommends this provision should be deleted. Should the Commission wish to give the utility a bonus for exceeding the target, it should be done only after the independent measurement and verification expert confirms the target has indeed been exceeded. III. “Advanced Meters” and Dynamic Pricing for the Residential Class Should not be a Permitted Program Under this Rule Both PSO and OG&E have identified time of use rates or other types of “dynamic pricing” as energy efficiency programs. 5 Advanced metering infrastructure is both costly and controversial.6 Further, time of use rates and dynamic pricing programs will raise rates significantly for those households who already use a minimal amount of power, or for health and safety reasons cannot shift usage off peak. Such households include those that are of low income and those that include very young children, elderly, retired, ill and/or the disabled among their members. Although advanced meters and dynamic pricing for the residential class have being proposed in several jurisdictions, there is in fact little data on the impact of these pricing structures on vulnerable customers. Cost benefit analyses show a benefit from advanced meters primarily from reductions in work force (meter readers) rather than from savings to customers through dynamic pricing. AARP recommends that costly advanced meters and dynamic pricing program should be carefully scrutinized in a contested case proceeding. Although PSO recently won approval for a time of use pilot, once again there is no assurance that important data about impacts on low use and other vulnerable households will be collected. . IV. Customer Protections Must be Not Be Weakened The proposed rule at 165:3-41-14 outlines customer protections available to customers of a program under this rule. The protections relate to disclosures given the customer and certain information that should be included in a contract offered to the customers. AARP believes these protections are essential and supports their inclusion in the rule. However, we note there are several typographical errors in this section. For example, (a)(1)(C) is labeled as (a)(1)(D) and the current (a)(1)(D) refers to provisions of (a)(3) when it should refer to (a)(2), as there is no section (a)(3). V. Conclusion For the reasons stated above AARP respectfully requests the Commission adopt the suggested amendments to the proposed rule. Respectfully Submitted: Sean W. Voskuhl AARP Oklahoma Associate State Director

UTILITIES PLAN FOR FUTURE WITHOUT COAL

EDITOR: CONGRATULATIONS TO AARP AND THE OKLAHOMMA STAFF FOR PROVIDING LEADERSHIP ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE

Fri October 12, 2007

By Adam Wilmoth
Business Writer

It's back to the planning room for the state's largest electric utilities.

Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co., Public Service Co. of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority officially scrapped plans for their proposed $1.87 billion coal-fired power plant near Red Rock after the Oklahoma Corporation Commission on Thursday refused to allow OG&E and PSO to recover construction costs before the facility becomes operational.

"We continue to believe that a jointly-owned Red Rock plant represented a unique opportunity for three Oklahoma utilities to maintain a balanced generation portfolio and hold down future energy costs,” said Pete Delaney, OGE Energy Corp.'s chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Unfortunately, as we said consistently throughout this process, it is not feasible to construct a plant of this size without the commission's blessing. We will now turn our attention to developing alternative, albeit less attractive, baseload generation options.”

The utilities repeatedly have said the Red Rock plant was the least expensive option. Plant opponents, however, say the commission's decision likely will save Oklahoma consumers money.

"We think for customers this is a big win,” Assistant Attorney General Bill Humes said. "They said the Red Rock plant was the least expensive alternative, but they could never conclusively prove that. There was a great deal of testimony to the contrary. The sad fact is they never presented to the commission the cost of a second alternative.”

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission voted 2-1 Thursday to refuse preapproval for the proposed 950-megawatt coal-fired power plant near Red Rock. Commissioners Jeff Cloud and Jim Roth voted to deny preapproval of the plant. Commissioner Bob Anthony did not sign the order, but issued a separate opinion agreeing in part and disagreeing in part.

Anthony agreed with the other two commissioners that PSO needs 450 megawatts of new baseload capacity and OG&E needs 300 megawatts by 2012. He also agreed on the need for consumer protections and demand of energy efficiency programs.

The commissioner said he voted against denying the applications because "only in the years to come will we know for sure whether a coal plant or gas-fired facility would have provided Oklahoma the cheapest baseload electric power for the next few decades.”

He pointed out the administrative law judge found that nominal savings to ratepayers over a 40-year project life would be $5.5 billion.

Besides cost issues, Red Rock opponents also said the coal plant would be too dirty and that state utilities should use Oklahoma natural gas rather than Wyoming coal.

"This decision will give us all an opportunity to look to find a better, more environmentally friendly answer for the energy needs in the state,” said Tom Price Jr., senior vice president of corporate development at Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corp. Chesapeake was one of the most vocal members of the Quality of Service Coalition, which challenged the plant at the corporation commission and the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

All three corporation commissioners said Thursday the utilities have a legitimate need for more power generation and invited the companies to return to the commission with a future plan.

"Because this decision is not a surprise, we've been focused already on how to meet the generation needs we're going to have,” Public Service Company of Oklahoma spokesman Stan Whiteford said. "We're focused on meeting that need and determining how best to go about that. There are a lot of alternatives out there. It would be speculative to say which way might go on that, but we already have our leadership team looking at that.”

The utilities likely also will return to the commission to ask if they may recover costs of the design and development phase of the project. Delaney said OG&E will ask to pass the $18 million to $20 million price tag onto customers. PSO has not yet determined whether it will try to recover its costs.

The company did not say how much it spent, but Anthony estimated the total price tag to be about $50 million.

Sean W. Voskuhl
Associate State Director
AARP Oklahoma
126 N. Bryant Avenue
Edmond, OK 73034
405-715-4475
swvoskuhl@aarp.org

Have you joined the Divided We Fail movement?  We believe that the opportunity to have access to health care and long-term financial security is a basic need that all Americans share.  We believe it is the foundation for future generations.  If you have not done so already, please go to www.DividedWeFail.org and take the pledge, share your story, and tell a friend today!

Technorati Tags: AARP, Oklahoma, OG&E, coal

October 8, 207                                   

AARP Oklahoma Lauds Goodwell Lawmaker

(Edmond, OK)--AARP Oklahoma recently presented a Goodwell lawmaker with an appreciation award for his support of legislation affecting older Oklahomans.  Speaker Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell was given an appreciation award at the Beaver Elder Fair on October 5.     

Speaker Pro Tempore Blackwell was the primary author of Senate Bill 738, the new law which will add important protections for assisted living residents and their families.  The new law makes clear that it is the assisted living center’s responsibility to monitor and assure care for a resident.  Earlier language opposed by AARP would have allowed the assisted living facility delegate responsibility to the family, or another third party, for monitoring and assuring that care is provided.  So if the home health aide or nurse from an outside agency does not show up to provide treatments, personal care, assistance to eat, or medication, the assisted living facility would not have to notify the family or agency of the problem-or even notice-let alone arrange for care to be provided.  AARP believes it is very important that assisted living facilities monitor and assure compliance with the service plan that the residents and their families are paying for.

Speaker Pro Tempore Blackwell also fought off attempts by the for-profit nursing home association to undercut the state board that licenses nursing home administrators in the legislation.  Their attempt would have weakened the state law that replaced and revamped the board just two years ago after a Tulsa World investigation found the board dismissed 83 percent of complaints against administrators.

"It was my great pleasure to work with AARP to finalize a bill that both protected and benefited senior citizens. It is our duty to ensure that they continue to get quality care in their golden years," said Speaker Pro Tempore Blackwell.

“On behalf of AARP Oklahoma’s 430,000 members, I would like to thank Speaker Pro Tempore Blackwell for her courageous efforts in protecting Oklahoma’s most frail and vulnerable citizens,” said Bob Bristow AARP Oklahoma State President.

(In the photo attached pictured from left to right is Velma Smothermon, Guymon AARP Chapter President; Leona Perry, AAA Director for OEDA; Speaker Pro Tempore Blackwell; and Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma Associate State Director)

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable 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, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50 + educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. 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. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

30-30-30

Sean W. Voskuhl
Associate State Director
AARP Oklahoma
126 N. Bryant Avenue
Edmond, OK 73034
405-715-4475
swvoskuhl@aarp.org

Have you joined the Divided We Fail movement?  We believe that the opportunity to have access to health care and long-term financial security is a basic need that all Americans share.  We believe it is the foundation for future generations.  If you have not done so already, please go to www.DividedWeFail.org and take the pledge, share your story, and tell a friend today!

Beaver event 07.JPG
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LONG-TERM CARE AND SECURITY FOR SENIOR ADULTS IN NURSING HOMES - AARP'S Sean Voskuhl

October 2, 2007

Good Afternoon, Members of the Criminal Justice and Corrections Subcommittee, I am Sean Voskuhl, Associate State Director, AARP Oklahoma. I am here to present AARP’s views and recommendations to the Long-Term Care and Security for Senior Adults in Nursing Homes Interim Study.

On behalf of our 430,000 AARP Oklahoma members, I would like to thank the subcommittee for studying this serious issue. AARP is greatly concerned about persons with a record of violent crimes, including sexual predators, being admitted to long-term care facilities. For example, a March 2006 report by the Government Accountability Office identified about 700 registered sex offenders living in long-term care facilities nationwide during 2005. Although these offenders may be disabled, they may still put vulnerable residents at risk. Virtually no facilities have the requisite staffing levels, training and security needed to care for these residents and ensure the safety of other residents. The safety and well being of all residents must be our highest consideration in weighing public policy in this area. Residents in long-term care settings are especially vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, as they may often have dementia and are increasingly dependent on others for their care.

AARP believes nursing homes and supportive housing facilities must be held accountable for ensuring the safety of residents. For this reason, agencies that refer individuals to nursing homes or supportive housing should be required to inform the facility when an applicant poses a potential threat to the safety of other residents. Pre-admission screenings undertaken by the facility should include questions to identify individuals who present a risk of violent behavior.

AARP believes the federal government and the states should not parole or prerelease violent offenders to LTSS facilities that serve the general population. Violent offenders subject to the jurisdiction of federal or state correctional agencies who need long-term care services and supports should be served by correctional agencies in units that meet appropriate staffing and training requirements for proper care.

Although persons who have been arrested, convicted, or incarcerated for violent crimes carry a risk of violence, no research has been conducted on the danger they present as residents in community long-term care facilities. This population has a right to care, but they may pose risks to the safety and security of residents, staff, families, and others. It is reasonable to presume that certain individuals who have perpetrated violent crimes are a potential liability. The type of offense(s), the history of offenses, the severity of chronic illness and disability, mobility restrictions, existing psychiatric illness(es), history of substance abuse, and the presence of disruptive behavioral problems are among those factors that should be considered in determining whether a facility should be permitted to care for criminal offenders. However, at the moment, little is known about best practices and policies for risk assessment and abuse prevention for this population in long-term care settings.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS SUBCOMMITTEE AGENDA from Sean Voskuhl

September 18, 2007

TO:                         Criminal Justice and Corrections Subcommittee

SUBJECT:            Interim Study #106 and #76

DATE:                    Tuesday, October 2, 2007

TIME:                     9:30 a.m.

PLACE: Rm. 412C, State Capitol Building

AGENDA:             1.             Welcome and Introductions

9:30-12:00               2.             IS07-106 – Duplication of Agencies in Traffic Enforcement Measures

Rep. Danny Morgan

12:00-1:00               3.             LUNCH

1:00-4:30 4.             IS07-76 – Single Site for Registered Sex Offenders/Violent Offender in Need
                  of Long-Term Care – Rep. Kris Steele

5. Other Business and Adjournment

Representative Sue Tibbs, Chair
Representative Mark McCullough, Vice Chair

Members:
Representative Terry Harrison
Representative Chuck Hoskin
Representative Terry Ingmire
Representative Jason Murphey
Representative Pam Peterson
Representative Brian Renegar
Representative Glen Bud Smithson

Q:\interimstudies\IS07-76-106-mtg
BW:tdk

IRS WARNS OF NEW EMAIL SCAM OFFERING CASH FOR PARTICIPATION IN SURVEY - PROVIDED BY SEAN VOSKHUL

 Aug. 28, 2007

DENVER — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a consumer alert regarding a new, two-step e-mail scam that falsely promises recipients they will receive $80 for participating in an online customer satisfaction survey.

In the scam, an unsuspecting taxpayer receives an unsolicited e-mail that appears to come from the IRS. The e-mail contains a URL linking to an online "Member Satisfaction Survey."

"We have seen many e-mail scams using the IRS name," IRS Deputy Commissioner for Operations Support Linda Stiff said. "T he IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers through e-mail. Taxpayers should always use caution when they receive unsolicited e-mails."

In this case, the e-mail notifies the recipient that he or she has been randomly selected to participate in a survey. In return, the IRS will credit $80 to the taxpayer's account. There are references to the IRS in the "from" line and the "subject" line of the e-mail. The link to the survey and a copyright statement at the bottom of the e-mail also reference the IRS. The survey form features the IRS logo.

In addition to standard customer satisfaction survey questions, the survey requests the name and phone number of the participant and also asks for credit card information. Once the fraudsters have a name and phone number, they will presumably call the participant and attempt to retrieve other financial information.

The apparent objectives of this scam are to use the participant's name and financial data to withdraw funds from the taxpayer's bank account, run up charges on a credit card or take out loans in the taxpayer's name.

Tricking victims into revealing private personal and financial information over the Internet, telephone or other means is a practice known as "phishing."

IRS Never Sends Unsolicited e-Mail

Taxpayers should be aware that the IRS does not send unsolicited e-mail. Additionally, the IRS never asks taxpayers for PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts.

Recipients of questionable e-mail that appears to come from the IRS should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the e-mail. Instead, the e-mail should be forwarded to phishing@irs.gov .

The IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration work with the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) and various Internet service providers and international CERT teams to have the phishing sites taken offline as soon as they are reported.

Since the establishment of the mail box last year, the IRS has received more than 30,000 e-mails from taxpayers reporting almost 400 separate phishing incidents. To date, investigations by TIGTA have identified host sites in at least 55 different countries, as well as in the United States.

Other fraudulent e-mail scams try to entice taxpayers to click their way to a fake IRS Web site and ask for bank account numbers. Another widespread e-mail scam tells taxpayers the IRS is holding a refund for them –– frequently $63.80 –– and seeking financial account information. Still another email claims the IRS's "anti-fraud commission" is investigating their tax returns.

More information on phishing scams using the IRS name, logo or other identifier can be found on the only genuine IRS Web site, IRS.gov, either at IRS Warns Taxpayers of New E-mail Scams or Suspicious e-Mails and Identity Theft.

Technorati Tags: IRS, SCAM, VOSKHUL

OKLAHOMA AGING PARTNERSHIP(OAP) RELEASES THIRD ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Edmond, OK --Oklahoma legislators strongly supported senior issues involving long term care and financial security according to the Oklahoma Aging Partnership’s annual snapshot of legislative activity.  The OAP 2007 Legislative Report, compiled by AARP Oklahoma, followed legislators’ actions on six measures:  Senate Bill 738; House Bill 1510; House Bill 1580; Senate Bill 398; Senate Bill 567 and Senate Bill 712.  At the beginning of the legislative session, OAP had identified a total of 16 measures that it supported. 

“Aging advocates are pleased with the support shown by Oklahoma legislators on the six bills included in the 2007 OAP Legislative Report,” said Bob Rawlings, Chairman of the State Council on Aging.  “However, there were a number of OAP supported measures that never made it through the process this year and we hope legislators will take them up again in 2008.”     

The following bills are featured in the 2007 OAP Legislative Report:  Senate Bill 738, by Senator Mike Morgan and Representative Gus Blackwell, assures that assisted living facilities will be responsible for monitoring and caring for residents; House Bill 1510, by Representative Jerry Ellis and Senator Jeff Rabon, allows the Commissioner of Health to waive certain provisions of the state’s Nursing Home Care Act for the creation of a long-term care facility based on the Green House deinstitutionalization model; House Bill 1580, by Representative Ron Peters and Senator John Ford, which requires agencies of health to be licensed and to maintain a system of record keeping, including criminal background checks on employees for companion/sitter services; Senate Bill 398, by Senator Tom Adelson and Representative Daniel Sullivan, amends the Protective Services for Vulnerable Adults Act by adding financial neglect as an offense; Senate Bill 567, by Senator Randy Bass and Representative Terry Ingmire, ensures identity theft victims get a copy of their incident reports from law enforcement; and Senate Bill 712, by Senator James Williamson and Representative Sue Tibbs, which gives Oklahomans greater protections against a new kind of phone scam known as caller ID spoofing.

The 2007 OAP Legislative report also recaps other legislation of interest, including HB 1225, which increases the eligibility for Insure Oklahoma.  The program, funded from the state’s tobacco tax, helps businesses buy health insurance for their employees.  HB 1225 will expand the size of businesses eligible for the program from 50 employees to 250.

However, state legislators failed to address some key measures, including family caregiving.  Senate Bill 725, by Senator Andrew Rice and Representative Ken Miller, would have provided a tax break for Oklahomans who care for elderly relatives. 

“Recent AARP research shows that more than 370,000 family caregivers in Oklahoma provide services totaling $3.5 billion,” said Robert Bristow, AARP Oklahoma State President.  “We are hopeful legislators will address a tax deduction for these caregivers next year.    

OAP also supports an interim study planned to discuss the creation of a separate state agency for aging, staffing increases in long-term care facilities and long-term care and security for senior adults living in nursing homes.  OAP will also be participating in several other interim studies on senior issues and hopes legislation will emerge that it can support in 2008. 

The OAP is a non-partisan partnership of four member organizations which include AARP Oklahoma, Oklahoma Alliance on Aging, Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association, and the Oklahoma State Council on Aging.  This is the third year the OAP has partnered to produce a legislative report on aging issues.  The legislative report reflects a consensus, by OAP, on key measures affecting older Oklahomans.  To read the report in its entirety, visit www.aarp.org/ok.

Technorati Tags: Green House, AARP, Oklahoma

HELP WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Technorati Tags: AARP, ALZHEIMER'S, DEMOCRATS

Dear AARP Member and Supporter,

Every 72 seconds someone develops Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.  There are currently more than 5 million people living with the disease and Oklahoma will see a 19 percent increase in people aged 65 and older from 2000 to 2010.   Despite these statistics, and the devastating consequences of the disease it remains the most overlooked, serious health emergency in our country today. 

Recruiting and retaining participants for clinical studies has become one of the greatest obstacles to developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s.  In response, The Alzheimer’s Association has launched the Clinical Studies Initiative, a campaign to educate patients, doctors, and caregivers about local clinical research opportunities and the critical need for study volunteers.

As part of this campaign the Oklahoma/Arkansas chapter has established a physician taskforce to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s clinical studies and to advocate for participation.  Other activities include educational programs for medical professionals and consumers, advertising, and extensive community outreach.

With your participation and support we can open doors to new treatments that will allow patients to live longer, healthier lives as we continue to search for a cure.  If you’re interested in getting more information on clinical research studies, or how you can partner with us on this important Initiative please call the Oklahoma/Arkansas chapter at 918-481-7741. You can also visit the Alzheimer’s Association web site at www.alz.org for resources and information about Alzheimer’s disease and a complete listing of studies in your area.  Together, we can create a world without Alzheimer’s.  Thank you.  

Sincerely,

Judi Verhoef                       

President                                Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter

Sean W. Voskuhl
Associate State Director
AARP Oklahoma
126 N. Bryant Avenue
Edmond, OK 73034
405-715-4475
swvoskuhl@aarp.org

Have you joined the Divided We Fail movement?  We believe that the opportunity to have access to health care and long-term financial security is a basic need that all Americans share.  We believe it is the foundation for future generations.  If you have not done so already, please go to www.DividedWeFail.org and take the pledge, share your story, and tell a friend today

CONGRESSMAN DAN BOREN PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR AARP'S DIVIDED WE FAIL MOVEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 01, 2000

Initiative Seeks Bi-Partisan Solutions for Health Care Reform and Long-Term Financial Security

WASHINGTON—In the latest effort to bring individuals, businesses, consumer groups and government together to find solutions for Americans’ health and financial security concerns, staff members from AARP Oklahoma fanned out on Capitol Hill last week to meet with the state’s Congressional delegation.  Beginning with a rally of more than 2,000 people, the Divided We Fail coalition presented Members of Congress with a pledge to support the group’s platform for quality, affordable health care and lifetime financial security.  To date, more than 90 members of Congress have signed the Divided We Fail pledge, including 2^nd District Congressman Dan Boren.

“I am very proud to have signed the “Divided We Fail” pledge.  Financial security and access to affordable healthcare is as important to me as it is to Oklahoma’s senior citizens,” Boren said.  “We absolutely owe it to our seniors to ensure that the prospect of retirement is not met with poverty or poor health.  I remain committed to working on these important issues with AARP.”

“We are thrilled to have a signed pledge from Congressman Boren, and we look forward to continuing to work on the top domestic issues facing this nation,” said Nancy Coffer, AARP Oklahoma State Director.

A photo of Congressman Boren and AARP Oklahoma Associate State Director-Advocacy Sean Voskuhl is attached to this release for your review.

To find more information about the Divided We Fail efforts and to read the pledge, go to www.dividedwefail.org

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable 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, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50 + educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. 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. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Divided We Fail
Divided We Fail now has offices in four early primary and caucus states (Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada) and encompasses traditional grassroots work, advertising, and online activities which will engage the public, business and elected officials in the debate, encouraging public leaders to offer solutions. More information about the Divided We Fail efforts can be found at www.dividedwefail.org.

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2^nd District Congressman Dan Boren signs the Divided We Fail pledge with AARP Oklahoma Associate State Director Sean Voskuhl at his side.  AARP, Business Roundtable and Service Employees Union (SEIU) launched Divided We Fail to engage the American people, businesses, non-profit organizations, and elected officials in finding bi-partisan solutions to ensure affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – for all of us.

Boren,Divided, Oklahoma, Democrat