Pritzker, Bailey Debate on Issues Impacting Older Adults and College Students in Gubernatorial Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7^th, 2022

CONTACT:
Ana Leal, AARP IL Communications
aleal@aarp.org

Vikki Ortiz, AARP IL Communications Director
(630) 915-3625; vortiz@aarp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Pritzker, Bailey Debate on Issues Impacting Older Adults and College Students in Gubernatorial Debate

Bloomington/Normal -- College students and older adults in central Illinois heard from Democratic Nominee Governor JB Pritzker and Republican Nominee State Senator Darren Bailey on issues important to both groups during a gubernatorial debate Thursday on the Illinois State University campus.

The debate, the first collaboration of this kind between AARP Illinois and Illinois State University, allowed members from two powerful voting blocs to hear from the candidates on matters important to both.

“AARP Illinois was proud to work with Illinois State University tonight to bring this lively discussion to two powerful voter blocs – AARP members and college students – who will be deciders in this Gubernatorial election,” said Philippe Largent, State Director for AARP Illinois. “AARP has a proud 36-year history of non-partisan voter engagement. We wanted to make sure that we met our duty to provide 50+ voters in Illinois with the information they need to help inform their decision at the polls.”

Presenting this debate embodies Illinois State’s core value of civic engagement,” said Illinois State President Terri Goss Kinzy. “Our commitment to civic engagement is just one reason why Illinois State students go on to be leaders in their respective communities and careers.”

In the lively discussion, the candidates covered a wide range of topics, from state pension to lower cost of education.

Over a thousand supporters of both parties filled the auditorium to capacity, eager to hear the candidates' proposals for how to best serve the state of Illinois.

Representatives from statewide media outlets covered the issues most important to voters in Illinois. The lively atmosphere in the debate auditorium demonstrated the excitement and enthusiasm voters felt about the topics conveyed.

The debate was followed by a discussion between older adults and college students, where they both explained their points of views.

“We have come together as a society on issues that are important to all of us like taxes, universal healthcare and Social Security because this next generation that’s coming behind us is going to need this foundation to build upon for their future,” said Hiola G Alston, a retiree and AARP volunteer.

“I think it was very interesting that they were able to host the debate at ISU, giving both candidates the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on policies and what they want to do to help the state, said Daniel Galis, Illinois State University student.

AARP Illinois looks forward to continuing this dialogue and collaboration with Illinois State University on issues that impact both generations, older adults and college students alike.