Congressmember Carolyn Maloney has added her prestige and power to the AARP's "Divided We Fail" program, which is designed to raise the consciousness of millions of Americans to address the issues of healthcare and lifetime financial security.

Maloney said she recently signed the Divided We Fail pledge and is supporting the effort to bring individuals, businesses, consumer groups and the government together to find solutions for America's health and financial security problems.

Lois Aronstein, AARP New York state director stated: "AARP is leading Divided We Fail to drive our 38 million members, their families and the American people to demand action, answers and accountability from our leaders.

"Our goal is to propel bipartisan, common sense solutions to our health and lifetime financial security challenges."

Maloney (D- Queens/Manhattan) stated, "All Americans should have access to quality, affordable healthcare and long-term financial security. I applaud AARP for making the commitment to our current and future generations and I look forward to working with them on this important campaign."

Aronstein, welcoming Maloney's support, said she looked forward to continuing to working with her on the new effort and on the top domestic issues facing the nation.

Also a recent signatory to the Divided We Fail pledge is Congressmember Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans). Meeks, like Maloney, is supporting the AARP effort through Divided We Fail to find solutions for the health and financial security concerns faced by almost all Americans.

"We are thrilled that Congressmember Meeks signed the Divided We Fail Pledge, and we look forward to continuing to work with him on the top domestic issues facing this nation," Aronstein said.

Aronstein said AARP launched the Divided We fail campaign in New York state on November 8. It will include candidate forums and events, voter education, volunteer mobilization, online engagement and extensive advertising to urge 2008 candidates to offer solutions to healthcare and financial security needs.

To find more information on the Divided We Fail program, visit www.dividedwefail.org.

VALLONE, COMRIE GET AWARDS: The Community Advocacy Center, an organization which provides free legal services for elderly people who have legal problems, presented awards recently to City Councilmembers Peter Vallone Jr. and Leroy Comrie for their efforts and assistance to the Advocacy Center.

The organization's Annual Award went to Vallone (D- Astoria) for his efforts on behalf of the elderly and his ongoing commitment to the community.

Comrie (D- Jamaica) was the recipient of the organization's Advocacy Award.

In accepting his award, Vallone stated: "Seniors need to prepare now to avoid unnecessary expenses such as a guardianship proceeding or a complicated distribution of assets after death. This can be avoided by going to a lawyer you trust and preparing a healthcare proxy and a will."

Vallone, who performed pro bono work for the Community Advocacy Center before becoming a councilmember, added that the center provides a vital service by "teaching preventive law to make sure that our senior citizens don't waste their hardearned assets in a courtroom".