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AARP welcomes Obama Administration and bold
leadership for A New Era

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Marking the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama, AARP CEO Bill Novelli today released the following statement:

"Americans began this new year recognizing that the world we face today is much different than it was a year -- or even six months -- ago. Our economy is a complicated mess. Many of our financial and industrial institutions are on life support. Many of the greatest companies in America are running on fumes, and some have come up empty.

"People are losing their jobs, their homes, their health care and their pensions and retirement security that they have worked a lifetime to attain. People have lost confidence and they need help.

"Today we welcome a new era in history and in government. The leadership and decisiveness that the Obama Administration and Congress exhibit over these next few months will have a direct impact on all Americans not only for today, but for decades to come. Despite the challenges we face, we are also presented with a unique opportunity. We can make America better by building a strong economy and increasing jobs; an affordable, quality health care system; and a sound retirement system.

"This is an exciting time. We are faced with a rare opportunity to put America back on track -- we have a crisis that demands it, a new Administration and Congress with a mandate for change, and a public ready for change. This is not the time for business as usual. It is the time to demonstrate bold leadership -- to take our agenda to the people and our nation's leaders, to demand change and to work hard to bring about that change. And that's exactly what we intend to do.

"AARP is prepared to help lead the charge in this effort and share the responsibility we all have in working together to make this happen. We will continue our efforts to advocate with policymakers, to educate the public and to provide resources to individuals no matter what phase of life they might be in.

"AARP recognizes the great challenges - and opportunities - our President faces in the coming months and we wish him the best of luck and support as he enters his presidency."