AARP launches 'You’ve Earned a Say' today in Cedar Rapids

Eastern Iowans among first to engage in statewide Medicare, Social Security events

DES MOINES – Cedar Rapids area residents are invited to join with AARP Iowa members, volunteers and state leaders for the first in a series of statewide community conversations about the future of Medicare and Social Security in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, May 2.

AARP recently launched You've Earned a Say, a national conversation about strengthening health and retirement security. Iowans are invited to join in You've Earned a Say through community conversations, public forums, teletown hall sessions, webinars and other events spanning the state in AARP Iowa's 100 days, 99 counties activities planned from May 1 up to the Iowa State Fair.

“AARP is taking the debate about the future of Medicare and Social Security out from behind closed doors in Washington so Iowans can have a voice,” said Tony Vola, state president of AARP Iowa.  “Our members and older Iowans have worked too hard to let the next President and Congress decide the future of Medicare and Social Security without hearing from us.”

The Cedar Rapids You've Earned a Say community conversation will be hosted by Vola and AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern.  The free event will run from noon to 2 p.m. on May 2 at the Clarion Hotel, 525 33

^rd

Ave. S.W.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost.

The community conversation is open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. RSVPs are requested by calling 1-877-926-8300 toll-free, or on-line at http://aarp.cvent.com/cedarrapidsYEAS    For more about You've Earned a Say, see www.earnedasay.org.

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About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership 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, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, our bilingual multimedia platform for Hispanic members; and our website,

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.