Our health care system is broken. Too many Americans are just one major illness or injury away from financial ruin.

Our financial security system is also in peril. Traditional pension plans are disappearing, people find it difficult to save and Social Security needs to be strengthened for future generations.

With the start of this new year, the time has come to address

these crucial national priorities. Nearly 33,000 New Jerseyans and over one million Americans have made their opinions known by signing the Divided We Fail pledge, demanding that action be taken to fix our troubled health care and financial security system.

With a new president and a new Congress, let's make 2009 the year for change. Together, individuals, businesses and elected officials can work to develop and implement policies that provide all Americans with access to quality, affordable health care and lifetime financial security.

If we embrace true bipartisanship we can help end legislative gridlock and really make this year one for all Americans to remember.
Sy Larson
State President
AARP New Jersey
Princeton