Friday Alerts

Coyle Concerned About Proposed Means-Testing for Medicare

David Blank — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:21:07 -0500

President Obama released his FY 2013 budget on Monday. While his administration does not propose changes to Social Security, there are several Medicare proposals which could cause beneficiaries to pay increased out-of-pocket expenses over time. One proposal would increase the number and share of beneficiaries who pay a higher, income-related premium. According to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation (http://bit.ly/zd7msE), means-testing could lead higher-income, healthier seniors to drop out of Medicare Part B and self-insure, leaving behind a smaller, less healthy group of seniors who would pay higher premiums. Additionally, Kaiser noted that over time, the income thresholds involved could be frozen, resulting in higher premiums for those who, by today's standards, may not be considered higher-income seniors.

“Means-testing opens the door to changing the unique, historical structure of Medicare as a broad, social-insurance program for retirees. An alternative way to lower Medicare costs would be to end the 2003 corporate loophole that prohibits Medicare from negotiating volume discounts from pharmaceutical companies,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “President Obama has been a leader in protecting the well-being of America's seniors. He has stood strong for Social Security, and his Affordable Care Act is helping millions of seniors better afford to see a doctor and fill a prescription. In the coming weeks we will be discussing our concerns on this specific issue with Administration and congressional officials,” Mr. Coyle added.

One positive about the budget: In May of last year, the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) - a coalition that includes the Alliance - had written to Michael Astrue, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, to express concerns about a decision to suspend the production and mailing of Social Security earnings benefit statements. The President’s budget calls for the full reinstatement of mailing the Social Security statement to workers at least 25-years-old in FY 2013.

Payroll Tax Cut Bill Affects Medicare Reimbursements, Unemployment Benefits

On Friday, the U.S. House and Senate passed H.R. 3630, the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011, heading off a 27% cut in reimbursements for physicians who treat Medicare patients. The respective House and Senate votes were 293-132 and 60-36. Without action, the reimbursement decrease would have taken effect on March 1. The bill would also continue a 2-percentage-point cut in the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax, which is deducted from workers’ paychecks, through 2012. For a family earning $50,000 a year, the cut saves $1,000 annually. “It is unfortunate that the legislation could not be passed without Republican demands that will hurt both the unemployed and federal employees,” said Mr. Coyle. For more, go to http://wapo.st/xuN8c7.

Romney Flip-Flops on Social Security and Medicare

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney vowed at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) late last Friday to cut Social Security and Medicare (http://bit.ly/yc8B5x). With that statement, he was saying the exact opposite of what he’d promised in Florida just two weeks earlier, when he claimed, “We will never go after Medicare or Social Security, we will protect those programs” (http://bit.ly/AqWxuf). Romney specified that he would raise the retirement age for Social Security at the CPAC event.

Pivoting to discuss the auto industry on Wednesday this week in Michigan, Romney said, “I’ve taken on union bosses before and I’m happy to take them on again. I sure won’t give in to UAW.”

“Mr. Romney opposed the 2009 automobile industry bailout,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Fortunately, he wasn't in a position to make that decision, or thousands of workers would have lost their jobs while retirees lost their retiree health care benefits and pensions.”

Health Care Reform Helps Deliver Preventive Care to 86 Million Americans

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced on Wednesday that the Affordable Care Act provided approximately 54 million Americans with at least one new free preventive service in 2011 through their private health insurance plans. She also announced that an estimated 32.5 million people with Medicare received at least one free preventive benefit in 2011, including the new Annual Wellness Visit, since the health reform law was enacted. Together, this means an estimated 86 million Americans were helped by health reform’s prevention coverage improvements. The HHS report on expanded preventive benefits in Medicare and other ways that the Affordable Care Act strengthens Medicare is available at http://www.cms.gov/newsroom.

To see Rep. Donna Edwards’ (D-MD) one-minute Affordable Care Act speech on the House floor on Tuesday, beside the Alliance's Valentine’s Day poster, click on http://bit.ly/A7xOaQ.

New Database Provides Economic Security Data for Elders and Families

Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW) has unveiled its new Economic Security Database, which provides local information on how much families and older adults need to make ends meet. Specifically, The Basic Economic Security Tables™ (BEST) Index and the Elder Economic Security Standard™ Index (Elder Index) measure the incomes workers and retired adults need to achieve economic security. Both measures are comprehensive definitions of economic security, presented at the state, county and city levels. WOW invites you to use the database in your work and share with your networks. To access the database, go to www.BasicEconomicSecurity.org.

WOW currently works with 17 state partners on the Elder Economic Security Initiative, including the Iowa & North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans. On Tuesday, the North Carolina Alliance and WOW hosted an event to release the new North Carolina Elder Economic Security Initiative™ Program in Wake Forest. “Dozens of seniors attended, and television and print media gave the event enormous media coverage,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “If you are interested in how you can use the data in your state or have any questions, please contact Maggie Flowers at mflowers@wowonline.org or 202.464.1596.”

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White House Twitter Event Answers Seniors' Policy Questions

David Blank — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:22:09 -0500

On Monday, the White House’s Jon Carson, Director of the Office of Public Engagement, held a “Tweet-up” and conference call for seniors with Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Alliance for Retired Americans members seized the opportunity to get their health care, Medicare, and Social Security policy questions answered using Twitter and social networking. Approximately 90 questions were emailed to the Alliance or sent in via social networks such as Facebook and Twitter in advance of the event, and the participating Administration officials answered several of them. White House staff considered the event one of the most successful Tweet-up events they have hosted, based on the number of questions received, activity in the days leading up to the event, and the level of enthusiasm. “Even many Alliance state chapters who do not yet have a strong presence on Twitter were able to do a great deal to foster participation, especially by encouraging lots of email questions,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

Obama Administration, Alliance Members in Several States Take on Voter ID Laws

Officials at the U.S Department of Justice, including Attorney General Eric Holder, and other members of the Obama Administration are fighting voter suppression efforts in states all across the country. The various forms of legislation would hurt seniors’ access to the ballot box in many ways, including: requiring an ID to vote; limiting voters’ rights to be directed to the correct precinct; limiting the time to vote by mail; creating more hurdles for boards of elections to send ballot applications; and blocking the ability for these boards to cover the postage to return a ballot. “The Voter Identification bills and voter suppression efforts vary in different states, but they are all ‘a solution in search of a problem’ - since evidence of widespread voter fraud is non-existent,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. Alliance chapters in states such as Florida, Iowa, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have taken strong action to block these efforts, including: lobby visits to state legislators; testifying before the state legislature; speaking on talk radio; rallies; placing letters to the editor; online activism; press conferences; and circulating petitions to repeal recently passed voter suppression laws.

On the Web: Presidents’ Day Lobby Week Toolkit, Link to New Rhode Island Site

The Alliance’s Presidents’ Day Lobby Week Toolkit contains talking points, fact sheets, and all the background you might need to protect Social Security and Medicare at lobby visits during the Presidents’ Day Recess Week, February 20-24. The toolkit is available on the Alliance web site at http://www.retiredamericans.org/issues/Retiree_Resources. Also, the new Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans web site, www.ri-ara.org, is now up and running. There are links to many organizations of interest to Rhode Island seniors, as well as HealthLink Wellness, Alliance News, RI AFL-CIO News, Upcoming Events, and RI ARA Dental, Eye and Hearing Discount pages.

Doctors – and Seniors - Can’t Afford Medicare Payment Cuts

Policymakers in Washington are still polarized over the payroll tax cut debate, and this deadlock has trickled down into a heated debate over proposed Medicare cuts. If an agreement is not reached by the end of February, doctors will receive a 27% reduction in Medicare payments. There is not much time left to act. According to Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), several doctors have already begun to tell many Medicare recipients that they can no longer accept Medicare, leaving many seniors with fewer options for treatment and services. House Republicans want to avoid cuts in payments to doctors by reducing certain Medicare payments to hospitals, while House Democrats want to offset Medicare costs for doctors using funding from the declining wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The payroll tax legislation would also continue jobless benefits for many of the nation’s unemployed.

Social Security Presents Obama with Opportunity to Win Over Hispanic Voters

According to Politico (http://politi.co/ykr2MP), it’s likely that “Team Obama” will spend a lot of its Spanish advertising budget on a generic Social Security message to older Latinos, a group that is disproportionately dependent on Social Security for retirement income. Three-quarters of Hispanic Social Security recipients derive at least half their income from their monthly check, 10 points higher than the general population. Only 20 percent of Latino retirees have pensions, half the national average. And, Politico adds, the national poverty rate for Hispanics ages 65 and older is 19 percent — “compared with 8 percent of the white elderly.”

Medicare Expected to be a Major Issue in Congressional Races

In various congressional seat races across the country, the issue of Medicare has also become a key election issue. Many Democratic candidates are looking to oust current Republicans who support various cuts to the program, especially those who support House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) plan to privatize it. According to The New York Times (http://nyti.ms/y6rqcu), Medicare is expected to be a hot-button issue for the next decade. “There is a great deal of misinformation out there about Medicare, and it is important that Alliance members help educate their neighbors on the facts,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Nevada Alliance Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Vets

The reigning Miss University of Nevada, Ashton Sunsiri, and Miss Reno/Sparks, Madeline Burak, are joining members of the Nevada Alliance for Retired Americans (NARA) this morning to distribute valentines at Reno's Ioannis A. Lougaris Veterans Medical Center. “The purpose of the event is to show the compassion, appreciation and respect the more than 17,000 members of NARA have for our veterans on the day our society expresses love," stated NARA coordinator Gail Dietrich. "We thank them for serving our country. We want them to know just how much we value their sacrifices and cherish them as individuals,” Dietrich added.

Regional Meetings to Begin Later This Month in Las Vegas

The Alliance’s Regional Meetings will take place beginning on February 29 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Matthew Rothschild, Editor of The Progressive magazine, will speak at the Midwest Regional Meeting’s March 6 lunch in Milwaukee. He will comment on the political landscape in the Midwest and across the nation. For more information on the regional meeting for your part of the country, please go to http://bit.ly/yiqB8n.

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White House, Alliance for Retired Americans to Host Twitter Q&A on Senior Issues

David Blank — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:41:08 -0500

Do you want to know more about the Affordable Care Act and dispel the myths about it? Want to ask administration officials about strengthening Social Security and Medicare for you, your kids and grandkids? Have other questions for the White House? Now’s your chance to ask and participate! The White House Office of Public Engagement is hosting a Twitter Q&A and conference call with the Alliance for Retired Americans this Monday, February 6th from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to answer your questions about aging, retirement and politics. The call is a follow-up to President Obama’s recent State of the Union address. Answering your questions during the Q&A:

* Jon Carson (@JonCarson44), the director of the Office of Public Engagement

* Kathy Greenlee (@hhsgov), Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Send your question to us before the Q&A by tweeting it to @activeretirees; posting it to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/retiredamericans; or by emailing it to us here: aracommunications@retiredamericans.org. Follow along with the Q&A through the hashtag #SOTU or #seniorshealth, and keep sending us your questions.

Romney Wins Florida Republican Primary – After a Few Fibs

Mitt Romney scored a decisive victory in Florida's presidential primary on Tuesday, steadying a campaign that was jarred by a loss in South Carolina ten days earlier. Prior to Romney's victory, Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance, commented on remarks Romney had made on Monday. “Last night at a Florida senior center, presidential candidate Mitt Romney once again couldn’t stop himself from telling an audience what they wanted to hear – even if it wasn’t true,” said Mr. Coyle.

“Romney told retirees, ‘We will never go after Medicare or Social Security,’ even though he supports the Ryan budget to give seniors small vouchers to buy coverage from private insurance companies; wants to raise the Social Security retirement age; and wants to let Wall Street gamble away – and profit from – privatized Social Security accounts. For a notoriously inconsistent politician, Mitt Romney has a long, clear record of wanting to privatize Social Security and Medicare,” Coyle continued.

Florida Alliance President Tony Fransetta did three press events in 25 hours in advance of the Tuesday primary: one about Romney wanting to privatize Medicare; one about Romney’s role in Damon Corporation’s multi-million dollar scheme to defraud Medicare (http://politi.co/wdIXT3); and one about voter suppression. A Boston Globe article noted that Florida seniors generally heard little from the candidates themselves on Medicare and Social Security (http://bo.st/yLhwG6).

Health Care Reform Law Saves 3.6 Million Americans $2.1 Billion

Nearly 3.6 million people with Medicare saved $2.1 billion on their prescription drug costs in 2011 due to the Affordable Care Act, according to data issued on Thursday by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In addition, the savings for people with Medicare will increase over time. According to the HHS report (http://1.usa.gov/yFFyex), the average person with Medicare will save nearly $4,200 by 2021 because of the new law. The Affordable Care Act provides a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs and this year, a 14% discount on generics. In 2011, the 3.6 million Americans who hit the doughnut hole saved an average of $604 on the cost of their prescription drugs. “The data proves that the Affordable Care Act helps seniors,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “It decreases prescription drug costs, provides free preventive care, and slows the growth of Medicare premiums for physicians’ services.”

According to USA Today (http://usat.ly/wdjNyF), statistics also show that premiums for Medicare Advantage private insurance plans have dropped an average of 7%, and enrollment has grown by 10%, thanks to the 2010 health care overhaul. “This trend counters opposing predictions of dire consequences to enacting health reform, which included a drop in enrollment and a rise in premiums,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Indiana “Right to Work for Less” Bill Passes State Senate, is Signed into Law

Despite the best efforts of Indiana workers, their friends, and Alliance retirees, a “right-to-work for less” bill became state law in Indiana on Wednesday. The state Senate voted 28-22 to pass the anti-union bill as thousands of protesters packed Statehouse hallways, shouting their disapproval. Thousands more were outside waiting to get in. Governor Mitch Daniels (R) signed the bill shortly thereafter, making Indiana the 23rd state in the nation with such a law. Indiana Alliance retirees had done several press events driving home the fact that Right to Work (RTW) means “Real Trouble and Worries” for everyone in Indiana, because it puts in jeopardy pensions, health care, and other benefits of union retirees and their legal dependents established through collective bargaining.

Alliance Charters Its 31^st State: Virginia

On Tuesday in Richmond, 43 delegates and 8 guests convened to found the Virginia Alliance for Retired Americans. Attendees at the founding convention heard from the following speakers and guests: Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA); NFL Players Association - Former Player Services Senior Director Nolan Harrison III; Ms. Greenlee; Former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (D); Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse Mays; Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Brian Moran; Virginia Delegate Luke Torian; and leaders from the national Alliance, including Ms. Easterling.

The founding convention elected as officers: Melvin Carter, President; Roger Wood, Secretary; and Ron Thompson, Treasurer. Mr. Carter said, “We are extremely excited to get to work on issues important to seniors and working families in Virginia.” For photos from Virginia, go to http://bit.ly/yk0bfu (album) or http://bit.ly/zQL5uu (slideshow).

Southern Regional Meeting to Begin on April 30

The Alliance’s Southern Regional meeting will take place beginning on April 30 in Orlando, Florida. For more information, please go to http://bit.ly/yiqB8n.

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President Obama, Mitch Daniels Offer Different Views on Current State of the Union

David Blank — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:34:30 -0500

President Obama delivered his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, and the Alliance issued a press release contrasting his ideas with the Republican response offered by Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. “While retirees’ working days may be over, we worry about our children and grandchildren, as well as the future of the industries we helped build here at home. We strongly support the President’s goal of tax fairness; call us ‘old school,’ but we still believe that sacrifices should be made fairly," said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

“In contrast, the Republicans showed their true colors by choosing as their spokesperson a governor who believes he can revive his state’s economy by lowering wages and benefits for working families,” Coyle continued. “Mitch Daniels’ vague rhetoric on Social Security and Medicare glossed over the cold reality that his party – from its presidential candidates to its House Speaker – wants seniors to be at the mercy of the big insurance companies; would let Wall Street profit from a privatized Social Security; and would allow states to slash Medicaid, even though it is the only way 70 percent of Americans can afford long-term and nursing home care." To read Coyle's full statement, go to http://bit.ly/xbKBPz.

House Speaker, Republican Presidential Candidates Still Aim to Privatize Medicare

During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) confirmed that Republicans won’t be backing away from plans to privatize the Medicare program this year — despite voters’ rejection of the plan. Read more on the web site www.thinkprogress.org at http://bit.ly/w5GYsn. Also this week, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) reiterated his plan to privatize Medicare through vouchers. All the Republican candidates for President have now supported the plan. To see an AFSCME Independent Expenditure ad noting presidential candidate Mitt Romney's ties to Medicare fraud, go to http://youtu.be/hkGrgxw7sSo. “The ad depicts real Medicare fraud,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “But we should also remember that promising seniors vouchers instead of guaranteed benefits is also a form of fraud.”

Florida Alliance Shines Light on Voter Suppression, Romney’s Medicare Policies

On Thursday, Florida Alliance (FLARA) members and their allies called attention to Governor Romney’s appalling attitudes toward Medicare and senior services at a press conference in Fort Myers. Dozens of local seniors voiced their outrage at Romney’s plans for dismantling Medicare and other important programs on which seniors rely.

Today, FLARA members are speaking out in Tampa at a rally against voter suppression. Recent changes in Florida’s election rules will have a dramatic impact on Florida’s seniors; a new law passed in the Florida legislature cuts early voting from 14 to 7 days before the election and hurts seniors who vote early because they are unable to stand in a line or go to the polls on Election Day.

CLASS Act Letter, New Fact Sheets Available on Alliance Web Site

The Alliance defended the health care reform law's endangered CLASS Act on Tuesday, after the House set up a vote to repeal the long-term health care program next week. The Alliance wrote to House lawmakers urging them to keep the voluntary payroll-deduction program alive. To read the Alliance letter, go to http://bit.ly/xXtcdo. Also new on the Alliance web site: What’s at Stake for Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid in 2012 at http://bit.ly/zq16Q7 and MYTH BUSTERS: New Health Law & Other Myths at http://bit.ly/x1U472.

State Round-up: Iowa, Nevada, and Indiana

The Iowa Alliance, through their work at caucus meetings statewide, succeeded in getting the preservation of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid into the state Democratic Party platform. The Nevada Alliance has also been successful in submitting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and jobs resolutions for consideration for inclusion in the Nevada Democratic Party platform.

Despite polls showing strong public opposition to a “Right to Work” for less (RTW) bill being rammed through the Indiana legislature without debate, Republican House lawmakers passed RTW on Thursday. The bill would lower the wages of working Hoosiers and affect the pensions and health benefits of Indiana retirees and their dependents. The Indiana Alliance held a press conference on Monday to raise awareness. “The Iowa, Nevada, Indiana, and Florida chapters have all done a great job recently!” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “I am very proud of their hard work and success.”

With a Moving Send-off, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Resigns from Congress

A year after being severely wounded during a shooting rampage in her Arizona home district, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) resigned from Congress on Wednesday. She departed amidst a chorus of cheers, hugs, and tributes. “Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has been a great friend to seniors,” said Mr. Coyle. “Many Alliance members in Arizona know the congresswoman personally. We wish her a full recovery and hope to see her back in Congress at a later date!” On September 28, 2010, Rep. Giffords introduced a resolution opposing any increase in the Social Security retirement age, noting that any increase in the age equates to an unfair decrease in benefits.

Coyle Briefs House Democratic Caucus

Mr. Coyle traveled to Cambridge, Maryland on Thursday to make a presentation briefing the House Democratic Caucus on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid issues.

Regional Meetings Begin on February 29 in Las Vegas

Be sure to register for the Alliance’s 2012 Regional Meetings beginning February 29 in Las Vegas, Nevada; March 5 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; April 29 in Orlando, Florida; and May 14 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Workshops will include Issues for the 2012 Elections; Messaging: We Will Not Be Out-Foxed; and Best Practices in On-line Organizing. For more information, or to register on-line, please visit http://bit.ly/yiqB8n. Questions? Call Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202/637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org.

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Wisconsin Governor Recall Effort Advances; Retirees Help Get a Million Signatures

David Blank — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:10:47 -0500

A million signatures were turned in on Tuesday to begin the formal process of forcing a recall election for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R). The petitions delivered to the Government Accountability Board arrived on a truck and weighed over 3000 pounds. The signatures collected and submitted exceeded the number required to force a recall by 460,000. In addition to the Governor, Wisconsinites also turned in the required signatures to recall the Lieutenant Governor and three state Senators.

Seniors in Wisconsin, including WI Alliance members, were active in circulating hundreds of petitions to recall the Governor and the Lt. Governor. In addition to circulating petitions, Wisconsin retirees from all walks of life volunteered time for data entry and validating the signed petitions. Wisconsin Alliance leaders spoke to many retiree clubs to organize their membership around the recall efforts. Wisconsin Alliance members also organized and participated in many recall events around the state, including this one at the Milwaukee Airport featured in Sunday’s New York Times: http://nyti.ms/xt3WR8.

“The number of signatures and the amount of support for the recall that culminated by the time of delivery far exceeded many Wisconsinites’ expectations,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Republican Field for President Narrows

With Texas Governor Rick Perry dropping out of the race for the Republican nomination for President on Thursday, the race is now down to four candidates. During the South Carolina GOP debate earlier in the week, on Monday night, former Sen. Rick Santorum (PA) called former Speaker of the U.S. House Newt Gingrich (GA) “irresponsible” in referencing his plan for privatizing Social Security. According to The Hill newspaper, Gingrich is receiving a congressional pension of more than $100,000 per year from his two-decade career in Congress.

To see former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at the debate, speaking about ending Medicare as we know it in favor of vouchers, go to http://bit.ly/xz5OA9. Romney also attacked the Affordable Care Act, which provides free preventive care for seniors, calling it “the Fourth Entitlement.” Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) is the fourth remaining candidate.

Americans are Raiding Savings to Make Ends Meet, Putting Retirement at Risk

Four years after the initial recession, according to the Huffington Post and Reuters, increased withdrawals from college and retirement funds and boosts in credit card usage are leading policy makers to think more Americans are using these accounts for more day-to-day living. Loans taken from retirement savings accounts leapt anywhere from 20-60%, and 27% of workers are “not at all confident” that they will have enough funds for a comfortable retirement. To see the full article, go to http://huff.to/wH6cBs.

Barbara Easterling Speaks Out About Effect on Seniors of Voter ID Requirements

Also in the Huffington Post, a column by Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling was published on Thursday. In her column, “Don't Take the Vote Away From Seniors,” Ms. Easterling draws attention to the many problems that new Voter Identification laws pose for retirees. To read it, go to http://huff.to/x52997.

Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans Holds its Convention

The Hawaii Alliance’s (HARA’s) 4th Biennial Convention was held in Honolulu on Saturday, with about seventy delegates and guests attending. Three members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation addressed the convention--U.S. Senator Dan Akaka (D), whom HARA presented with their Shining Light Award for his 35 years of distinguished service in Congress; Rep. Mazie Hirono (D); and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D). Conference attendees also heard from Richard Fiesta, Director of the national Alliance’s Department of Government and Political Affairs, and several other well-received speakers. The delegates elected Justin Wong as the new HARA President. The new Vice President is Elmer Yuen; Jackie Foil was reelected Secretary; and Phyllis Hiramatsu was reelected Treasurer. For links to the Hawaii Convention photos, go to http://bit.ly/xe7PiT (set) and http://bit.ly/AjXoHt (slideshow). To see additional Hawaii Alliance photos from the past, go to http://bit.ly/ykpmMk.

“In addition to welcoming Justin Wong, I would like to say a special 'thank-you' to Al Hamai, outgoing President of the Hawaii Alliance,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the national Alliance. “All of us at the Alliance want to express our deepest gratitude for all of his work. Al has long embodied what it means to be a good citizen in the retiree movement. Whatever has been asked of him – writing a letter to the editor, making a lobby visit, or traveling great distances to an Alliance meeting – Al has always stepped up to help current and future retirees.”

National Academy of Social Insurance Elects New Members

Both Mr. Fiesta and the Alliance’s Sarah Byrne, Senior Legislative Representative, were elected to the National Academy of Social Insurance. Read more, and see who else was elected as new members, at http://bit.ly/s9yMps.

Washington State Retirees Speak up for Access to Social Security Offices

The Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to close neighborhood offices in Seattle this spring, replacing them with an office in the high-security Jackson Federal Building. Rather than the offices seniors and the disabled go to now, Seattle-area residents will be required to navigate often-intimidating Homeland Security checkpoints in the downtown federal building — and possibly be searched – in order to check in with federal workers about their benefits. Last Friday, the Washington State Alliance and the Puget Sound Alliance co-hosted a public meeting with other groups, including the American Federation of Government Employees, to share stories, hear from public officials, and see how to be involved. For a video about saving access to Seattle's SSA offices, go to http://bit.ly/ynWKrc.

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Mitt Romney Wins New Hampshire; Florida Alliance Members Voice Disapproval

David Blank — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:24:29 -0500

Mitt Romney won the New Hampshire Republican primary Tuesday with 39.3% of the vote, finishing well ahead of runners-up Ron Paul (22.8%) and Jon Huntsman (16.9%).

Two days later, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans members gathered in West Palm Beach to draw a distinction between themselves and “Fat Cat Mitt Romney Supporters,” who were attending a high-end Romney fundraiser at the home of Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross. Noting that the Romney event, co-hosted by sugar baron Pepe Fanjul, was being held at the $32 million Ross estate, the Florida Alliance hosted a picnic that same day for the middle class. The Alliance event, a “Regular Man’s Picnic,” served Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, rather than the caviar said to be served at the Romney event across the intra-coastal waterway on the island of Palm Beach. “The seniors at the picnic were in sharp contrast to the Romney donors, who - by virtue of attending their event - were forwarding the interests of the wealthiest 1% of Americans over the middle class,” said Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling.

Rep. Paul (R-TX), incidentally, said recently that Social Security, a lifeline for millions of seniors, is “unconstitutional.” He added that, if elected, he would allow citizens under the age of 25 to opt out of the system in order to save their own money for retirement (http://wapo.st/xZXlmM).

West Palm Beach a Hotbed of Activity This Week

The Palm Beach Post reported that about 100 protesters, including Alliance members, Occupy Wall Street sympathizers, “Raging Grannies,” and others, also gathered in West Palm Beach this week. On Tuesday, the activists in attendance blasted Florida Governor Rick Scott and the Republican-controlled legislature on the opening day of this year's legislative session in Tallahassee. The “Awake the State” rally, held at the former West Palm Beach City Hall and current Occupy West Palm Beach encampment, was one of 19 such events held around the state. “When the legislature goes into session, we know we're not safe. We know they're going to do things that aren't going to be progressive...We know they're going to attack the middle class,” said Tony Fransetta, President of the Florida Alliance.

Indiana Alliance Joins with Partners to take on “Right to Work”

On Tuesday, representatives from the Indiana Alliance, the group “Hoosiers First,” and United Senior Action held a press conference to voice their joint concerns about the “right to work” legislation pending before the Indiana General Assembly. Having reviewed the possible impacts of right to work, or RTW, on retired union members and their dependents, the three organizations concluded that RTW spells trouble for not only the citizens of Indiana, but also the state’s economy.

“Right to Work means Real Trouble and Worries for everyone in Indiana, because it potentially puts in jeopardy pensions, health care, and other benefits of union retirees and their legal dependents that have been established through collective bargaining,” said Elmer Blankenship, President of the Indiana Alliance.

The state Senate RTW bill has been passed in committee (6 to 4) and goes next to the full Senate for a vote. A state House panel sent the measure to the full House on an 8-5 vote. Last Friday, at a joint House and Senate Hearing, Mr. Blankenship and Denny Lanane, President of United Senior Action, testified against the proposed RTW Law, which is supported by several Republican legislators. They testified that passage of RTW would weaken unions, which would be bad for active workers and union retirees as well as many others whose wages and benefits follow negotiated benefits. RTW is also associated with a significant reduction in private-sector pension coverage. The Economic Policy Institute proves the point at http://bit.ly/xjYijP, showing that private pension coverage in Indiana is currently greater than in 21 of 22 RTW states.

Racial Divide Emerges Over Mississippi Voter ID Constitutional Amendment

According to a report cited by the Talking Points memo Website (http://bit.ly/wc3W1x), less than 25% of non-white Mississippi citizens voted in favor of a state constitutional amendment to require voter ID at the polls, compared to about 83% of white voters. An estimated 75% of the state’s minority population rejected “Initiative 27,” a constitutional amendment that requires voters to show photo identification at the polls, while only about 17% of white voters went against the proposal, according to a report by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (LCCR). Their analysis found that the precincts voting against the measure closely mirrored the precincts with majority non-white populations.

The initiative was passed in November with 62% of the vote, and the legislature is now working to enact a law with the details. The Justice Department (DOJ) has to sign off on the proposal, because Mississippi is covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which requires states with a history of racial discrimination to have their voting laws “pre-cleared.” Attorneys in DOJ’s Civil Rights Division recently rejected a proposed voter ID measure in South Carolina, finding that the state’s statistics showed that minority voters comprised 30.4% of the state’s registered voters but 34.2% of those registered voters who lacked Department of Motor Vehicle-issued photo identification.

“Our analysis shows that Mississippi’s voter ID law is another example of a law with a racially discriminatory effect being implemented over minority voters’ strong objections,” LCCR Executive Director Barbara Arnwine said in a statement. “Seventy-five percent of minorities in the state said ‘no’ to having to comply with what amounts to a modern day poll tax in order to exercise their fundamental right to vote.”

State Chapter Report: North Carolina

On Tuesday, the North Carolina Alliance chartered an Alliance chapter in the City of Asheville. “Welcome, Asheville!” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the national Alliance. “We want the newest Alliance group in the country to get the fanfare it deserves, given that North Carolina is such a key state this election year.”

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Former Senator Santorum Loses Republican Caucuses in Iowa by Eight Votes

David Blank — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:29:49 -0500

According to the Rasmussen Reports company, former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), coming off his photo finish with Mitt Romney in the Republican Iowa caucus, is now in second place nationally among Republican voters in the race for the party’s 2012 presidential nomination. Using the uncertified statewide vote totals tabulated as of Friday, Santorum finished second in Iowa on Tuesday night, losing to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney by only eight votes. “Alarmingly, Sen. Santorum has a lifetime score of just 2% on the Alliance’s Congressional Voting Record,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “His finish was exciting for political observers, but also terrifying for seniors.”

Politico reported that Santorum had spoken on the campaign trail last Sunday about the possibility of raising the retirement age, pointing out that allowing people to retire as early as 65 means giving a government entitlement to people who are “generally healthy and able to work.” Santorum went much further than that, however, in his 1994 Senate campaign. A source shared a recording of an October ’94 speech that Santorum gave at LaSalle University, in which he endorsed raising the retirement age to 70 – or higher. “It is ridiculous that we have a retirement age in this country of age 65 today. I’d go even farther if I could – at least age 70,” Santorum said in the recording.

Santorum also believes that public employee unions should just be eliminated altogether. “I do not believe that -- that state, federal or local workers, unions, should be involved in unions. And I would actually support a bill that says that we should not have public employee unions for the purposes of wages and benefits to be negotiated,” Santorum said during a Republican debate in September (http://bit.ly/rdx7cz).

For information on Governor Romney’s support for privatizing Medicare, go to http://bit.ly/xQr07z. In a development for Governor Romney this week, Bloomberg News – quoting the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center - wrote that his tax proposal would add $600 billion to the U.S. budget deficit in 2015.

Medicare a Major Issue in 2012 as More Baby Boomers Begin to Receive Benefits

During a campaign stop in Iowa on Sunday, Santorum said, “You have Medicare driving the entire health care system in this country and it’s crushing it.” According to thinkprogress.org (http://bit.ly/xjzuz5), Santorum is a strong supporter of Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s original Medicare privatization scheme to completely eliminate traditional Medicare as an option for seniors, and he has promised to accelerate its implementation. Medicare, however, has a better track record of controlling health care costs than private insurers and has introduced market innovations and payment reforms that private plans later adopted. Medicare’s smaller administrative spending and its ability to use its size and clout to bargain for cheaper services explain this advantage.

“Medicare privatization is shaping up to be the number one campaign issue of 2012,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. According to USA Today, 76 million baby boomers will sign up for Medicare over the next couple of decades.

New Voter Identification Laws Take Effect in Several States This Year

According to The Wall Street Journal, millions more Americans will be required to show photo identification when they head to the polls in four states in 2012, headlining the flurry of new laws across the nation that took effect with the turn of the year. Kansas, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas will require voters to prove their identities at the ballot box, bringing the total number of states that require some form of voter identification to 30, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan group that provides research and data to state governments. Some of the adverse, often-unintended consequences of voter identification laws for seniors are described at http://wdhne.ws/tcoSzE.

Government Dollars are going to Private Insurance Companies by the Billions

According to CNN, although 2011 was a volatile year for the stock market, one sector has been consistently earning a windfall for investors: health insurers that provide private Medicare plans to seniors. Among the top-performing Fortune 500 stocks of 2011, three - WellCare Health Plans, Humana, and Centene - had a high proportion of Medicare Advantage enrollees. WellCare's share price has nearly doubled, while Humana and Centene are up about 50%. UnitedHealth Group and Aetna, each with significant shares of Medicare Advantage patients, also posted gains of more than 35% in 2011. Health care stocks broadly outperformed the market overall in 2011. The iShares Dow Jones US Health Care Providers Index Fund (IHF), an exchange fund that includes most of the major insurers, was up more than 8%.

The Washington Post stated yesterday that despite the sluggish economy, the nation’s major health insurers have prospered largely by expanding their role in government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, according to a study released Thursday. A report by Bloomberg Government, a research division of Bloomberg LP, suggests that insurers will further increase their reliance on federal dollars with full implementation of the health-care law in 2014 - when Medicaid will expand to cover an eventual 16 million additional low-income Americans and the federal government will begin subsidizing private-insurance policies for an estimated 19 million more. The share of large insurers’ revenues contributed by their Medicare and Medicaid business has jumped from 36 to 42 percent over the past three years.

The Affordable Care Act, the health care reform signed into law by President Obama in 2010, will reduce federal payments to Medicare Advantage plans by $136 billion. Nonetheless, the Bloomberg Government study’s author, Peter Gosselin, theorizes that insurers still expect the plans to prove profitable, because the current national focus on debt reduction will give them political cover to manage beneficiaries’ care tightly. The bill for Medicare Advantage, where private insurers serve as health care administrators for seniors, currently costs taxpayers 10% more than traditional Medicare, where the government serves as the middleman, according to the Congressional Budget Office. “Once again, we see that Medicare Advantage is a great deal for private insurers, but a terrible deal for taxpayers,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

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Capitol Hill Tax Stalemate Hurts Medicare

Laura Markwardt — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:37:06 -0500

The congressional deadlock over extending payroll tax cuts – sparked by a revolt of House Tea Party Republicans – will hurt seniors on Medicare unless a resolution is reached quickly. Seniors with incomes below $15,000 per year are at risk of losing access to critical medical services through the Qualified Individual (QI) program. The program, which is set to expire on December 31, pays for Medicare Part B premiums that cover physician and other outpatient services, as well as the low income subsidy for Part D prescription drug coverage. The QI benefit represents an average savings of $5,199 per year for these low-income seniors. Without an extension of the program by Congress, states would have the right to terminate benefits on January 1.

Also caught in the crossfire are reimbursements to nearly 650,000 doctors who care for Medicare patients. According to the Associated Press, Medicare sent an alert to doctors to say that they will hold up paying claims for the first 10 business days of the new year, but without congressional action it would then be forced to implement a 27.4 percent cut in reimbursement rates, which may prompt physicians to refuse to see Medicare patients.

Romney Stumbles on Medicaid, Iowa Alliance Members Protest GOP Plans for Seniors
Discussing Medicaid at a recent campaign event in Iowa, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said he was not familiar with the program before he entered government at age 55, adding parenthetically, “by the way, I’m concerned about the poor.” Speaking on a conference call with reporters, Alliance Executive Director Edward F. Coyle said, “Today’s comments show how badly out of touch Mitt Romney is with seniors. For a majority of seniors, Medicaid is the only way to afford nursing home and long-term care. It may not mean much to someone like Mitt Romney, but for seniors, it is literally a matter of life and death.”

Iowa Alliance members joined with local labor activists outside the final candidate debate before the January 3 caucuses, protesting the forum participants’ stances on Social Security. These include raising the retirement age, cutting benefits, and giving Wall Street firms a prominent role in a privatized Social Security system. The protest was covered by local media. For the latest on where the GOP candidates stand on Social Security, click here for a new fact sheet prepared by the Strengthen Social Security campaign, a coalition in which the Alliance plays a leading role.

Commenting on what the elections mean for retirees, Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling wrote in this week’s Huffington Post that, “the current field of GOP presidential candidates offers little solace to seniors who are worried that their Medicare and Social Security, or that of their kids and grandkids, will be sacrificed to pay for even more tax breaks for those least in need.” Please share the column, “When the Going Gets Tough, Seniors Must Get Voting.”

Walmart’s Health Insurance Changes Bad for Older Workers
Responding to published reports that Walmart will be significantly increasing the burden of health care costs it places on associates, Ms. Easterling recently wrote to the company’s CEO, Mike Duke. “I am particularly concerned about older workers who have yet to reach the Medicare eligibility age. People in this age group are often beginning to see medical problems develop or worsen. I worry that these increased health care costs will keep many from seeing a doctor, and make these health problems more serious and costlier. Just think how our nation’s health care costs would go down if those in this age group were to have more affordable, preventive medical care during this critical period of their lives,” she said in her letter. The Alliance encouraged Walmart to meet with OUR Walmart http://forrespect.org/, an employee organization, to hear their concerns and respond to their proposed solutions for improving working conditions at the nation’s largest private sector employer.

84 year-old Loses Right to Vote, Sues to Block New Voter ID Law
Under a new law pushed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, 84 year-old Ruthelle Frank of Brokaw, WI (pop. 107) has lost the right to vote. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Frank does not have a driver’s license, and lacks a birth certificate needed to get a state identification card. She does however have Social Security and Medicare cards, as well as a baptism certificate. Even if she were to pay $20 to get a birth certificate, her maiden name was misspelled by the attending physician at her home birth. To rectify this, she would need to petition the courts and pay a $200 fee. Frank, an elected member of her Village Board since 1996, recently became a plaintiff in a lawsuit to block the new law, which is similar to proposals in other states. “Our generation, and those who came before us, fought and died for the right to vote. We cannot let politicians take this away,” said Ruben J. Burks, Alliance Secretary-Treasurer. For the latest developments on voting rights, visit http://www.lawyerscommittee.org/projects/voting_rights.

Happy Holidays from the Alliance
In our final edition of Friday Alert until January 6, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for the holiday season and thank you for your outstanding activism in 2011.

In 2011 we once again faced strong threats to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. But thanks to the powerful voice of activists across the country, seniors were spared from terribly unjust and painful cuts to these programs by the deficit reduction “Super Committee” on Capitol Hill. Please see our website for photos and videos of all you did this year.

As we head into the 2012 elections and a new session of Congress, we will need to be as educated and active as we can to protect and strengthen all that we have helped to achieve. Thank you for all you do to help your fellow retirees. We look forward to working with you in 2012.

Barbara J. Easterling Ruben J. Burks Edward F. Coyle
President Secretary Treasurer Executive Director

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Wyden-Ryan Medicare Plan Would Raise Premiums for Seniors

David Blank — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:56:44 -0500

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), a leader in the fight to privatize Medicare, unveiled a new approach on Thursday in order to save money on the federal health program. According to Politico, the proposal has some key differences from the Ryan blueprint that Republicans had rallied around earlier this year — and which Democrats have criticized as the beginning of the end of Medicare. Working with Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), Ryan is developing a framework that would allow seniors to choose between staying in traditional Medicare or opting into new, private plan alternatives. Wyden is the first Democrat on Capitol Hill to so strongly embrace a modification of Ryan’s approach. Seniors would receive a set amount of money from the government to buy private insurance - vouchers - as they would under the Medicare proposal Ryan included in the budget blueprint that passed the House last year. The new proposal still installs a cap on total Medicare spending; under the Ryan-Wyden approach, seniors would have to pay the difference between the sticker price for care and the premium support or subsidy, although low-income people would get more help.

Ryan and Wyden said they would not draft legislation, since Ryan does not expect action on major issues such as Medicare until a new Congress is seated in 2013. However, they said that by forcing private insurers to bid to provide Medicare coverage and encouraging beneficiaries to choose the plan with the lowest costs, the measure could drive down costs. To see the full Politico article on the proposal, go to http://bit.ly/vebSnm. “We’ve been to this rodeo before. Once again, guaranteed benefits would be replaced with vouchers,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “It’s like handing every senior one single dollar and saying, ‘spend it however you like’ – then bragging about how much money the government is saving.”

Payroll Tax Cut and Doc Fix Update

The focus on the payroll tax cut is shifting to the Senate, now that the House has ignored a White House veto threat and approved a payroll tax cut bill that opens the door for an oil pipeline and spending cuts that Democrats oppose. The House approved the Republican bill Tuesday by 234-193. For a tally of the vote, go to http://1.usa.gov/ssvp1A. If the House and Senate don’t agree on a plan to approve the payroll tax cut extension by Dec. 31, workers would pay a 6.2 percent Social Security tax on the first $110,100 of wages, up from 4.2 percent this year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the legislation passed by the House cannot pass in his Democratic-run chamber. Reid and Republican leaders are about $90 billion apart on a deal to extend the payroll tax holiday, the centerpiece of President Obama’s jobs agenda, according to a senior Senate aide. In case they are unable to reach a bigger deal, Reid and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) are also working on a two-month backstop to save average middle-class families from a $1,000 tax increase and keep unemployment benefits from running out. According to The Hill, the fail-safe measure would also protect doctors from scheduled cuts in Medicare reimbursements.

Early Retiree Health Care Program’s Funding to End This Month

The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP) is a program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) which provides reimbursement to eligible sponsors of employment-based plans for a portion of the costs of providing health coverage to early retirees (and eligible spouses, surviving spouses, and dependents of such retirees). However, CMS has decided that, based on the remaining available funds, ERRP reimbursement requests that include claims incurred after Dec. 31, 2011 will be denied in their entirety. The CMS decision is based on the actual availability of remaining appropriated ERRP funds and the rate at which reimbursements have been disbursed, as opposed to the projected amounts of ERRP reimbursements that applicants listed in their ERRP applications. $5 billion had been available under the program, and that fund has been exhausted.

Fair Pay for Home Care Workers May Be Coming Soon

The 18th initiative in President Obama's “We Can't Wait” campaign against Congress has the Department of Labor proposing a rule that will allow nearly 2 million home care workers to qualify for federal wage and overtime protections. “Home care workers are essential in providing at-home care for our nation’s elderly and disabled citizens; their job has evolved to include health care services, such as managing medications and monitoring vital signs,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. Yet, the average home care worker earns $17,000 to $20,000 a year - more than the $7.25-per-hour minimum wage, but low enough to put many beneath the poverty line and enable them to qualify for public assistance. This new rule would ensure that home health care workers receive the same minimum wage and overtime protections as virtually all other working people. The nation's over-65 population is projected to grow from 40 million to 72 million by 2030; the government estimates that 27 million Americans will need home care by 2050. By allowing fair pay and overtime, the home care industry will be able to attract new workers while reducing turnover among existing employees.

Voter Suppression Continues to Rear its Ugly Head in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania

A federal lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Milwaukee alleging that Wisconsin's new voter ID law is unconstitutional and will deprive people of the right to vote. The suit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, claims top state officials, including Gov. Scott Walker, have created a poll tax and other obstacles that present a “severe and undue burden on the fundamental right to vote.” In October, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network had filed suit.

For video footage of Pennsylvania Alliance President Jean Friday speaking out against voter suppression efforts in her state, go to http://bit.ly/tx5wJv.

New Hampshire Alliance Chapter Works to Protect Funding for Seniors

Santa's seniors are making a special holiday delivery to Rep. Charlie Bass (R) in New Hampshire today. The New Hampshire Alliance is bringing Rep. Bass post cards, petitions and personal stories that ask him to protect Social Security and Medicare. Volunteers are sitting down with him in order to hold him accountable for being on the wrong side of important senior issues.

Editor’s Note: The next Friday Alert will be published on Thursday, December 22. Happy Holidays!

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Payroll Tax Cut, “Doc Fix” Likely to be Rolled into One Catch-All Package

Laura Markwardt — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:07:17 -0500

Elected officials are discussing several competing plans to cut the payroll tax that is used to fund the Social Security Trust Fund. The employee share of the tax is scheduled to go back to 6.2% on January 1, from a current rate of 4.2%, if no legislation is passed, and President Obama wants to lower the tax to 3.1% next year. A Democratic-written bill in the Senate would lower the rate to that 3.1% level. It is financed chiefly by a 1.9% surtax on income over $1 million, a proposal that is almost universally opposed by Republicans, and GOP senators are expected to defeat the measure.

A House bill would drop next year’s payroll tax to 4.2% - this year’s level. It would be financed by extending the current pay freeze on federal workers through 2015 and many other, smaller savings, including charging higher Medicare premiums to higher-earning seniors.

Bipartisan concerns that extending the payroll-tax cut would weaken Social Security are complicating the effort to allow the tax break for workers. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I - Vt.), a leading liberal voice, last week voted against a Democratic bill to extend the tax cut. That put him on the same side as Sens. Jon Kyl of Arizona, the No. 2 Senate Republican, and Jerry Moran (R - Kan.), a member of the tea-party caucus. “If you do it for two years, you know what it's probably going to be harder to break that habit in the third year,” Sen. Sanders said, adding, “in which case you've got a permanent process by which you've cut the payroll tax and diverted huge sums of money.”

Republican and Democratic aides predicted in Roll Call that the payroll tax cut will be extended by Congress in an end-of-the-year catch-all package that is likely to include extensions of unemployment benefits and increased Medicare payments to doctors. If no action is taken on the Medicare reimbursement rate for doctors, it would fall by a whopping 27% on January 1.

Mitt Romney Elaborates on Medicare
Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney clarified his plan to partially privatize the Medicare program during an interview with the Washington Examiner’s editorial board Wednesday morning, suggesting that he would allow Congress to vote on the amount of “premium support” credits (or vouchers) seniors receive to buy health care coverage every year. Like House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), Romney, the former Governor of Massachusetts, seeks to gradually privatize the Medicare program for future enrollees by shifting seniors into private coverage and issuing everyone a “voucher” with which to purchase insurance. The plan also preserves the traditional Medicare option — known as fee-for-service — and seniors would be given a choice between using their vouchers towards the existing Medicare program or private insurance.

According to the web site www.thinkprogress.org [see actual article at http://bit.ly/usamBO], “the government’s vouchers won’t keep up with premium increases, and as a result, seniors who cannot afford to pay anything above the government contribution may be stuck in cheaper and perhaps lower quality health plans that contract with lower quality providers or cover fewer expensive tests and procedures.” During the interview, Romney reiterated that the voucher would not grow with health care spending and hinted that Congress would be responsible for approving voucher increases annually.

“Governor Romney is proposing to let the impulses of Congress, which the vast majority of the country sees as a dysfunctional body, create great uncertainty for America’s seniors,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

“In addition, Romney wants to partially privatize Medicare and turn it into a voucher system that shifts costs to retirees,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “He has even proposed changing Medicare from a guaranteed program and turning it into one that Congress would have to vote annually to fund. That means the value of the vouchers that seniors would depend on to buy private insurance could vary each year based on the mood of Congress, leading to more gridlock.”

Health Care Law Has Saved the Average Senior $569 on Prescriptions in 10 Months
More than 2.65 million Medicare beneficiaries have saved more than $1.5 billion on their prescriptions this year, a $569-per-person average, while premiums have remained stable, the federal government announced on Tuesday. That's because of the provision of the health care law that put a 50% discount on name-brand prescription drugs in the “doughnut hole,” the coverage gap that exists before catastrophic coverage begins. Before the health care law took effect, Medicare patients had to pay full price for their prescriptions once they reached that gap. Drug companies now must provide the 50% discount in order to participate in the prescription plan. The prescription data are through the end of October. As of the end of November, more than 24 million people, or about half of those with traditional Medicare, have gone in for a free annual physical or other screening exam since the rules changed, allowing those benefits to be offered at no cost to patients.

Something on Your Mind? Write Letter, Win Pen!
Have an opinion about the 2012 elections? Is there something you want other seniors in your community to know about? Take a moment to write a letter to the editor, and if it is published, the Alliance will send you a free, union-made “Retirees with the Write Stuff” pen. “Letters to the editor are free and are often widely read by one’s neighbors,” said Alliance Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks. “Given the wealthy, corporate interests of Wall Street that we face, it’s nice to have an option that doesn’t cost money.”

In the last few months, Mel Aaronson, Lou Albano, Sam Burnett, Leon Burzynski, Tony Fransetta, Dave Friesner, David Jones, Lewis Neuman, Jr., John Pernorio, Donald Singer, Margot Smith, Dennis Tracey, Norm Wernet and Charlie Williams have contributed to their local papers. If you had a letter published recently, please email aracommunications@retiredamericans.org.

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With Super Committee Deadline Passed, December Brings More Decisions

David Blank — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:11:26 -0500

The November 23rd deadline for the Super Committee to vote on a legislative proposal that achieves $1.2 - $1.5 trillion in savings has come and gone without producing any type of report. “We dodged a bullet, but we’re not out of the woods. Attempts to cut Social Security and Medicare could come back awfully soon, as Congress and the Administration continue to look for ways to meet deficit reduction goals,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. Alliance members made more than 2,500 patch-through calls to five Super Committee members who represented them legislatively. Over 240 Alliance members then dialed in for a conference call on Wednesday, November 30^th, a national conversation with leaders and advocates about a collective strategy, next steps, and what the month of December should look like.

Employees and employers pay into the Social Security system through a payroll tax, and last year, Congress passed legislation to reduce payroll taxes for workers by 2%, to 4.2%. House Republicans are now drafting legislation to renew an expiring unemployment benefits program, and intend to add it to a planned extension of that Social Security payroll tax cut, due to run out on Dec. 31. Senate Democrats held a vote late Thursday on their plan, which would have halved the payroll tax from 6.2% to 3.1% and would be paid for with a surcharge of 3.25% on earnings above $1 million. That vote failed, as did a Republican Senate alternative. Republican and Democratic leaders have begun discussions on legislation to avert a 27% cut in payments to doctors who treat Medicare patients. The measure has bipartisan support. Lawmakers are eager to adjourn for the year at mid-month.

Beware RetireSafe, a Front Group for the Pharmaceutical Industry

This fall, a little-known group called RetireSafe honored more than 20 vulnerable Republican Members of Congress for supporting seniors. According to Roll Call, the operation is led by “former Bush and Reagan administration officials, small-government activists and pharmaceutical industry lobbyists and consultants.” It is funded at least in part by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the drug industry’s chief lobbying group, and has served to validate the industry’s agenda. RetireSafe’s awards provided these Republicans with valuable political cover for supporting controversial bills, such as the budget proposed by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) that would have dramatically revamped Medicare. Federal records show that the bulk of RetireSafe’s expenditures, about $2.2 million, go to direct mail such as a flier that voters in Michigan received this fall praising freshman Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Mich.) for protecting Medicare Part D. Other Republican freshmen who have won awards from RetireSafe include Reps. Jon Runyan (N.J.), Allen West (Fla.) and Paul Gosar (Ariz.). RetireSafe currently is opposing Democratic efforts to require drug manufacturers to pay a rebate to the government for drugs sold to low-income seniors through Medicare Part D. The move is strongly opposed by the pharmaceutical industry. “This is the latest example of a front group forming to try to fool seniors. Well, I’m here to say we won’t be fooled!” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Gingrich and Romney Differ in Ways to Cut Programs for Seniors

Rising in the polls for the Republican nomination for President, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has laid out a plan that would give Americans the option of having a private Social Security account – a proposal similar to the partial privatization that President George W. Bush proposed in 2005. Under Gingrich’s proposal, part of the employee-funded portion could be invested in a personal savings account. According to The Boston Globe, Gingrich attacked those who like Social Security in its current form, saying, “If you are dumb enough that you prefer to get less money with less control while relying on politicians, that’s your prerogative. You’re an American. You’re allowed to be dumb.”

The Globe also reports that presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s plan to rein in federal Medicare spending would give the nation’s seniors a choice: choose government insurance or use a federal voucher to buy medical insurance from private companies. Seniors would be exposed to potential costs that they do not pay now. The Globe calls Romney’s plan “vague on politically sensitive points.” It does not spell out what share of premiums seniors would be required to pay from their pockets. While Romney proposes increasing the eligibility age for future Medicare enrollees from the current 65, he does not say what the new age should be. “Whether it’s leaving out details or trying a plan that has already been rejected, some of the presidential hopefuls are showing that they are poor candidates for seniors,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Census Data Shows 65 – 69 Age Group is Growing the Fastest

On Wednesday, the U.S. Bureau of the Census released data from the 2010 census on the American population over 65. The census found that there are 40.3 million Americans over 65, an increase of nearly 8 million from the 2000 census. Seniors now compose 13% of the population. America’s older population grew at a 15.1% rate while the population as a whole grew at a lower rate of 9.7%. The greatest growth occurred in the number of people 65-69, reflecting the aging of the Baby Boom generation. The five states with the greatest percentage of people over 65 are: Florida (17.3%); West Virginia (16.0%); Maine (15.9%); Pennsylvania (15.4%); and Iowa (14.9%). Sumter County, Florida, which includes The Villages retirement complex, has the highest county population of seniors at 43.4%. The city of Scottsdale, AZ has the highest city percentage of seniors at 20.0%. For more information on seniors and the 2010 census, go to http://bit.ly/rNHMxM.

Frank Stella Elected President of the Maryland-DC Alliance

On November 19, Frank Stella was elected President of the Maryland-DC Alliance at the group’s convention in Silver Spring, MD. Speakers included Member of the Super Committee and U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), and Mr. Coyle. On December 1, Coyle traveled to Phoenix, Arizona for a meeting of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Executive Board.

Alliance’s Midwest Convention to Take Place in Milwaukee

Join us for the Alliance's Midwest Regional meeting, March 5-7, 2012 at the Milwaukee Hilton in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! To RSVP, or for more information, please call Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org.

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Super Committee Negotiations Go Down to the Wire

David Blank — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:18:06 -0500

Just five days before the deadline for a deficit reduction deal, the Super Committee dealing with the nation’s budget deficit in Congress still did not seem close to reaching an agreement on tax reforms and spending cuts. According to CNN, 72 conservative House Republicans made public their opposition to any Super Committee agreement that includes tax increases. Such a large voting bloc in the Republican majority means Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) would need support from Democrats to get a deal that contains tax increases to pass the House. Democrats said they would not accept Republican demands to raise the Medicare eligibility age to 67, lower cost-of-living increases for Social Security beneficiaries, and permanently reduce all income tax rates. The special joint congressional committee has until November 23 to come up with a plan. A majority of the panel's 12 members, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, need to agree on savings of at least $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years. If they reach a deal, then Congress will have until December 23 to vote on it without amending it. A failure to pass any agreement would result in $1.2 trillion in automatic across-the-board spending cuts starting in 2013, evenly divided between defense and non-defense spending.

On Monday, Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) sent a letter to the Chairman (Rep. Sam Johnson, R-TX) and Ranking Member (Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-CA) of the Social Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Ways and Means. He requested a hearing to examine the social impact of adopting the chained consumer price index (C-CPI) to calculate Social Security cost of living adjustments (COLA). While the proposal is rumored to be under consideration by the Super Committee, the chained CPI has undergone little scrutiny in Congress.

On Thursday on Capitol Hill, Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and other elected officials spoke at a rally to tell Congress to support jobs - not Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security cuts. Alliance members Brenda Kelley Nelum of Woodbridge, Virginia and Kenyon Pease of Fairfax, Virginia also spoke at the event, which gathered a great deal of media coverage. Alliance members have one last chance before the November 23 Super Committee deadline to tell Senators to “stand with the 99%, not the 1%,” and oppose all cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - including the Social Security COLA cut. The phone number is 1-866-251-4044. For suggested talking points, go to http://strengthensocialsecurity.org/callcongress. Learn more about the “Super Committee” and threats to Social Security and Medicare by going to: http://www.retiredamericans.org/issues/Super_Committee.

Brown-Mikulski-Merkley Bill Would Help Seniors by Changing Social Security COLA

On Wednesday, Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced S. 1876, the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act. It is a bill to change the Social Security COLA to what is called the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) formula. “Retirees spend more of their financial resources on health care and housing than the general population. Because health care inflation rates, in particular, have been much higher than general inflation during the past twenty years, the current formula used to calculate the Social Security annual COLA does not accurately reflect the everyday costs that seniors face. This legislation would be a financial help to seniors by addressing the existing disparity in calculating the COLA formula,” said David Friesner, President of the Ohio Alliance and a constituent of Sen. Brown. The bill comes at a crucial time, given news stories about the Super Committee’s possible plans to adjust the COLA downward, and is a counterweight to those frightening reports.

Regional Meetings Begin in February

Be sure to hold the following dates for the Alliance’s 2012 Regional Meetings:

Western Regional: February 29 – March 2, 2012
Las Vegas, Nevada - Bally’s Hotel

Midwest Regional: March 5-8, 2012
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Hilton Hotel Milwaukee

Southern Regional: April 29 – May 1, 2012
Orlando, Florida – Buena Vista Palace Hotel
Northeastern Regional: May 14-16, 2012
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Sheraton City Center Hotel

Additional information will be coming soon. Questions? Please call Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org.

Alliance Activists Take to the Streets, Community

As the Super Committee nears its deadline, Alliance activists this week made their voices heard all across the country. At events ranging from protests and rallies in California, Arizona and Texas to Social Security and Medicare forums in Iowa, Florida, and New York, to a state convention in West Virginia, Alliance members educated their local community on issues facing current and future retirees. Watch the Arizona Alliance on the TV news in Phoenix at http://bit.ly/syghWL. “From city sidewalks to senior centers in small towns, Alliance members are out there every single week, fighting for social and economic justice,” said Ruben Burks, the Alliance’s Secretary-Treasurer.

AFSCME President and Alliance Supporter Gerald McEntee to Retire

Gerald McEntee, who has guided the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees as its President since 1981, announced in a recent letter that he would not seek another four-year term at the union’s convention next summer. In response, Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance, congratulated Mr. McEntee and said, “Workers and retirees everywhere owe you a debt of gratitude for all that you have done. Through your strong support for both AFSCME retirees and the Alliance for Retired Americans, you have helped grow the political strength of retirees within the labor movement. Your generous support for the Alliance has built lasting bridges between union and community-based retirees.”

Editor’s Note: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next Friday Alert will be published on December 2, 2011. The Alliance will send e-mail updates on the Super Committee as needed.

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Ohio Voters Reject the Politics of Scapegoating

David Blank — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:19:17 -0500

On Tuesday, voters in Ohio delivered a blow to Gov. John Kasich (R) and rejected his attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from public employees. A whopping 61% of the Ohio electorate voted to repeal SB-5 by saying “no” on Issue 2, as it was presented on the ballot. SB-5 would have taken away the rights that give teachers a voice in the classroom, home health care workers a living wage, and firefighters and police officers a say in staffing and response times for emergencies. Public service employees can now continue to use collective bargaining to sit down on a level playing field with management to discuss issues of customer service, safety, and staffing. The public services provided by state and local public employees are a lifeline to seniors across the state who want to live healthy, independent lives and remain in their own homes and communities as long as possible. According to Hart Research Associates, Ohio’s union members overwhelmingly rejected Issue Two, 86%-14%. But non-union members also voted “no” on Issue Two, 52% to 48%. Voters over 60 voted “No,” 58%-42%.

Following the vote, David Friesner, President of the Ohio Alliance, said, “The Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans is pleased Ohio voters chose to reject the politics of jealousy, belittlement, and scapegoating.” He added, “As union retirees, we know firsthand how collective bargaining helps earn the wages and benefits that support families and build strong, stable communities. Collective bargaining directly affects retirement - the better you work, the better you retire.”

“I am deeply troubled at how Issue 2 maligned those who make our communities better, safer places,” added Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Super Committee Tries to Make November 23 Deadline

According to The New York Times [ http://nyti.ms/tvOoRO ], members of the “Super Committee,” Congressional panel on deficit reduction “are no longer trying just to solve the nation’s fiscal problems. Some are desperately trying to avoid blame for the possible collapse” of the process. Republicans, long opposed to tax increases, said on Tuesday that they might allow $250 billion to $300 billion of additional tax revenue as part of a deal to shave $1.2 trillion from federal deficits over the next 10 years. Democrats were quick to dismiss the offer because, they said, it came with a proposal that would permanently reduce individual income tax rates, including those for the most affluent Americans. Members of both parties said Tuesday that they saw a glimmer of hope that the panel could strike a deal and vote on its recommendations by the statutory deadline of Nov. 23. Democrats said they worried that the ideas floated by Republicans might be largely a public relations gesture.

The latest Republican proposal calls for a gradual increase in the age of eligibility for Medicare, to 67 from 65, and the use of an alternative measure of inflation, the Chained CPI, that would reduce annual cost-of-living adjustments in Social Security benefits. Some of the new revenue under the Republican proposal would come from limiting tax breaks that primarily benefit upper-income households. Some would come from other sources like higher Medicare premiums for high-income people and sales of federal lands. “This plan would provide the very wealthiest Americans with one of the largest tax rate cuts ever,” a Democratic aide said.

The Alliance is calling members who are represented by Super Committee members, Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Pat Toomey (R-PA) as well as Reps. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and James Clyburn (D-SC), with the opportunity to pass a call through directly to the proper elected official’s office. “If you get a call, please follow the instructions and send a message to our elected officials not to balance the budget on the backs of seniors,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Illinois Alliance Works with Sen. Durbin, Rep. Schakowsky, and Others

On Monday in Chicago, Illinois Alliance members joined the “Occupy Chicago” demonstration to speak out against cuts to Medicare and Social Security. The protest - attended by Sen. Dick Durbin and Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Danny Davis, Mike Quigley, all Democrats from Illinois - received waves of media coverage [http://bit.ly/sxz8Cu].

The next day, the Illinois Alliance joined Rep. Schakowsky and the group Latinos for a Secure Retirement in releasing a new report, The High Cost to Illinois of Raising the Medicare Age [http://bit.ly/sstB7k], on a conference call with reporters. The report details the catastrophic effects of increasing the Medicare eligibility age to 67. Such a change would increase overall health care costs and shift these increased expenses to individuals, employers and state governments, costing Illinois around $524 million per year. By contrast, creating a Medicare offered Part D prescription drug benefit with negotiated prices could reduce federal government expenses by $20 billion a year while also reducing out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2011, introduced by Sen. Durbin and Rep. Schakowsky, would do just that. Barbara Franklin, President of the Illinois Alliance, said, “When I hear politicians saying ‘Let’s cut Medicare’ or ‘Let’s give seniors vouchers for health care instead of Medicare,’ I think they should walk in our shoes for a day and try surviving on that same amount.”

Florida Alliance President Tony Fransetta is doing a similar call today with Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL). A copy of the Florida report is available at http://bit.ly/sMg6yC.

New Mexico Alliance Works to Save Seniors from Medicaid Cuts

On Wednesday night, the New Mexico Alliance joined with the groups Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, Raging Grannies, and others to ask Governor Susana Martinez (R) not to cut Medicaid benefits - or raise co-payments or premiums - as she plans Medicaid’s re-design statewide. To see more, including AFT retiree Tena Prescott, who has been active in planning the event, as well as pictures of the delivery of 500 photo invitations to Gov. Martinez to this meeting, go to http://bit.ly/uDXF2U and http://bit.ly/rX8USt.

New on the Alliance Web Site

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, Family Caregivers Month and Hospice Month. Check out http://bit.ly/vALaql for key links and more information!

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Washington Post Misleads Seniors on Social Security

David Blank — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:58:52 -0400

Washington Post Misleads Seniors on Social Security

The Washington Post published a Halloween-Eve front page “Prediction of Doom” feature piece riddled with misleading statements and inaccuracies about Social Security and its financial footing [http://wapo.st/tuG2Jy]. The 12-member panel is less than a month away from its deadline for finding at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction, but it’s said to be looking for closer to $4 trillion. “The timing was particularly bad, because we’re in the homestretch of the Super Committee negotiations,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. In a letter to the editor, Mr. Coyle wrote, “Your October 30 feature ‘The debt fallout: How Social Security went ‘cash negative’ earlier than expected’ not only contained misleading information about Social Security, but falsely connects the program to the federal budget deficit...(There) is enough money to fully pay benefits through 2036, and if we were to require millionaires to pay the same proportion of Social Security taxes as middle class workers, the Trust Fund would be sound well toward the end of this century.” The group Media Matters posted a thorough debunking of the Washington Post story at http://bit.ly/uPVLDu.

Super Committee Taking Hard Look at Social Security, Medicare Cuts

Politico reports that the Super Committee, charged with drastically reducing the nation’s budget deficit, is taking a serious look at Social Security and Medicare. On Tuesday, former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) and former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, as well as founding Director of the Congressional Budget Office Alice Rivlin and former Senate Budget Chairman Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) testified at a public hearing before the Committee about their two sweeping bipartisan budget plans. The Simpson-Bowles and Rivlin-Domenici frameworks contain major Social Security and Medicare cuts in addition to tax code overhauls.

Mr. Bowles, the co-chairman of President Obama’s fiscal commission, offered a range of possible Medicare cuts, from policies like provider cuts to highly charged proposals such as a public insurance option. “I don’t know why in the world you wouldn’t have Medicare negotiate” prescription drug prices, Bowles said, while also calling for aggressive tort reform. In addition, he said he would support raising the Medicare eligibility age, which the fiscal commission did not recommend. Bowles proposes saving $200 billion by using a less generous formula – the Chained CPI (Consumer Price Index) - to calculate cost-of-living adjustments in Social Security. To see how such a plan would hurt seniors, go to http://bit.ly/skmv0w.

Dr. Rivlin and former Sen. Domenici presented the Committee with a new model for Medicare “premium support.” Their proposal would give seniors a choice to either take their Medicare benefits in the form of a voucher for private insurance or remain in the existing program. However, Congressional Democrats strongly resisted earlier proposals to convert Medicare entirely into a premium-support system. Democratic Super Committee members also raised questions about Rivlin and Domenici’s new plan.

“All four witnesses have a track record of being willing to cut senior programs severely,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

The Alliance’s Halloween: Spotlighting Politicians’ Tricks & Treats

Since Arizona Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) is a member of the Super Committee, Arizona Alliance members dressed up for Halloween to protest possible cuts in Social Security and Medicare. To see the photos, go to http://bit.ly/vq1Id1.

Mr. Coyle joined Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV) and two Nevada seniors on a conference call with reporters on Wednesday to highlight the anti-senior voting record of U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) on Social Security and Medicare. Coyle said, “Sen. Heller says that he is a friend of seniors, but his voting record says otherwise. Dean Heller voted against a one-time $250 payment to help seniors. $250 may be just dinner and drinks for Dean Heller’s Wall Street donors, but to seniors in Nevada and across the country, it would have made a real difference.”

Both the Iowa and South Carolina Alliance chapters will have held educational forums for seniors on national and state issues by the end of this week. The Iowa Alliance joined the group “Know Your Care” on Wednesday in Des Moines for a public forum on strengthening Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina Alliance members will be gathering in Myrtle Beach tomorrow for a forum that will encompass Social Security, Medicare, debt reduction, the Super Committee recommendations, Medicaid, financial security for seniors in a volatile market, identity theft, and senior scams. Richard Fiesta, Director of the Department of Government and Political Affairs for the Alliance, spoke at the Vermont Alliance convention last Saturday.

Retirees Support “Occupy Cleveland”

A video shows Ohio Alliance members, led by Wynne Antonio and John Gallo, visiting with “Occupy Cleveland” protesters, sharing their lessons from lifelong activism and offering their support and encouragement. To view it, go to http://bit.ly/tAYZ3F. Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling - an Ohio native - said of the video, “What a great show of inter-generational activism this event was. Retirees know firsthand how Wall Street greed and gambling has devastated retirement savings for millions of Americans. We can never let Wall Street get their hands on a privatized Social Security system.”

Obama to Speed up Production of Life-Saving Drugs

On Monday, President Obama signed an Executive Order that will help prevent shortages that lead to prescription drug price gouging and direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate illegal price gouging. Drug shortages drive vendors to charge outrageous prices for drugs - one report found that price-gouging vendors mark up prices on drugs in short supply by 650 percent on average. The Executive Order directs the FDA to expand reporting about situations that might lead to drug shortages, and also to work with the Department of Justice to investigate illegal price gouging.

Editor’s Note: Due to Veterans Day, the next Friday Alert will be published on Thursday, November 10, 2011.

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Proposed Super Committee Cuts Poised to Weaken State and Local Economies

David Blank — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:29:21 -0400

As the “Super Committee” met on Wednesday, Alliance members and other local advocates from the Strengthen Social Security Campaign – a coalition which includes the Alliance – sprung into action. In states represented by the 12-member Committee, the activists released new reports detailing the projected fall-out resulting from the committee’s proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Information on the new reports was discussed at press conferences throughout the nation and in Washington, D.C., where the Super Committee met publicly for the first time in a month. Activists showed that the secret Super Committee could make cuts to over $621 Billion in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits in their states. In the eleven Super Committee states represented, 20.3 million Americans receive Social Security, 18.5 million Americans receive Medicare, and 21.4 million Americans receive Medicaid. Go to http://bit.ly/o7LNqS to view the reports. At a press conference in front of Rep. Jeb Hensarling’s office in Dallas on Thursday, the Texas Alliance unveiled a report, issued jointly with the Strengthen Social Security campaign, detailing the number of Texas Congressional District 5 residents who rely on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, as well as information on the economic impact and jobs the programs support in Texas. The report was then delivered to the office of Hensarling, who is co-chair of the Super Committee. Alliance members shared their personal stories with the press at similar events this week in Phoenix, Tucson and Scottsdale, Arizona; Columbus, Ohio; and York, Pennsylvania. In California, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, Alliance members also shared their personal stories on tele-conference calls with reporters.

Conyers Resolution Gains Attention as More Super Committee Plans Emerge

On Monday, the Strengthen Social Security Campaign sent a letter to House Members urging them to co-sponsor a resolution introduced by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI). The resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction should not propose any cuts in benefits to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. With respect to Social Security, “no benefit cuts” includes no increase in Social Security’s retirement age and no reduction in its cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) by adopting the “Chained CPI” (Consumer Price Index). The letter is at http://bit.ly/sPMFzD. To see how the Chained CPI would harm seniors, go to http://bit.ly/skmv0w.

The effort may be coming just in time. According to The Washington Post, Democrats on the joint deficit reduction committee on Tuesday discussed “a plan that would pare the deficit by almost $3 trillion over 10 years through a roughly even mix of spending cuts and revenue increases.” The proposal, presented to the Super Committee by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) linked additional discretionary appropriations cuts - including some from defense - with about $500 billion in savings from Medicare and Medicaid combined, according to aides familiar with the committee’s deliberations. The package includes cutting Medicare benefits for recipients and changing the Social Security COLA formula to the Chained CPI formula, which will reduce the COLA for beneficiaries immediately. Republicans had a counterproposal that also included the Chained CPI.

Medicare 2012 Part B Premium and Deductible Announced

On Thursday, HHS and CMS officials announced the 2012 Medicare Part B premium and deductible. Both went down from the 2011 levels. To read the HHS news release - which states that the standard Part B monthly premium for 2012 will be $99.90, only a $3.50 monthly increase for beneficiaries who had been paying $96.40 for the last two years - go to http://1.usa.gov/vDuvdF. The Part B annual deductible in 2012 will be $140, a decrease of $22. “The lower numbers are the result of the improvements made by the Affordable Care Act, and I hope Alliance members will remind their friends of that fact,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Rick Perry Reveals More of His Plans; Mitt Romney Officially Files for First Primary

Texas governor and Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry has released an economic plan full of long-held conservative goals, including personal accounts for Social Security, an optional flat tax, and major spending cuts. Fellow Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has proposed raising the retirement age to reform Social Security. On Monday, current and future Social Security beneficiaries from the New Hampshire Alliance and NH Citizens Alliance called on Romney to tell the truth about his plans for Social Security when he visited the State House to file for the state Presidential Primary.

Alliance Members Stand with AFGE Employees

Thousands of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Social Security employees are protesting recent proposals from Congress that would cut the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) operational budget. Alliance members supported AFGE employees at dozens of events across the country on Thursday. This year, SSA is losing 3,500 federal and state employees who operate local offices, process new claims and conduct disability reviews. SSA has also indefinitely suspended mailing Social Security statements. “Seniors and the disabled rely on AFGE workers to ensure that their Social Security benefits are administered properly,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “These particular cuts are penny-wise and pound-foolish, because they will cause turmoil where there is now efficiency.”

Alliance Leaders outside the Beltway

Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance, spoke at the Machinists Union Metro Seniors Council meeting in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Monday. Ms. Easterling spoke at a planning meeting for the Virginia Alliance in Richmond on Wednesday.

Alliance Activity in New England: New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont

At the New Hampshire Alliance’s convention this week, Louis Remi Gendron, board member of the NH Alliance, was presented with the Thomas C. Deary Award. The senior advocacy award is presented biennially to a volunteer for “fighting the good fight” for seniors. The Connecticut Alliance held their annual fundraising luncheon, which was supported by the state AFL-CIO and a long list of affiliated unions, on Monday. The event was also a call to action on Super Committee work. More than 100 people attended. The Vermont Alliance’s convention takes place tomorrow.

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Coyle: Let Us Make Sure this 3.6% Raise is not the Last Social Security COLA Ever

David Blank — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:27:50 -0400

Social Security recipients will get a 3.6% increase in benefits next year, their first raise since 2009, federal government officials announced on Wednesday. Alliance Executive Director Edward F. Coyle responded to the news in a press release. “Seniors are pleased by today’s announcement of a 3.6 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries. After two years of no increase, this will help retirees be better able to pay their bills and stay healthy. But today’s news is tempered by reports that the congressional ‘Super Committee’ is considering changes to Social Security that will severely hinder retirees’ ability to keep pace with the rising cost of living.” Coyle continued, “Today’s COLA is good news for retirees, but I worry that it could be the last one many seniors ever see. Workers and retirees must mobilize to protect the Social Security benefits millions of seniors count on to make ends meet.” Go to http://bit.ly/nMe5XW to read his full statement. The inflation that justifies the benefit increase also will raise the amount of income subject to the portion of the payroll tax supporting Social Security. Currently, workers pay taxes on the first $106,800 of income. Starting next year, they will pay it on the first $110,100. Later on Wednesday afternoon, Coyle discussed the COLA on CNN.

An important new analysis from the Social Security Chief Actuary shows that if the Super Committee proposes to cut the Social Security COLA as part of its deficit reduction strategy, it will overwhelmingly affect current beneficiaries. Many politicians from both political parties who have proposed cutting Social Security have promised that current beneficiaries would NOT be affected. However, cutting the Social Security COLA would be a broken promise to those depending on Social Security today. To see the report, go to http://bit.ly/oiS5CC.

Ohio Alliance Takes Action to Repeal SB-5 and Save Collective Bargaining Rights

Ohio Alliance President Dave Friesner and Treasurer Sally Steagall have developed a crew of coordinators and volunteers from local leadership in the effort to repeal SB-5, a state bill that would strip public workers of most of their collective bargaining rights. Mr. Friesner and Ms. Steagall are helping to manage a team of “zone coordinators” throughout the state. Their team has already completed more than 150 presentations to thousands of seniors on the importance of voting No on “Issue 2,” as SB-5 appears on the November 8 ballot. The team has also helped seniors connect with early voting efforts, recruited retiree volunteers for phone banks, and put thousands of pieces of literature into the hands of seniors. Today, Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance, and Mr. Coyle are speaking on a tele-town hall call for Ohio retirees. With only 18 days until the special election, volunteers are preparing to Get Out The Vote. Please contact Alliance Organizer Norm Wernet at 614-224-8271, x1004 or email nwernet@retiredamericans.org to get involved.

Long Term Care “CLASS Act” Screeches to a Halt

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials released a statement last Friday stating that work on the long term care “CLASS Act” is to be suspended. The CLASS Act was a last-minute provision added to health care reform. CLASS, or Community Living Assistance Services and Supports, would provide long term care for beneficiaries by drawing revenue from a voluntary payroll tax. Without a large enough base of healthy participants for the program, HHS would have to increase premiums, driving people away. The Obama Administration is not happy about this suspension. President Obama stands firmly against any action to repeal CLASS. If CLASS gets repealed, it will be more ammunition for the Republicans to push total repeal of health care reform. “The issue of long term care is not going away. We must deal with long term care as a nation,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Alliance out West: Washington State and Nevada Go Inter-Generational

By taking part in an effort called “Just Scrap the Cap,” Washington Alliance members have found a way to reach out to a different generation. Working with Social Security Works Washington and The Economic Opportunity Institute, they are circulating a clever rap video with lyrics suggesting a situation in which a mother and father have to move in with their adult son after endless cuts to their Social Security benefits. It is available at http://bit.ly/qDYWKC. “The video is a creative, inter-generational way to educate the public. Please share it with your children and grandchildren,” said Ms. Easterling.

On Saturday, Nevada Alliance members were among 1,000 demonstrators who took part in the “Occupy Las Vegas” movement, an off-shoot of Occupy Wall Street. During this Las Vegas rally, approximately 30 NARA members participated for hours on end to demand jobs and better health care. View the video at http://bit.ly/nM4OmD.

Alliance in the East: Georgia and Pennsylvania Work with Their State Legislators

Members of the Alliance in the East are also doing their part to ensure that programs beneficial to seniors are recognized and that seniors’ rights are not challenged unfairly. After a tremendous effort from the Georgia Alliance, the Georgia Legislature and Senate recently passed a resolution commemorating Social Security. With a number of Republicans voting in the affirmative, the state bodies commended Social Security for its outstanding contributions to the citizens of Georgia on the 76th anniversary of the program. “The resolution noted that Social Security works for Georgia’s retired workers by providing benefits to over 824,600 residents,” stated Kenny Bradford, President of the Georgia Alliance.

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Alliance and two dozen other groups rallied, protested, and urged the Pennsylvania Senate to defeat House Bill 934, which would adversely affect retirees by requiring voters to produce photo identification every time they vote. Pennsylvania Alliance members also hosted a policy discussion on Social Security, Medicare, and retirement security for America’s middle and working class seniors on Monday in Philadelphia, and on Tuesday in York.

Barbara Easterling: from Long Beach to Long Island

Ms. Easterling was in Long Beach, California this week, speaking at the California Alliance Convention, where she urged seniors to be proactive when it comes to government cuts that could affect Social Security and Medicare. Yesterday, she was on Long Island in New York, giving a speech at the Coalition of Retired Teachers of Long Island luncheon.

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Social Security COLA Increase Finally Coming, but Offset by Medicare Premiums

David Blank — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:59:05 -0400

After two years without an inflation adjustment, the Social Security Administration is expected to announce a 2012 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of more than 3 percent on October 19th. The annual Social Security COLA is determined by a formula that averages inflation for the third quarter, as reflected by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). No COLA was awarded in 2010 or 2011 due to a spike in the third quarter of 2008, which resulted in a 5.8 percent COLA for 2009. By law, subsequent Social Security payments couldn’t rise until the CPI-W exceeded the 2008 level. Many seniors will see a substantial part of the COLA consumed by a higher premium for Medicare Part B (doctor visits and outpatient services), which usually is deducted from Social Security payments. For those who receive the average benefit of $1,177 per month, a 3.5 percent COLA would lift their gross 2012 payment to $1,218. Assuming that the official Part B premium is, as projected, $106.60, seniors could pay $10.20 more monthly for Part B, reducing their net benefit to $1,207 – an increase of 2.63 percent. However, if you are among the one-third of seniors who receive a monthly benefit between $500 and $1,000, that could translate to a COLA of 2.04 percent after Part B premiums. Part B’s impact on Social Security is a reminder that seniors are affected by different types of inflation than the general population, mainly due to medical costs. To learn more, go to http://reut.rs/pr4i0E.

COLAs and the Super Committee

The Congressional Super Committee is said to be taking a hard look at shrinking the national debt through cutting Social Security COLAs, by implementing a formula change using the so-called “chained CPI.” This index reflects changes that consumers make in their purchasing across dissimilar items in response to price changes. The theory is that a spike in gasoline prices will prompt consumers to spend less on fuel, perhaps more on food. And so on. However it has been shown that the current CPI-W measure doesn’t reflect the living costs experienced by the elderly, especially health care costs. The members of the Super Committee are Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) - co-chair; Max Baucus (D-MT); John Kerry (D-MA); Jon Kyl (R-AZ); Pat Toomey (R-PA); and Rob Portman (R-OH); as well as Reps. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) - co-chair; Dave Camp (R- MI); Fred Upton (R-MI); James Clyburn (D-SC); Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). If you are a constituent of one of these elected officials, it’s time to speak up! Send an electronic post card explaining why the Committee should not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid at http://bit.ly/r00CWA.

New Ad Campaign Using Scare Tactics and Misinformation to Confuse Seniors

A group calling itself the American Action Network, chaired by former Republican Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman and initially run by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s (R-VA) former chief of staff, is running a $1.6 million campaign by placing newspaper ads and sending direct mail pieces into a number of states and congressional districts, thanking Republican House and Senate members for defending Medicare against the Obama Administration. However, what they are thanking the Republican members for is actually another windfall for drug companies. The Alliance, as well as many other seniors and consumer groups, supports rebates on prescription drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries whose incomes are low enough that they qualify for Medicaid. These are the “dual-eligibles.” The Obama Administration has proposed allowing these rebates in its recommendations to the Super Committee. In fact, current law is a windfall for the drug industry and the proposal in the President’s recommendations to the Super Committee would eliminate it and save the Medicare program $135 billion over 10 years. The advertisement’s contention that Medicare premiums would increase as a result of this change has been viewed with great skepticism by independent analysts. PolitiFact, a Pulitzer Prize-winning media effort to evaluate political claims, has cited experts from Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and Rutgers who say that the linkage between these prescription drug rebates and higher premiums is highly speculative and vastly overstated. “Sadly, this new campaign aimed at retirees only fuels fear and confusion among the very people it claims to be trying to help,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

‘Occupy Wall Street’ Movement: For the Young and the Young-at-Heart

The movement that began as Occupy Wall Street is now sweeping the nation. It seems that every major city in the country is now being occupied, and retirees are playing a key role. In St. Louis today, retirees are gathering with the unemployed and the young on a march to the arch. Once there, they are examining roads and bridges that are in desperate need of repair; the repair job could give thousands of out-of-work Missourians jobs. Up in New England on Tuesday, seniors held a rally in conjunction with the Occupy Hartford protest to show their support for the Occupy Movement. Down South, retirees came out in both Savannah, Georgia - where they braved gale force winds and steady rain - and West Palm Beach, Florida to protest. Texas Alliance members supported the “Occupy Dallas” movement yesterday in a “Jobs Not Cuts - Make Them Pay!” rally outside Rep. Hensarling’s Dallas office. To see an op-ed about how seniors fit into the Wall Street protests in The Miami Herald by Tony Fransetta, President of the Florida Alliance, go to http://bit.ly/oeu7ae.

Barbara Easterling: On the Road in Nevada and Ohio

The President of the Alliance, Barbara J. Easterling, crisscrossed the country this week raising awareness on key senior issues. Her visits included the University of Akron in Ohio, where she helped organize a rally and spoke on “Issue 2,” or SB-5, a bill passed by the Ohio legislature which takes away collective bargaining rights of public employees. She helped rally support for its repeal in the upcoming election. On Wednesday, she spoke in Cleveland at a retirement dinner for CWA Secretary –Treasurer Jeff Rechenbach. The next day she was in Las Vegas speaking at an American Postal Workers Union Retirees Conference, where she said, “We cannot allow politicians who have never liked Social Security or Medicare to use this budget climate as political cover for ideological attacks on programs that have kept generations of seniors healthy and out of poverty.”

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Tomorrow!

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period beings tomorrow, October 15 and goes through December 7. “Open enrollment is seniors’ chance to review their Medicare choices and pick the plan that works for them, or keep the plan they have today,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. To make that drug and health plan review process easier, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has a rating system for the plans, available at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan.

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Super Committee Could Cut Social Security COLAs with “Chained CPI” Change

David Blank — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:43:32 -0400

According to multiple sources, Members of Congress on the Super Committee charged with reducing the nation’s budget deficit are considering changing the formula that determines the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for future Social Security recipients. Social Security’s COLAs for monthly benefits are designed to help retirees keep up with rising living standards and costs. COLAs currently are tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W), which surveys price changes in the average set of goods purchased by urban wage earners and clerical workers. There has been no COLA in the past two years. The CPI-W formula does not protect seniors’ purchasing power because it fails to account for the fact that seniors spend two to three times as much of their budget on medical care than younger households. Yet, many in Congress are seriously considering cutting Social Security benefits by now tying the COLA to the Chained CPI (C-CPI-U), an even smaller measure of inflation. While many will falsely describe this change as simply technical, it is a change that would result in big lifetime losses in benefits for the average Social Security beneficiary.

According to Social Security Works, an average earner retiring in 2011 at age 65 would lose over $6,000 over 15 years if the chained CPI were adopted today. The chained CPI assumes that a lower COLA is acceptable because consumers can substitute cheaper products when prices go up. The problem is that health care costs, which consume a large amount of seniors’ income, cannot simply be substituted with a cheaper version. A senior cannot just substitute triple bypass surgery with a double because it’s cheaper. Nor can knee surgery be substituted with crutches. The Alliance has a new web page focused exclusively on the Super Committee. It contains a petition that visitors can sign to tell the Super Committee, “Don't cut Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security benefits!” Click on http://bit.ly/o7LNqS to view the page. Please sign the petition at http://bit.ly/nihFqd.

Mitt Romney on Social Security: Increase the Retirement Age!

When GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke on Tuesday at the retirement center in Central Florida known as the Villages, he attacked his fellow GOP contender, Texas Governor Rick Perry, on Social Security. “I don’t think the major problem is Social Security as a Ponzi scheme. I think the problem is keeping it from becoming a Perry scheme,” said Romney. However, Romney himself favors not only cutting the Social Security COLA, but also raising the retirement age. He had told a New Hampshire audience just that on Monday. “We can’t let Romney’s attacks on Rick Perry’s Social Security stance deflect attention away from how bad his own positions are,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Alliance Rallies at U.S. Capitol for “Jobs - Not Budget Cuts”

Alliance member Brenda Kelley Nelum of Woodbridge, Virginia spoke on Wednesday at the rally at the U.S. Capitol, where activists told Congress to stop the job-killing budget cuts and take bold action to put Americans back to work. Many of the protesters at the event were part of the anti-Wall Street movement that began recently in New York City. “I am honored to be here today with so many people who understand that it’s time for Congress to ACT to create jobs and get America’s economy moving again. And that it’s CERTAINLY NOT the time to cut our most meaningful programs like Social Security and Medicare!” said Ms. Kelley Nelum. She also got the crowd chanting “Senior Power.” On Wednesday in New York City, Alliance and union members joined the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters for a march and rally to hold Wall Street accountable and create good jobs, drawing several thousand.

Millions of People Using Free Preventive Benefits Provided by Affordable Care Act

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported yesterday that nearly 20.5 million people with Medicare reviewed their health status at a free Annual Wellness Visit or received other preventive services with no deductible or cost sharing this year. In addition, nearly 1.8 million people with Medicare received discounts on brand-name drugs in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, also known as the “doughnut hole,” between January and August of 2011. The total value of discounts to people with Medicare in the doughnut hole is nearly $1 billion through August of this year, with an average savings of $530 per beneficiary. Free preventive services available to people with Medicare include mammograms and cervical cancer screenings; an annual Wellness Visit; cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings; and colorectal and prostate cancer screenings.

The rising number of people who are taking advantage of preventive benefits and prescription drug discounts comes as people with Medicare are beginning to review their plan options for next year. The annual enrollment period begins earlier this year than last year, on October 15, and runs through December 7. People with Medicare will have seven weeks to review Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage benefits and plan options, and choose the option that best meets their unique needs, or keep the plan they have today. To access the Medicare Plan Finder, go to: https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. “The Affordable Care Act has helped millions of people undergo preventive screenings and afford their prescription drugs more easily,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

State Round-up: Arizona and North Carolina

Last Thursday, the Arizona Alliance held its bi-annual convention in Phoenix. Rep. Raul Grijalva gave an impassioned speech about his commitment to protecting Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid. The following 2011-2013 board officers were elected: Doug Hart, President; John Campbell, 1st Vice President; Bill Engler, 2nd Vice President; Roman Ulman, Treasurer; and Tino Torres, Recording Secretary. Union Vice Presidents are Dan Pollard, Julian Natividad, Saundra Cole, Chuck Yarter, and Henry Telfer. Community Vice Presidents are Sandra Krause, Gary Mehok, Kathy Lehman, Wayne Burrow, and Vikki Marshall.

On Thursday in Raleigh, the North Carolina Alliance held a meeting kicking off the North Carolina Elder Economic Security Initiative. Through a combination of advocacy, research and education at the community, state and national levels, the initiative seeks to enhance economic security and financial self-sufficiency for our nation’s elders. The initiative is a component of a multi-year national project of the group Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW). The NC Alliance also presented the Raleigh Food Bank with 14 boxed lunches for those in need at the event.

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Sickest Medicare Patients May Be Greatly Affected by the Super Committee

David Blank — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:31:21 -0400

The “Super Committee” in Congress is tasked with finding $1.2 trillion worth of savings by November 23. If its members fail to do so, automatic spending cuts will kick in, taking that amount evenly from domestic and military spending. With only two out of the six meetings the committee has held thus far having been public, observers’ apprehension is growing. The few things that have trickled out include tax reform, as well as Medicare and Medicaid cuts. When it comes to spending cuts, both Democrats and Republicans seem to find common ground on the topic of “dual-eligibles,” the sickest and most costly patients. The term refers to people who are eligible for medical coverage under both Medicare and Medicaid; these patients make up about 16% of Medicare beneficiaries, yet make up about 27% of the program’s total spending. Right now, a possible solution being considered is forcing these patients into managed care, which currently about 100,000 of the 9 million dual patients are enrolled in. Whatever the Super Committee decides to do, the repercussions will be felt throughout the senior community and beyond. “With many states already cutting back on Medicaid, managed care plans for dual-eligibles could endanger the quality of care on which some of America's most vulnerable citizens depend,” warned Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

New on our Web Site: the Alliance’s 10-Year Anniversary Report

Visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy for the Alliance’s 10-Year Anniversary report, which includes highlights of achievements since the Alliance’s launch in 2001. That web site also contains the latest video footage and material from our 2011 Legislative Conference. For pictures of the Iowa Alliance Quad Cities affiliate members - with their redistricted new U.S. Representative, David Loebsack (D) - go to http://bit.ly/qkDdhq.

Study Shows Medicare Advantage Increases Medicare Spending

In 2004, the Medicare program began to adjust its payments to private plans for enrollees’ health status. As a result, a plan would receive a higher “risk-adjusted” payment for a recipient with diabetes or heart disease than for an otherwise identical person without these conditions. For the National Bureau of Economic Research report, How Does Risk Selection Respond to Risk Adjustment? Evidence for the Medicare Advantage Program [ http://bit.ly/ovW0n1 ], researchers studied individual-level data for 55,000 people in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey from 1994 to 2006. The authors were able to show that the private Medicare Advantage (MA) program has increased total Medicare spending, and transferred Medicare resources from the relatively sick to the relatively healthy. For example, before risk-adjustment began in 2004, switching from fee-for-service Medicare to Medicare Advantage increased average individual Medicare spending by $1,800. The authors calculated that using risk adjustment formulas on the population that enrolled before 2004 would have reduced MA overpayments by more than $800 a person. But when the reimbursement formula changed, so did the pattern of enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans. After 2004, switching from fee-for-service to Medicare Advantage increased Medicare spending by approximately $3,000 per person. The pattern suggests that Medicare Advantage plans invest more resources in their relatively healthy enrollees, perhaps to differentially retain them.

Attempts to Rig the 2012 Elections Suspected

According to an editorial by Harold Meyerson in The Washington Post, [ http://wapo.st/neaKFL ], ever since the Republicans gained power in the 2010 elections, they have made it increasingly difficult for minority, poor and young voters to participate in elections. Tactics include voter identification requirements, which can amount to a poll tax if the ID is not free. “There is no evidence that widespread voter impersonation is taking place in Pennsylvania,” said Pennsylvania Alliance President Jean Friday, and Alliance members have been e-mailing Pennsylvania state senators about voter ID requirements there. Another proposal in Pennsylvania has emerged that will change the practice of giving all the electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote. This has been the practice in all past presidential campaigns, as well as in 47 other states. State Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi is pushing a plan that will give the candidate the number of electoral votes equal to the number of districts he wins. This re-working of the Electoral College, along with Pennsylvania redrawing its district lines, will give the GOP a majority of 12 districts. That means President Obama could still win the popular vote in Pennsylvania by carrying the urban areas, such as Philadelphia, but lose the majority of the Electoral College votes. A number of other swing states are thinking of adopting this system as well. To combat these and similar efforts, the Lawyers’ Committee has created the interactive “Map of Shame” at www.mapofshame.com or www.lawyerscommittee.org. In addition to highlighting the states with voter suppression legislation, the Lawyers’ Committee has created a tool to provide details about the changes.

Illinois Alliance Holds its State Convention

The Illinois Alliance convention was held last Friday at a UAW center in Ottawa, IL. Barbara Franklin was re-elected state President. Other officers elected: Homer K. Spaulding, re-elected as Executive Vice President; Katie Jordan, re-elected as Treasurer; and Jane Russell, Secretary. Speakers included Ms. Easterling and Kris Sadur of Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s office. Terri Gendel, Director of Benefits and Advocacy at AgeOptions, spoke about their Senior Medicare Patrol, a national program to stop Medicare Fraud. To learn more, go to http://bit.ly/gkTfyn.

Something on Your Mind? Write Letter, Win Pen!

Is there something you want retirees in your community to know about? Take a moment to write a letter to the editor, and if it is published, the Alliance will send you a free, union-made “Retirees with the Write Stuff” pen. “Letters to the editor are free and are often widely read,” said Alliance Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks, “with the deep-pocketed business interests we are up against, it’s nice to have an option that doesn’t cost money.” Most recently, Dorothy Asbury, Janice Ayres, Charlie Balban, Joseph Boffa, Jo Etta Brown, Sam Burnett, Robert Connett, Homer Craig, Billy Feitlinger, Tony Fransetta, Barbara Franklin, Judy Jobes, Gerald Lotierzo, Beatrice Lumpkin, Nick Makrinos, Reggie Marselus, Steve Skvara, William Stevens, Bill Wallace, and Guy Watson contributed to their local papers. If you have had a letter published lately, please email aracommunications@retiredamericans.org.

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Alliance Praises the President's Economic Proposal

David Blank — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:46:34 -0400

On Monday, President Obama outlined a series of spending cuts and tax increases that will result in $4.4 trillion in deficit reduction. The plan calls for comprehensive tax reform, the closing of tax loopholes, and ending special interest tax breaks. Obama also directs Congress to follow the “Buffett Rule” – named for billionaire Warren Buffett – which says that people making more than $1 million a year should not pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than middle-class families. “The President’s stand on increased revenues will address the nation’s debt in a fair and reasonable manner. Unlike congressional Republicans and presidential candidates, President Obama recognizes the importance of Social Security and will not try to lower federal spending on the backs of current and future retirees. Seniors applaud the President for maintaining the current eligibility age for Medicare and Social Security,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

The plan calls for $320 billion in health care savings, most of which would come from reducing payments to Medicare providers and pharmaceutical companies. The President didn’t propose to change the eligibility age for Medicare or make any benefit changes, but did note the prospect of the Super Committee coming up with recommendations for reforming the program. Obama said no savings that affect beneficiaries can begin until at least 2017 and that he would veto any legislation that takes funds from Medicare benefits for seniors without asking the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to pay their fair share. “We will work closely with Administration and congressional officials to ensure that seniors do not face unfair cuts in Medicare and Medicaid, which help millions of elderly and low-income Americans stay healthy,” said Mr. Coyle. To see Coyle’s full statement, go to http://bit.ly/oZ3hCQ.

Medicare Advantage Premiums Drop; Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

Last week, the Obama administration announced that Medicare Advantage premiums would decrease by 4% in 2012 as enrollment increased by 1%. Reduced premiums and increased enrollment are the exact opposite of what insurers and Republicans predicted would happen to Medicare Advantage after the passage of the Affordable Care Act. The health reform law reduced payments to Medicare Advantage plans — privately-run alternatives to traditional, fee-for-service Medicare — by about $136 billion over the next decade. Right before the law passed, American’s Health Insurance Plans predicted that “millions of seniors in Medicare Advantage will lose their coverage, and millions more will face higher premiums and reduced benefits.” The Washington Post listed three factors that are putting downward pressure on Medicare: First, Medicare costs are growing more slowly. Both in Medicare and in private insurance, the recession has correlated with patients using fewer medical services. This looks to be particularly true in Medicare, where seniors could have more limited resources living on a fixed income. Second, the Medicare risk pool is becoming younger, and collectively healthier, making them a cheaper group to insure. Medicare doesn’t “age-rate” — charge its older subscribers more. Finally, prescription drug prices are going to become less expensive as some big-name drugs come off patent in the next few months. “The free preventive care for seniors brought by the Affordable Care Act will also result in enormous future savings,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Under a provision of the Affordable Care Act, the Medicare annual open enrollment period changes to Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2011. Last year, it was held Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. All Medicare beneficiaries are allowed this one time each year to make changes to their Medicare coverage for the coming year. This includes anyone using traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug and Medigap supplemental coverage.

Alliance down South: Florida takes on Rick Perry, North Carolina Stays on Message

Republican presidential candidates met in Orlando on Thursday for another big debate. Wednesday night, more than 150 people lined Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach for a peaceful protest outside Texas Gov. Rick Perry's fundraiser. “The message we're sending to Gov. Perry is: you better soon figure out how to retract the statement on Social Security being a Ponzi scheme,” protestor and Florida Alliance President Tony Fransetta said. “It isn't.” For a photo, go to http://bit.ly/nicdXX.

Heather McLaughlin, Field Organizer for the North Carolina Alliance, educated seniors about Social Security at the Whitaker Glen Retirement Community in Raleigh on Tuesday. Ms. McLaughlin joined representatives from the Triangle Older Women's League and the Raleigh Chapter of the National Organization for Women.

Alliance Activities out West: California and Spokane, Washington

Shocked to discover there are no restrictions in place to stop retailers from selling expired medications, the California Alliance and other advocacy groups this week joined state lawmakers in support of legislation to ban the sale of outdated medications, as well as baby formula. Consuming expired medication can have serious side effects that could be potentially fatal. “It is both highly irresponsible and quite dangerous to sell expired medication,” said Nan Brasmer, President of the California Alliance. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/nKFcVH.

Sarah Byrne, Senior Legislative Representative for the Alliance, spoke to approximately 80 Washington State Alliance members - including some representing event co-sponsor United Steelworkers Local 338 - in Spokane on Tuesday. At an intergenerational event that tied in Social Security's importance to the youth within our communities, Ms. Byrne spoke of the history of Social Security and gave an overview of current legislative activity surrounding the program.

Other Alliance Activities Take Place in West Virginia, Iowa

Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance, addressed the West Virginia Federation of Democratic Women in Huntington, WV on Saturday. “In West Virginia, the average elderly woman’s Social Security check is $954 per month. Does anyone really think that’s why we have a budget deficit?" she asked the crowd.

On Tuesday, the Iowa Alliance launched the Iowa Elder Economic Security Initiative for senior advocacy. A collaboration with the group “Wider Opportunities for Women,” it was made possible by a grant that the Iowa Alliance received last September. The launch took place in Des Moines with over 50 participants, including representatives from the Iowa Farmers Union and others.

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White House Appears Unlikely to Put Social Security Cuts Back on the Table

David Blank — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:43:30 -0400

White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage has said that President Obama’s deficit proposal will not include any changes to Social Security, reiterating the President’s belief that Social Security did not cause the immediate deficit problem. Aides say that the President’s plan to fix the debt will be modeled after a series of proposals he made in April: $4 trillion in budget savings over 12 years, through a combination of spending cuts and tax increases, without touching Social Security benefits. However, the President’s proposals are not binding; Obama must submit the new plan to the special bipartisan congressional “Super Committee” that has been tasked with finding at least $1.2 trillion in budget savings by the end of the year. The committee may not only be getting proposals from the President. At a news conference on Thursday, a group of about 30 Democratic and Republican senators urged the special panel to find far more savings than the $1.5 trillion target it has set for itself. This group of senators is also considering making its own proposal. “We cannot let down our guard,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “Unfortunately, Social Security is not beyond the reach of many who still want to cut it.”

Social Security Program a Big Topic at Monday’s GOP Debate

At the GOP debate on Monday night, Social Security was a hot issue. The candidates repeatedly stated that Social Security is broken, and they agreed that Social Security would face cuts in the coming years. They also talked about reorganizing the system, and that would undoubtedly have a major effect on the way the program is run as a whole. Two of the most opinionated candidates were Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Perry argued for private savings accounts as an alternative to Social Security, a practice that was put into place in his home state. Romney repeatedly questioned Perry’s ultraconservative view of the constitutionality of Social Security. Perry believes that control of Social Security should be given to the states, which would mean astronomical changes. Perry went on to say that he completely disagrees with the creation of Social Security and Medicare in the first place. “If what you're trying to say is that back in the '30s and the '40s that the federal government made all the right decision, I disagree with you,” he declared. Perry accused Romney of calling private sector-Social Security “criminal,” which Romney refuted as a misquote. “Overall, the theme of the night seemed to indicate that Social Security would not be safe in the hands of any of the GOP candidates. The Republicans’ main goal is to cut spending, and they are not afraid to do that on the backs of seniors,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. To see a comparison of Rick Perry and Mitt Romney on Social Security, go to http://bit.ly/qqlgi5.

Galveston: Why the Federal Government Needs to Continue to Run Social Security

In the late 1970s Galveston’s county employees made the decision to opt out of Social Security and open personal saving accounts. They did this out of fear that Social Security would not be around when it came time for them to retire. This move has been the prime example for those who oppose Social Security as it is currently structured, especially the Republicans in the 2012 presidential race. According to independent studies, individuals who are on the lower end of the income spectrum did not do well with the personal accounts. The studies have shown that the lower one’s income and the longer one lived after retirement, the less advantage there was to private accounts. This was partly because payments did not increase with inflation as they would have with Social Security. Even backers of the personal accounts, who claim that the government agencies used skewed numbers, acknowledge that the Galveston program may not be as beneficial to lower earners, because the program does not distribute the money according to a formula that helps the lower earners, as Social Security does. “Having the states run Social Security would only produce more results like those in Galveston, which at a minimum hurt the middle class and those who earn less,” said Ms. Easterling.

Social Security Payroll Tax on Incomes over $250,000 Proposed

Currently, active workers and their employers each owe a payroll tax on a worker’s wages up to $106,800 for Social Security. Congressional liberals have proposed raising the payroll tax to include income above $250,000 a year for individuals. This legislation is designed to keep Social Security solvent for the next 75 years, by putting an additional $6.5 trillion into the Social Security trust fund over that period. The sponsor of the House bill, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), believes that it is time to stop discussing raising the retirement age, cutting benefits, and privatization. Sponsors in the Senate include Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). During President’s Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, he proposed the same type of payroll tax increase. “The concern lies in getting this bill past the Republicans, because they have made it their stance to oppose any increase in taxes,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. Recently Obama, in an effort to stimulate the economy, has proposed paring the planned 6.2 percent payroll tax on employees next year to 3.1 percent, and cutting the payroll tax to employers as well. He wants to replace the revenue that would be lost to Social Security with money from the government’s overall budget.

New on the Alliance Web Site

More photos from last week’s Alliance Legislative Conference are available on our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/retiredamericans. You can also use the “Search” area to search for photos of you, your state or your union in the Alliance photostream. For the latest photos and more from the Alliance Legislative Conference, go to http://bit.ly/pjVbXy. Finally, for the latest fact sheets on Social Security from the Alliance’s Department of Government and Political Affairs, go to http://www.retiredamericans.org/issues/social-security.

State Chapter Round-up: Colorado, Ohio and Texas
The Colorado and Ohio Alliance chapters held their state conventions on Wednesday. In Colorado, Frank Lay was elected President and Bob Knapp was re-elected Secretary. Mr. Knapp gave accolades to outgoing President Vivian Stovall for her hard work and accomplishments while serving the past two years, and the delegates gave Vivian a standing ovation. To see coverage from the Ohio convention, go to http://bit.ly/rgQwGq.

Gene Lantz is now the President of the Texas Alliance. Mr. Lantz follows Shane Fox, who died in August after a long battle with cancer.

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On First Day “Super Committee” Meets, 500 Alliance Members Come to Capitol Hill

David Blank — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:50:08 -0400

On Thursday, 500 seniors met with their Members of Congress and Senators and voiced their concerns about Social Security, Medicare, and other issues close to their heart. The activists came to Capitol Hill as part of the Alliance’s Legislative Conference, reaching more than 200 offices with the message, “Don’t balance the budget on the backs of seniors!” The appointments came on the exact same day as the first meeting of the Congressional “Super Committee” that is deciding how to tackle the nation’s deficit. This year’s Alliance conference - themed Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, and commemorating the ten-year anniversary of the Alliance – is taking place Tuesday through today. "Congress needs to know that we are keeping a close eye on them. That is why we are here this week," said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

At their appointments, Alliance members left behind a letter that summed up many of the points they had made during their meetings: that Social Security has not caused the deficit and should not be part of debt reduction strategies; that privatizing Medicare into a voucher program will do nothing to reduce the cost of health care, but, instead, shift huge medical costs onto seniors; and that raising the Medicare eligibility age is especially cruel, since older Americans face the most difficulty in finding insurance due to chronic health conditions.

Congratulations to This Year’s Award Recipients

On Thursday, AFSCME President Gerald McEntee accepted the Leadership Award, and a video tribute to him was shown at the banquet dinner. Al Hamai, President of the Hawaii Alliance, and Tony Fransetta, President of the Florida Alliance, each received the President’s Award. Mr. Hamai spoke fondly of his AFSCME roots and thanked those who have helped him along the way, including the Hawaii Alliance board. Mr. Fransetta, also thanking his board and others, cited the need to protect Social Security and Medicare for his children and for future generations. To rousing applause, Bertha Carlton, Deputy Director of Membership for the Alliance, was also recognized with the President’s Award for her more than three decades working on behalf of seniors.

On Friday, U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California received the Alliance’s Leadership Award before speaking. Earlier in the week, Judy Cato, Executive Vice President of the Alliance, introduced the Community Advocacy Network scholarship award winners.

Speakers Lend Their Knowledge – and other Talents As Well!

President Emeritus of the AFL-CIO John J. Sweeney, Ms. Easterling, Alliance President Emeritus George J. Kourpias, Alliance Executive Director Edward F. Coyle, and Alliance Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks all spoke during the opening session on Tuesday. “What worries me the most is that politicians who have never liked Social Security and Medicare are trying to use our budget problems as a convenient excuse to get rid of programs they never liked in the first place,” said Mr. Burks during his remarks.

On Wednesday, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka fired up the crowd. Robert Adler, Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, offered useful household tips and brought attention to fall prevention - which will be spotlighted on September 23, the first day of fall. NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and SEIU President Mary Kay Henry rounded out a day of excellent speakers.

On Thursday, Grammy Award-winning singer and social activist Judy Collins sprinkled some a cappella bars from her biggest hits - and some humor - into a message that included the importance of mental health care funding. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont addressed the national outrage that millionaires and billionaires, many benefiting from corporate tax loopholes and overseas accounts, are not asked to pay more to strengthen Social Security. DNC Chair and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida spoke of surviving breast cancer and of knowing first-hand the benefits of health care reform that eliminates pre-existing conditions. Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius thanked Alliance members for their role in passing the Affordable Health Care Act. Rep. Raúl Grijalva of Arizona also addressed the attendees before they departed for Lobby Day.

NAACP's Washington Bureau Director and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy Hilary Shelton delivered the keynote address at the Thursday banquet.

On Friday, Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), a member of the “Super Committee” addressing the national debt, stressed that seniors had paid into Social Security, and it would be wrong to now take it away. AFT President Randi Weingarten acknowledged one of the audience members – her Social Studies teacher back when she was a student: Alliance regional board member Bill Cea. Ms. Weingarten also suggested that labor history be taught more in schools.

Several other speakers, including Eric Kingson and Nancy Altman from the group Social Security Works, Elderly Housing Development & Operations Corporation (EHDOC) Executive Director Steve Protulis, Executive Director of the DCCC Robby Mook, and Communications Director of the DSCC Matt Canter brought a great deal of knowledge and enormous energy to the week’s events.

Additional Conference Activities: Workshops, Facebook, and More!

The Alliance offered thirteen different workshops throughout the conference, including Social Security: Barbarians Still at the Gates and Medicare: What’s New. Attendees voted to make creating a fair tax system and helping retirees protect their pensions two of the top issues to focus on next. Several seniors took advantage of the opportunity to set up new Facebook accounts while at the conference. “Thank you to all of our presenters, and also to the attendees who made the conference so enriching,” said Mr. Coyle. For photos from Day One of the conference, go to http://bit.ly/rm3jqb. Additional photos are at www.flickr.com/retiredamericans.

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As Super Committee Gets Set to Tackle the Nation's Debt...

Josh Roll — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:00:06 -0400

According to Politico, Republican members of the deficit-slashing Super Committee are meeting on Capitol Hill to hash out their own strategy ahead of the panel’s first official meetings after Labor Day, preparing for an intense fall push to cut $1.5 trillion from the deficit. The committee also named its staff director on Tuesday, choosing Mark Prater, a 20-year veteran of the Senate Finance Committee. Prater is currently the chief tax counsel for Senate Republicans on the panel. The choice of Prater needed to be approved by the two super committee co-chairs, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). The full 12-member Super Committee is required to meet by Sept. 16. A new Kaiser Family Foundation brief examines the potential impact of the Budget Control Act of 2011 that created the committee; the process it creates for reducing the federal deficit over the next decade; and how it could affect the Medicare program, health plans and providers, and the program’s beneficiaries. The brief is available at http://bit.ly/pWaVYh.

…Sen. Bernie Sanders Moves to Protect Social Security from Budget Slashers

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said last week that he will introduce legislation that would expand the reach of the payroll tax, as part of an effort to give further support to Social Security. According to The Hill, Sanders is proposing to make individual income higher than $250,000 per year subject to the payroll tax — an idea he says he is lifting from President Obama’s 2008 campaign for the White House. As it stands, the payroll tax, which funds Social Security, applies to the first $106,800 of annual income; the Sanders bill would not impose the payroll tax on income between that level and $250,000. In a recent news release, the senator said he was also worried that the new Super Committee tasked with finding additional ways to reduce the deficit will try to find savings through cuts to Social Security. One method that has already been discussed would involve switching to the so-called “chained CPI,” an alternate form of inflation that would lead to a slower increase in Social Security benefits. “Social Security did not cause federal budget deficits, and should not be part of the Super Committee’s solution to the debt problem,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. According to Sanders’ office, the chief actuary for Social Security says the senator’s proposal to make the payroll tax applicable at higher income levels would create enough new revenue to keep the program solvent for the next 75 years.

Successful Senior Summer!

The Alliance is wrapping up more than 70 actions in more than two dozen states around the country this summer as Labor Day approaches. The events have ranged from celebrating the anniversaries and successes of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to holding presidential candidates accountable as they campaign. Last Friday, Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) took his Congressional Series for Seniors to North Providence, Rhode Island, where Alliance State President John Pernorio presented him with a Social Security & Medicare Hero’s Award. On August 24, Missouri Alliance members and their friends gathered outside Rep. Todd Akin’s (R-MO) St. Louis office to demand he not balance the U.S. budget on the backs of children, retirees and the middle class.

This past Wednesday, Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) was a guest speaker at the Florida Alliance's Quarterly Executive Board Meeting in Tampa. In Scottsdale, Arizona on Wednesday, Alliance members rallied outside Rep. David Schweikert's (R) mobile office to show their support for Medicare and Social Security. The next day, Arizona Alliance members attended a listening session with Rep. Schweikert in Fountain Hills, Arizona and joined like-minded organizations for a rally outside Senator and Super Committee member Jon Kyl's (R-AZ) Tucson office.

Social Security Administration Report Makes the Program’s Importance Clear

Social Security is the most significant source of income for Americans age 65 and older, and its importance has continued to grow over time, according to a recent Social Security Administration (SSA) report. Social Security made up 38% of the total income of people age 65 and older in 2009—up from 30% in 1962—and is the largest of any type of retirement income. According to U.S. News and World Report, “only a fortunate minority” of Americans have significant sources of retirement income other than Social Security. Social Security made up half or more of the retirement income of 66% of Americans age 65 and older in 2009, up from 64% in 2008. And more than a third of retirees (35%) receive 90% or more of their income as a monthly payment from SSA. While Social Security makes up a large share of the typical retiree's income, the amount they are paid is actually fairly small. The average monthly payout to retired workers was $1,176 in 2010. For more statistics and a link to the report itself, go to http://bit.ly/qzOouz.

Texas Alliance President Shane Fox, 1939 - 2011
Shane Fox, president of the Texas Alliance, died on August 25 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Shane was an integral part of the growth of the Alliance. He served on the national board, first as a community-based representative and then for two years as an appointee of President Easterling. He was also a tireless advocate for the development of the Texas Alliance and served on both the communications committee and a futures committee that completed its work this past June. “I have been privileged to know and work with Shane for the past 8 years. He was a dedicated activist who earned the respect and love of everyone he touched,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “In keeping with his endless enthusiasm for the advocacy work he loved, he has asked that contributions in his memory be sent to the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans.”

Alliance’s Legislative Conference Comes as Super Committee Begins its Work

Be sure to join us at the Alliance’s 10th anniversary Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6-9, 2011 in Washington, D.C. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) has been added as a speaker. Other confirmed speakers include: Grammy winning singer and social activist Judy Collins; U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT); U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); U.S. Rep. and Super Committee member Xavier Becerra (D-CA). To see more speakers, to register, or if you have any questions, please call Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org. On the web, visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy or http://bit.ly/hQro1V. “Alliance members will be coming into town at a crucial time for protecting Social Security and Medicare – just as the Super Committee work kicks off,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

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New Hampshire Alliance Takes on Mitt Romney

David Blank — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:54:24 -0400

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney told a group of New Hampshire seniors, including members of the Alliance, that he supports raising the retirement age or cutting benefits, as opposed to asking all taxpayers to pay a fair share to strengthen Social Security. Currently, all workers pay the Social Security payroll tax on the first $106,800 of their earnings; anything over that amount is exempt from the Social Security payroll tax. That means a grocery clerk or warehouse worker pays a bigger chunk of their income to Social Security than a hedge fund manager. In a meeting in Lebanon, N.H., Alliance State President Charlie Balban asked Romney if he would support raising the Social Security payroll tax beyond its current $106,800 cap to help strengthen Social Security. One member of the audience told Romney, “We’re just asking that everybody pay at the same rate.” Romney said he was opposed to having the wealthy pay Social Security payroll taxes on more or all of their income. He said he instead would support raising the retirement age or cutting benefits by changing the way the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is calculated. CPI is used to determine cost of living adjustments for Special Security recipients. Romney is referring to a proposed new inflation formula known as “chained CPI,” which, if implemented, would mean that a worker in 2011 at age 65 will see his or her Social Security benefits slashed by $6,000 over 15 years.

Referring to all of the Republican candidates for President, Terry Lochhead, Senior Field Organizer for the Alliance's Northeast Region, told The Boston Globe, “All of their plans to reduce the deficit by cutting programs that benefit retirees, instead of raising taxes on the super-wealthy or cutting out corporate loopholes, have really brought them right into our focus.” To see a video of Mr. Balban’s exchange with Romney, go to http://bit.ly/mQDjJw. For all the recent news articles that mention the Alliance, go to http://bit.ly/okA6wc. Also, to see more on former Governor Romney’s position on Social Security, which includes means testing, go to http://bit.ly/puel6P.

Social Security Disability Insurance Program Draws Attention

An Associated Press story earlier this week [ http://wapo.st/ne0uRO ] described how the Social Security disability insurance program is projected to experience a funding shortfall as early as 2017, meaning that benefits could not be paid in full and on time to those eligible to receive them. While the story struck a frightening tone, the basic financial soundness of Social Security has not changed. Benefits can be fully paid for approximately the next 25 years.

According to the Strengthen Social Security campaign, a coalition of 320 national and state organizations, including the Alliance, a few basic facts about Social Security help explain the implications of the AP story. Social Security is comprised of two programs with their own trust funds – Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI). OASI is fully funded through 2037, according to the Social Security Trustees; DI is fully funded through 2017, according to the Trustees. Combined, both programs are fully funded through 2037, according to the Congressional Budget Office, and through 2035, according to the Trustees. In the past, when one of the two trust funds had insufficient income, Congress quietly and quickly reallocated the income to the two funds to ensure that they were on the same financial footing. It has six years to do so once again. “The Social Security Disability Insurance program could be made solvent - with no additional spending - for approximately 25 years, if Congress passes a simple transfer of funds,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Nevada Alliance Holds its Convention

The Nevada Alliance had a very successful convention this Monday and Tuesday. NARA President Scotty Watts and other officers were re-elected by acclamation. Many said that it was the most informative convention ever, focusing on Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid. In addition to presentations on these issues by Richard Fiesta, Director of the Department of Government and Political Affairs, and Randall Downey, Vice President of NARA, attendees heard from Rep. Shelley Berkley, Nevada Treasurer Kate Marshall, Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller, State Controller Kim Wallin, State Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, and many others.

State Chapter Round-up: Vermont, Connecticut, and Indiana

About 40 people attended an energy-filled rally on the Statehouse steps in Montpelier, Vermont last Thursday in support of Social Security and Medicare. The event was organized by the Vermont Chapter of the Alliance, along with the AFL-CIO. To see the coverage, go to http://bit.ly/qApvV1.

The Connecticut Alliance was well-represented on Tuesday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Attending a congressional hearing on elder abuse hosted by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal were chapter President Cal Bunnell, organizer John Hampton, regional board member and former chapter President Kevin Lynch, and former Alliance organizer Mary Elia. To see a video from the event, go to http://bit.ly/orn342.

Last week, over 500 people, many of them Indiana Alliance members, attended a meeting of the Indianapolis City-County Council Meeting that addressed the often harsh conditions and low wages faced by area hotel workers. To learn more about the issue, read a Huffington Post column at http://huff.to/nU23Hf. To see related pictures, go to http://bit.ly/r7ilZ9.

Rep. Xavier Becerra, Super Committee Member, to Speak at Legislative Conference

Join us at the Alliance’s 10th anniversary Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6-9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), a member of the Super Committee addressing the national debt, has been added as a speaker. Other confirmed speakers include: Grammy winning singer and social activist Judy Collins; U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT); DNC Chair and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL); Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius; AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka; AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney; AFSCME President Gerald McEntee; SEIU President Mary Kay Henry; AFT President Randi Weingarten; NEA President Dennis Van Roekel; and NAACP's Washington Bureau Director and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy Hilary Shelton. Questions? Please e-mail Event Coordinator Joni Jones at jjones@retiredamericans.org or call 202-637-5377. To register, learn more or see more speakers, visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy or http://bit.ly/hQro1V.

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Texas Gov. Rick Perry Runs into the New Hampshire Alliance on the Campaign Trail

David Blank — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:28:58 -0400

On Saturday, Texas Governor Rick Perry entered the race to win the Republican nomination for President in 2012. Five days later, his Thursday morning stop on the campaign trail was met with dozens of angry seniors and protesters from the New Hampshire Alliance. They sent a strong message: “Hands off Social Security and Medicare,” with chanting and signs leading up to Perry’s arrival at the Popovers on the Square diner. Once inside, Perry fumbled a question from the crowd about why he deemed Social Security “unconstitutional.” CNN, The New York Times, the Associated Press, and ABC covered the spectacle. To see all the coverage, go to http://bit.ly/qTD1V8. “The Alliance will continue to spread the word about the extreme positions of Governor Perry and his allies who support the GOP budget plan to end Medicare and falsely claim that Social Security is unconstitutional or a ‘Ponzi Scheme,’” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Last Saturday, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) won an Iowa straw poll showing who has early support from Republicans in that state. Bachmann has called Social Security “a tremendous fraud.”

Alliance Celebrates Social Security’s 76th Anniversary

This past Sunday marked 76years since Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Social Security into law. To commemorate the occasion and draw attention to the importance of Social Security for today’s retirees - as well as for future generations - Alliance members in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Washington State held birthday events this week. The Missouri and the Pennsylvania Alliance also have future events listed at http://bit.ly/ovlyE1. Here’s a selection of photos from the Los Angeles and San Francisco deliveries to Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) offices, courtesy of the CARA crew: http://bit.ly/q6TGI1. Another great album is at http://bit.ly/o7WfzD.

In addition, other Alliance chapters held Social Security birthday events recently: The West Virginia Alliance worked with other groups to sell hot dogs last Sunday in south Parkersburg, West Virginia, reminding people why Social Security should not be cut. It was one of several events in that state. On Thursday, August 11, the New York chapter (NYSARA), along with New York State United Teachers and StateWide Senior Action Council, held a birthday celebration in Albany. One hundred fourteen people attended, including about 15 who were high school- and college-aged. Luke Anapolis, a sophomore at Vanderbilt University, led the group in singing the Star Spangled Banner and Happy Birthday. Anna Boughtwood who is entering Brown University, spoke to the group about why Social Security and Medicare are important to people her age. This past Monday, NYSARA joined the Hudson-Catskill Area Labor Federation and many other groups for a Social Security event outside Rep. Nan Hayworth's (R-NY) office in Goshen, NY.

Super Committee Information Available from Social Security Works

Social Security Works, an umbrella group encompassing over 300 organizations – including the Alliance – all working to protect Social Security, has created a web page that provides information about the 12 members of the powerful Joint Select Committee on Budget Deficit Reduction, also known as the Super Committee. The webpage, at http://bit.ly/q3y2Oo, highlights the votes Super Committee members have taken on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and raising new revenues in 2011. Some of their personal statements about these issues are also provided.

California Alliance Boycotts Amazon

The California Alliance was among dozens of groups gathering in Sacramento on Monday morning to launch a consumer boycott of the retailer Amazon. The boycott is backed by many Democratic members of the California Legislature. Billions of dollars in state budget cuts have already eliminated adult day care and in-home support services for seniors and the disabled, and have forced both the University of California and California State University systems to raise tuition. “More cuts would be required if the on-line sales tax is over-turned,” California Alliance President Nan Brasmer said. She summarized, “If I'm buying from Amazon to avoid paying sales tax, and I can’t go to the free kitchen for seniors anymore, what have I done but cut off my nose to spite my face?”

Washington State Alliance Holds Its Convention

Edward Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance, traveled to Seattle for the Washington Alliance’s convention on Wednesday. Mr. Coyle gave an update on the upcoming Super Committee debate; Sen. Patty Murray of Washington is co-chair of the committee. Attendees celebrated Social Security's birthday with Rep. Jay Inslee. Mike Warren was re-elected as State President; Marie Cook was elected Treasurer, and Steve Kelly, Secretary. For photos of the event, see photographer Garet Munger’s pictures at http://pipilio.smugmug.com.

National Convention: Scholarship Winners Announced; Awards will be Bestowed

Be sure to join us at the Alliance’s 10th anniversary Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6-9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Gerald McEntee, President of AFSCME, will receive the Leadership Award from the Alliance. Hawaii Alliance President Al Hamai and Florida Alliance President Tony Fransetta will receive the President’s Award. Questions? Please call Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org. On the web, visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy or http://bit.ly/hQro1V.

The Alliance has created a Community-Based Scholarship Program to increase access to national conventions for our community-based members. Recipients must be individual members in good standing with the national Alliance; community-based members (not a member of a union that has affiliated nationally with the Alliance); and live more than 100 miles away from the conference site (Washington, DC). “Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners: A. Wayne Burton of West Chester, PA; Penelope Foran of Albuquerque, NM; Eva Goodwin-Noriega of Costa Mesa, CA; Melissa Long of Kent, OH; Barbara Matteson of Tucson, AZ; Danielle Robinson Rouseau of Atlanta, GA; Maria Pia Scarfo of New York, NY; and Martin Walsh of Glendale, MO,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

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Social Security's 76th Anniversary is this Sunday

David Blank — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:39:57 -0400

On July 30, the Alliance celebrated the 46th Anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This Sunday, August 14, we will be celebrating the 76th Anniversary of Social Security, and Alliance members have been working to educate other members and the public on the importance of these programs. Check out the latest and greatest photos from Medicare and Social Security anniversary events here: http://bit.ly/nLT71O, or to watch a slideshow, click here: http://bit.ly/qbLLtk! Check out the Washington Alliance as they march through downtown Seattle with a band here: http://bit.ly/qu3DrT. More great coverage from their weekend rally is at http://bit.ly/nU9EM8. This week, the Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania Alliance all hosted Social Security birthday celebrations. For the complete list of 27 Social Security events, including those still to come, go to http://bit.ly/ovlyE1 .

Super Committee Named to Tackle National Debt
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA) announced her appointments to the bipartisan congressional “super committee” on Thursday, tapping Democratic Reps. Chris Van Hollen (MD), Xavier Becerra (CA) and James Clyburn (SC) to join nine other lawmakers tasked with reducing the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion by Thanksgiving. Those selections round out the bipartisan, 12-person group. House Speaker John Boehner (OH) tapped House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (TX) to serve as co-chair of the committee. He also appointed House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (MI), and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (MI) to the committee. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) appointed Sens. Jon Kyl (AZ), Pat Toomey (PA) and Rob Portman (OH). Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) named Sen. Patty Murray (WA) to co-chair the committee, and also appointed Sens. Max Baucus (MT) and John Kerry (MA). “Cuts to the Social Security and Medicare programs coming from the ‘super committee’ are major concerns for seniors,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. According to Politico, the debt ceiling agreement could also jeopardize billions of dollars in initiatives from the health care reform law if the super committee can’t come up with required spending cuts. The funds for prevention programs and community health centers; grants to help states set up insurance exchanges and co-ops; and money to help states review insurance rates could be triggered across the board if the panel can’t find enough cuts this fall.

Tea Party Sees Chance to Cut Medicare
Since the passage of the debt ceiling deal, the tea party and its supporters have named Medicare their prime target, and they view the “super committee” as the means to slash it. While Medicare benefits cannot be touched by the committee, reshaping the program is very much on the table, and it is expected to be one of the most debated topics. Tea partiers support the approach outlined under the Paul Ryan Budget, which was released earlier this year. The Ryan budget turns Medicare into a voucher program by combining private insurance with government subsidies, ultimately raising costs for seniors. Recently, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) spoke in favor of it, saying, “Americans must come to grips with the fact that promises have been made that frankly are not going to be kept for many.” Widespread Republican support for the Ryan plan comes despite a special election upset by Democrats in New York in May and recent polls showing wide public support for taxing the wealthy over cutting programs. “If ending Medicare as we know it is what the tea party thinks America wants, then they are seriously misguided,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Nevada Gatherings: Alliance State Convention in Reno, SOAR in Las Vegas
The Nevada Alliance will be hosting its 2011 convention on August 21-23 at the Reno Grand Sierra Resort. The convention theme is Protecting and Preserving Social Security and Medicare. To RSVP, please contact Nevada Alliance President Scotty Watts at nvnara65@yahoo.com or (775) 267-4411. Yesterday and today, Ms. Easterling has been in Las Vegas to address the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees international conference.

Support Striking Verizon Workers
As of midnight last Sunday, more than 45,000 Verizon Communications Inc. workers from New England to Virginia — members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the Electrical Workers (IBEW) — went on strike to stop the company’s attacks on the middle class. The Verizon workers are in the fight of their lives, and it has broad implications for the entire economy. Please act now and demand that Verizon’s CEO, Lowell McAdam, stop attacking the middle class. In the past four years alone, the company made more than $19 billion in profits and compensated its top five executives more than a quarter of a billion dollars. Yet this highly profitable company is insisting on $1 billion in concessions from the 45,000 workers - or $20,000 for every family. Verizon is also trying to outsource more jobs, demand workers pay more for benefits, and undermine workers’ retirement security. Click on http://bit.ly/rul7QT to let Verizon know you stand in solidarity with the workers.

Alliance’s September Legislative Conference is Just over Two Weeks Away
Be sure to join us at the Alliance’s 10th anniversary Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6-9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Robby Mook, Executive Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, has been added as a speaker. Other confirmed speakers include: Grammy winning singer and social activist Judy Collins; U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT); DNC Chair and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL); Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius; Director of NAACP’s Washington Bureau and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy Hilary Shelton; and Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Robert Adler. Workshops include the latest Medicare information and Building Coalition Partners. To see more speakers, to register, or if you have any questions, please call Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org. On the web, visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy or http://bit.ly/hQro1V.

Did You Know…
Employers' share of workers' health care costs fell 6% in 2010 (CNN).

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Social Security and Medicare Spared – For Now – In Debt Ceiling Deal

Laura Markwardt — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:26:05 -0400

Social Security and Medicare escaped a first round of budget cuts in the debt ceiling agreement reached earlier this week in Washington, but future threats loom on the horizon for these two programs. The agreement, which became law on Tuesday, extends government borrowing power into 2013, immediately cuts $400 billion in spending, and cuts $1 trillion in discretionary spending by 2021. Prior to the vote, Alliance members sent nearly 5000 e-mails to Washington, urging lawmakers to not cut Social Security or Medicare. Medicaid also escaped cuts.

Troubling, however, is that the new law creates a so-called “Super Committee” on Capitol Hill to find an additional $1.5 trillion in spending cuts by Thanksgiving. Media accounts have suggested that Social Security and Medicare could be top targets for this new panel, including lower Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs), an increase in the Medicare eligibility age, and higher Medicare co-pays and premiums. The 12 members of this panel are expected to be named in the coming weeks. If the committee cannot reach an agreement – which would have to be approved, without amendment, by Congress and signed by the President – a “trigger” mechanism in the new law would automatically cut $1.2 trillion from federal agency budgets. Social Security and Medicare benefits would be exempt; however Medicare reimbursements to medical providers would be cut.

“Even though we averted a government default, and no Social Security payments were delayed, retirees should not think that this crisis is over. We need to keep a close, wary eye on this new congressional panel. We cannot allow those who have never liked Social Security or Medicare to use this budget climate as political cover for attacks on programs that help millions of Americans,” said Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling.

Immediately after the agreement was reached, Alliance state and national leaders held a conference call to plot strategy for the next round in this debate. On Tuesday, Easterling and Alliance Executive Director Edward F. Coyle joined labor leaders at the White House for a private meeting with President Obama, discussing issues important to workers and retirees. Thursday, Maryland/DC Alliance members hosted U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of both the Senate Finance and Budget committees, at a senior center. Today, Arizona Alliance members are meeting with U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Easterling will discuss the debt deal with Virginia AFL-CIO members tomorrow, urging them to form a Virginia chapter for the Alliance. Earlier this week Alliance President Emeritus George J. Kourpias gave an update to Machinists Union members.

Just one day after the debt ceiling agreement became law, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) gave an early indication of the direction the House leadership would like the “Super Committee” to take. Cantor told the Wall Street Journal that our nation needs to, “come to grips with the fact that promises have been made that, frankly, are not going to be kept for many.”

September Legislative Conference to Focus on Next Round of Budget Fight
The Alliance’s 10th Anniversary and Legislative Conference, September 6-9 in Washington, will focus on the upcoming “Super Committee” debates in Congress. We will talk with key Social Security experts, hold workshops on lobbying, organizing, and communications skills, and spend a day visiting lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Speakers at the conference include House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Senator Bernie Sanders. For more information, please call Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org. On the web, visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy or http://bit.ly/hQro1V.

Make Your Voice Heard: Upcoming Social Security Events, Letters to the Editor
Alliance state chapters around the country will begin mobilizing around the “Super Committee” with events this month to mark Social Security’s 76th birthday. To find an event near you, e-mail ARAorganizing@RetiredAmericans.org. Also, with federal spending so prominent in the news, please write your local newspaper to give your opinion about Social Security and Medicare. If your letter is published, let us know at Letters@RetiredAmericans.org and we will send you a free, U.S. union- made “Retirees With the Write Stuff” pen.

Florida Governor Chooses Politics Over Seniors’ Health Care Needs
The New York Times reported this week that Florida Governor Rick Scott has refused millions of dollars in federal health care grants because of his opposition to the 2010 health reform law. Scott, a Republican, has turned down nearly $30 million in aid, including $8.3 million for a community health center, $4.2 million for moving long term care patients out of nursing homes, and $2 million for enrolling eligible Medicare recipients. This occurs against the backdrop of the state’s $3.6 billion budget gap and an unemployment rate of 10.6%. “It’s a shame that while residents of Florida are struggling to pay their medical bills, our governor is playing politics and rejecting help for seniors,” said Tony Fransetta, President of the Florida Alliance For Retired Americans. View the article at: http://nyti.ms/qyGT7w.

Pat Boone Sings the Industry Tune
Pat Boone, top-selling singer in the 1950s and 1960s, has reinvented his career, returning to the stage to promote Republican political candidates and serve as the official spokesperson for the 60 Plus Association, a group with ties to the health care industry and conservative political causes. This week’s Politico noted that Boone, a frequent Fox News guest, owes his political effectiveness to “his down-home familiarity to a wide swath of the senior electorate.”

Earlier this year Boone called Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to privatize Medicare and cut Medicaid support for nursing homes, “bold” and “thoughtful and responsible.” In the 2010 congressional elections, Boone recorded phone messages for 90 GOP candidates, reaching over 7 million senior households. “Our generation grew up with the sweet songs of Pat Boone, but now he is badly out of tune with millions of retirees who are struggling to get by. Seniors need to know the truth, and not be swayed by our celebrity culture,” said Alliance Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks.

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Reid Plan Would Address Debt Ceiling without Affecting Medicare, Social Security

Barry Dalin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:04:58 -0400

Without signed legislation to raise the national debt limit by August 2, the Treasury will not have enough funds to pay the nation’s bills. Administration officials have warned of potentially calamitous effects on the economy if that happens - a spike in interest rates, a plunge in stock markets and a tightening in the job market. Without a higher debt limit, “the choices would be agonizing,” according to AP. The Bipartisan Policy Center says that if the government kept paying for health care programs, Social Security, unemployment benefits and defense contracts and met interest payments on its debt in August, it would have no money left for anything else. Civil servants and troops would go unpaid. Veterans would lose benefits. IRS refund checks would go unmailed. The Justice Department would have to scale back its pursuit of criminals.

A House Republican bill providing an immediate debt limit increase of $900 billion, which is less than half of the total needed to meet President Obama's insistence that there be no replay of the current crisis in just a few short months, is stalled. While the White House and Democrats objected to the House bill, they readied an alternative that contained similarities. Drafted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), it will reduce the deficit by $2.7 trillion, without affecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and without changes to revenues. “Just since Monday, Alliance members have sent more than 10,000 e-mail messages to their U.S. Representatives and Senators, saying that cutting Social Security in the name of debt reduction is a bad idea,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “I am confident that many Members of Congress have taken our side’s point of view into account. Thank you to all of you who have taken action during this precarious time in our nation’s history.” To call Congress over the weekend and reiterate the message of “Don’t cut Social Security in the name of debt reduction,” dial 202-224-3121.

Alliance Medicare Birthday Events Bring Attention to the Program at the Right Time

Medicare’s 46th birthday is tomorrow, and the Alliance began commemorating the anniversary with more than 30 events across the country earlier this month. U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was joined by Alliance members Sam Burnett of Toledo, Ohio and Brenda Kelley-Nelum from Woodbridge, Virginia at one birthday event devoted to protecting Medicare on Wednesday, on Capitol Hill. Leader Pelosi spoke of the debt ceiling at the event. “Senator Reid, the Leader in the United States Senate of the Democrats, put forward the responsible plan to reduce the deficit that protects the middle class, and Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid beneficiaries,” she said. To see C-SPAN footage of the event, go to http://cs.pn/qFPgSY.

Earlier this month, in San Diego, more than 150 people participated in a town hall on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid sponsored by the Alliance on July 19. The standing-room-only crowd heard from advocates and experts on the programs. To read more, go to http://bit.ly/nbRvQg. In other events, the Rhode Island Alliance presented U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse with its Social Security & Medicare Hero Award. Also, the New York State caravans to “Restore the American Promises” this month ended a two-day, eight-city tour at Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s Hyde Park home. The actors portraying the pair spoke of the New Deal and warned against the raw deal Washington lawmakers are pushing for Social security, Medicare and Medicaid.

This past Monday, the Arizona Alliance ate cake at a retirement home in Chandler, Arizona while learning what is happening with Medicare in Washington. In St. Pete, Florida on Wednesday, seniors commemorated the Medicare birthday by singing karaoke! In Hartford, Connecticut today, Alliance members are recognizing Rep. John Larson for his advocacy on behalf of seniors. The Connecticut Alliance also presented an award to Reps. Chris Murphy and Jim Himes. The Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Washington Alliance chapters will be holding Medicare events in Pittsburgh, Savannah, and Seattle tomorrow, on the actual anniversary date. For more details, go to http://bit.ly/ovUM7u. For a write-up of the Illinois Alliance’s Medicare event in Peoria last Friday, go to http://bit.ly/nlcjK3. To read about the Iowa Alliance’s July 21 event in Waterloo, go to http://bit.ly/o1soPm. For an Albuquerque, New Mexico Alliance video, go to http://bit.ly/riAhhp. Additional events have already taken place in cities including Scottsdale, AZ; Bakersfield, Rancho Cordova, and Stockton, CA; Delray Beach, FL; Chicago, IL; Manchester and Nashua, NH; Las Cruces, NM; Las Vegas, NV, Cincinnati, OH; and San Antonio, League, and Grand Prairie, TX. “Thank you to all who are drawing attention to the importance of Medicare while it is under attack, during the debt negotiations,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Rallies in Baltimore, DC and State Capitals across the Country

In Baltimore, Maryland on Monday, Maryland-DC Alliance members joined other activists in gathering outside the Social Security Administration to send elected officials a loud and clear message: Don’t cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. Activists rallied on the U.S. Capitol steps on Thursday to keep the pressure on Republicans and tell Democrats to stand strong against the GOP's call for cuts to the three vital programs. Thursday was also a day for rallies and pickets in Capitol buildings across the U.S. to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Alliance’s September Legislative Conference is Fast Approaching

Be sure to join us at the Alliance’s 10th anniversary Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6-9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Confirmed speakers include: Grammy winning singer and social activist Judy Collins; U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT); DNC Chair and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL); and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. Workshops include the latest Medicare information and Building Coalition Partners. To see more speakers, to register, or if you have any questions, please call Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or e-mail jjones@retiredamericans.org. On the web, visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy or http://bit.ly/hQro1V.

Obituary: John Carr, Champion for Workers and Seniors

John Carr, one of the Alliance leaders in Maine for many years and a defender of senior rights, died on Monday, July 25. John will be remembered by all his brothers and sisters in Maine for his lifetime commitment to the labor movement. “I know you join me in sending our best wishes and thoughts and prayers to John’s family,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. John was a retired member of IBEW as well as a champion for workers rights and economic justice.

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Debt Ceiling Negotiations Continue to Cause Uncertainty

Barry Dalin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00:57 -0400

President Obama had once set Friday, July 22, as the day when an agreement had to be reached so that corresponding legislation to raise the debt ceiling could be drafted and passed by the House and Senate. However, that timeline has now been extended. With several deals still possible, uncertainty for seniors remains. A major threat to Social Security is the Chained Consumer Price Index (CPI), a formula change that would cut the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for beneficiaries. The “Gang of 6” Senators, three Democrats and three Republicans, unveiled a plan to chop at least $3.7 trillion off the deficit this week; that plan includes the chained CPI in the immediate $500 billion cut, and then sets up a process that could result in more cuts, such as raising the retirement age. “The chained CPI assumes that seniors, to make ends meet, would substitute one good for a cheaper version. While that may work for certain goods, a senior cannot just substitute triple bypass surgery with a double because it’s cheaper,” said Edward Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. For a video description of what the Chained CPI would mean, from a House floor speech by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), go to http://bit.ly/oc1JR2. Judy Cato, Executive Vice President of the Alliance, and Edith Powell of the Maryland-DC Alliance appeared on Wednesday night on CNN's "The Situation Room” to give the Alliance’s view on Social Security. Go to http://bit.ly/oXVkPu to view it. The next day, Reps. Ted Deutch (FL), Lloyd Doggett (TX), and Mark Critz (PA) were joined by 58 of their Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to the President urging him to reject another payroll tax cut and instead consider alternative proposals that do not jeopardize Social Security’s “time-tested independent revenue stream.” To view the letter, go to http://bit.ly/pF8eHF.

President Easterling Promises Help on Ohio’s SB 5 and Works to Organize Virginia

On Thursday, Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling spoke via tele-conference call to tens of thousands at a town hall in Columbus, Ohio concerning the referendum to repeal the anti-collective bargaining Senate Bill 5. The event kicked off the campaign to defeat the statewide assault on civil rights at the polls in November. About 1.3 million signatures were turned in last month to put the referendum on the ballot. “Our Ohio chapter has over 270,000 members and nearly 100 groups, and we will do everything we can between now and November,” Ms. Easterling said to the Ohio crowd. Also this week, Ms. Easterling met to organize the Virginia Alliance in Annandale, VA.

Balanced Budget Amendment Passes House, but Unlikely to Pass the Senate

On Tuesday, the House passed legislation conditioning a $2.4 trillion increase in the nation’s borrowing cap on a tea party-backed plan to require immediate spending cuts and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. The 234-190 vote sends the “cut, cap and balance” plan to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it has virtually no chance of passing. For a tally of the House vote, go to http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll606.xml. Earlier, the Alliance had sent a letter to all Members of the U.S House stressing that the bill would require devastating budget cuts that would disproportionately harm seniors and the middle class. “While scaling back government spending to 19.9% may sound good in practice, it would necessitate cuts of epic proportions to all government programs, including those affecting seniors,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. To view that letter, go to http://bit.ly/qMUsTE.

Are you Eligible for Additional Income to Pay for Elder Care Services?

As a veteran or spouse of a veteran, you may be entitled to a little known pension benefit, referred to as “VA Aid & Attendance,” which can provide income up to $1,949 a month. Visit our friends at Aging with Grace to learn the details with a step-by-step guide to assist families in understanding and applying for this valuable benefit. To learn more, go to http://bit.ly/q7PFzw.

Senator Kohl’s Special Committee on Aging Holds Hearing to Reduce Drug Costs

On Thursday, the Special Committee on Aging, chaired by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), held a hearing to discuss ways to drastically reduce drug costs covered by Medicare. Numerous proposals to deal with the issue were discussed. One proposal stressed the need for stronger government negotiation rights with the drug companies. Another was to grant more prescription drug rebates, similar to those enjoyed by dually eligible (Medicare and Medicaid) beneficiaries.

Care Congress Convenes in DC

More than 700 care workers, care recipients, community activists and union members came together last week in Washington, D.C. for the first-ever Care Congress. The group celebrated the launch of the Caring Across Generations campaign, a national effort to reform the direct-care industry. Care workers look after some of the most vulnerable populations in our country: the young, people with disabilities and seniors. But they lack legal protection in the U.S., which can lead to a lack of proper training, few benefits, wages often below the poverty line and employer harassment.

Medicare Anniversary Celebrations Begin

The Florida Alliance held its annual health care forum on Thursday in Delray Beach. Several state legislators and other VIP’s were in attendance to recognize the upcoming 46th Anniversary of Medicare and to honor and salute Florida’s heroes who support Medicare. California, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas were also among the state Alliance chapters that have already held events celebrating the Anniversary of Medicare on July 30. To see next week’s planned events, go to “Senior Summer” on the Alliance web site or click http://bit.ly/rrH0jo.

Wide Range of Speakers Already in Place for September Legislative Conference

Be sure to join us at the Alliance’s 10th anniversary Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6-9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Confirmed speakers include: Robert Adler, Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission; Judy Collins, Grammy winning singer and social activist; Mary Kay Henry, President of SEIU; Bernie Sanders (I-VT), U.S. Senator; Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), member of the U.S. House of Representatives & Chair of the Democratic National Committee; Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Hilary Shelton, Director of NAACP’s Washington Bureau and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy; Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO; Dennis Van Roekel, President of the NEA; and Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. Gerald McEntee, President of AFSCME, will receive the President’s Award from the Alliance. Questions? Call 202-637-5377 or visit http://bit.ly/hQro1V.

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Cantor Obstructionism Imperils Finding a Debt Ceiling Solution

Barry Dalin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:29:33 -0400

With little more than two weeks to go before a possible government default, congressional leaders are sounding out their members this weekend over a deal to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling while cutting the overall debt by some $2 trillion over ten years -- or look for an unorthodox legislative approach. A Democratic source familiar with the negotiations said that as President Obama was concluding an Oval Office meeting with Hill leaders on Wednesday, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) interrupted him and for the third time raised doing only a short-term deal. Obama quickly “shut him down” and left the meeting. “House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has shown he shouldn't be at the table, and Republicans agree he shouldn't be at the table,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said on the Senate floor. Reid also called Cantor “childish.”

“Majority Leader Cantor has found a way to object to every possible solution provided to solve the debt problem,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Taking revenue off the table is an impediment that has made this situation last much longer than it should. Obstructionism is not the way to get this country through this predicament.”

Alliance Activism Surrounding the Budget Talks

Alliance members have sent almost 1,100 e-mails to the White House since last Friday, urging the President not to cut Social Security in order to address the national debt. Activists followed up those e-mails with phone calls to Capitol Hill on Thursday and Friday this week, demanding that Congress not cut Social Security or its Cost-of-Living Adjustment – or allow a Social Security payroll tax holiday. Three new Social Security fact sheets explaining what’s at stake are available on the Alliance web site at http://www.retiredamericans.org/issues/social-security. Those three concern the proposed Balanced Budget Amendment, the Chained CPI formula for cutting Social Security, and the Payroll Tax Holiday. On Tuesday, the Alliance joined 27 other senior organizations in signing on to a letter to Members of Congress detailing how proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and traditional pensions would harm the retirement security of millions of retirees: http://bit.ly/ogBiOA. “Though we are continuing to monitor the situation closely, we need all our members to act swiftly and call their elected officials to speak out against cuts to Social Security,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer Director of the Alliance.

Leaked Memo Reveals How Medicare, Medicaid Could be affected by Deficit Talks

According to Kaiser News, Washington is abuzz about a spreadsheet that was leaked on Tuesday morning outlining potential Medicare and Medicaid savings that could end up in a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling. The summary is an outline of areas that House and Senate negotiators discussed during debt ceiling negotiations with Vice President Joe Biden, Cantor told reporters on Tuesday. The summary includes possible increases in beneficiary cost sharing, or lower payments to nursing homes, home health and clinical laboratory services, as well as changes to supplemental Medicare insurance coverage known as Medigap. The list, which totals between $334 billion and $353 billion in savings over the next decade, also includes a potential $100 billion in Medicaid cuts – possibly from a blended rate of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Payments to states. Download the file at http://bit.ly/nDlsw5. “These cuts would hurt all seniors, but they would hit women and those with multiple conditions particularly hard,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. The Alliance worked together with AFSCME this week on tele-conference calls with reporters in Virginia and Missouri, drawing attention to the harm that would result from cuts to Medicaid funding in those two states.

Wisconsin Recalls: 6 for 6 in Democratic Primaries

This Tuesday, Wisconsin saw the defeat of 6 “fake” Democrats in the Democratic primary races for the state’s recall elections. In an effort to delay the recall elections 30 days, Wisconsin Republicans placed “fake” Republicans in these primaries. Now, the 6 original, “real” Democratic candidates will run in recall elections against State Senate Republicans who approved the Governor’s sweeping budget proposal for 2011-2013, including the controversial provision to strip most collective bargaining rights from public employees. In the past several months, the Wisconsin Alliance has been busy recruiting hundreds of retirees to participate in demonstrations; taking part in media events and recruiting speakers; calling thousands of union retiree households for a Supreme Court race; holding 14 town hall meetings on the impact of the Governor’s budget; and making dozens of presentations to WIARA affiliates on the impact of the state budget. WIARA is also recruiting members to participate in member to member walks, making thousands of calls, and mailing to retiree households around the recalls.

Medicare, Medicaid Anniversary Events Begin on Monday

July 30 marks the 46^th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Nineteen Alliance events are currently scheduled throughout the country, beginning on July 18, to mark the birthday as well as educate the public on the importance of these programs. To find an event near you, go to http://bit.ly/rrH0jo.

Kathleen Sebelius, Mary Kay Henry, Hilary Shelton to Speak at Alliance Convention

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Information and registration forms were mailed in May. You may also register online at http://bit.ly/hQro1V. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union; and Hilary Shelton, Director to the NAACP’s Washington Bureau and Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Policy, have been added to the program as speakers. Any questions, please contact Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or jjones@retiredamericans.org, or else visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy.

Current and Former Alliance Presidents Travel to Nevada, Iowa

President Easterling traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to address the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Retired Members’ Council meeting on Saturday. Former Alliance President George Kourpias spoke at the Iowa Alliance convention on Wednesday in Des Moines. Don Rowen was re-elected as President of the Iowa Alliance at the event.

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Debt Ceiling Talks Focus on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid Cuts

David Blank — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:29:55 -0400

President Obama is pressing congressional leaders “to consider a far-reaching debt-reduction plan that would force Democrats to accept major changes to Social Security and Medicare in exchange for Republican support for fresh tax revenue,” The Washington Post reported on Thursday. Unless Congress acts before August 2 to raise the $14.3 trillion ceiling on the amount the government can borrow, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has said the U.S. will begin to default on its obligations for the first time in history.

According to ABC News (http://abcn.ws/rigJK7), President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) have been discussing a grand bargain to cut some $4 trillion in projected budget deficits over the next 10 to 12 years. There is no deal yet, but the ideas under consideration include reductions in spending on Social Security and Medicare, as well as Medicaid. Among the spending reductions the president and the speaker have discussed is reducing the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security, as well as increasing the level of income subject to the Social Security FICA tax (the tax currently applies to an individual’s first $106,800 of income). Senate Democrats reacted angrily after reading about Obama’s offer in the press. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA) emphasized that House members from her party do not support cutting Social Security and Medicare benefits.

“It would be terribly hurtful – as well as contradictory to prior White House statements – to try to balance the budget on the backs of current and future retirees. Lowering the COLA would be devastating for millions of retirees,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “According to Social Security’s Chief Actuary, a 75-year-old retiree’s benefits would be cut by $560 per year, while an 85-year-old would have an annual cut of $984,” he continued. To see Mr. Coyle’s full statement, go to http://bit.ly/pycyZO. Richard Fiesta, Director of the Department of Government and Political Affairs for the Alliance, made similar points on a Friday tele-conference call with reporters, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and the Strengthen Social Security coalition, which includes other senior advocacy groups.

What You Can Do: Contact the White House

The Social Security COLA helps your benefits keep pace with inflation. The current COLA is already too low because it does not account for rising health care costs, which hurt seniors and people with disabilities the most. Now they want to make it even lower. Under the proposal, after 10 years the average benefit will be cut by about $600 a year. After 20 years the cut will be about $1,000 a year. The typical Social Security benefit is only $13,000 a year. Tell the President all of this by sending an e-mail directly to the White House: http://bit.ly/r30M0I. “The time to act is now,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “We need all seniors and their friends to contact the White House right away.”

‘Chained’ CPI Targets Middle and Lower-Income Workers

A senior White House official said on Thursday that while Social Security is not a driver of the deficit, “it does need to be strengthened.” A Huffington Post article (http://huff.to/pVo5xm) noted that the idea of “strengthening” is vague. Last week, numerous consumer advocacy groups expressed concern over news that lawmakers were considering changes to the way the government calculates the rate of growth for benefits people receive. Four senior congressional aides said lawmakers are discussing using an alternative yardstick, known as the “chained consumer price index,” to gauge inflation, determining COLAs for millions of Americans. The “chained” CPI is an alternative Bureau of Labor Statistics index that shows a lower inflation rate than the standard calculation. According to a Joint Committee on Taxation report (http://bit.ly/oIt81w), a “Chained” CPI would disproportionately affect middle and lower-income Americans. The Chief Actuary estimates that the reduced COLA would result in a decrease of about $130 a year (0.9 percent) in annual benefits for a typical 65-year-old. Because the cut grows every year relative to scheduled benefits, by the time that senior is 95, the annual benefit cut will be almost $1,400 (9.2 percent). Social Security’s oldest beneficiaries, mostly women who have outlived their non-Social Security sources of income, are significantly poorer than younger beneficiaries and rely on Social Security more. To see the Alliance’s one-pager on the Chained CPI, go to http://bit.ly/nuxKjG.

New York Times Elaborates on Proposed Medicare, Medicaid Cuts

In addition to Social Security cuts, the Obama administration has offered to cut tens of billions of dollars from Medicare and Medicaid. The extent of the cuts will depend on the Republicans’ willingness to create more revenue via tax increases. Some proposals being seriously considered would reduce Medicare payments to training hospitals and reduce the federal share of payments to Medicaid, according to The New York Times. Nothing is official, as negotiations are still underway.

Ohio Alliance Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Health Care

Last Thursday, the Ohio Alliance hosted a roundtable discussion on Medicare benefits in the Affordable Care Act with Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in Cincinnati. The event was well-received, gathering approximately 65 attendees of all ages. Much of the discussion focused on the increased coverage of preventive services that attendees felt would drastically improve their health and the program’s fiscal situation. “These educational programs go a long way towards enlightening and empowering consumers of their rights and responsibilities,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. Former Cincinnati mayor Dwight Tillery was also in attendance to offer his support for, and insights into, the Affordable Care Act.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Randi Weingarten to Speak at Alliance Convention

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Information and registration forms were mailed in May. You may also register online at http://bit.ly/hQro1V. Sen. Sanders and Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, are scheduled to speak. Any questions, please contact Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or jjones@retiredamericans.org, or else visit http://bit.ly/pjVbXy.

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Top Democrats Reject Coburn-Lieberman Plan to Cut Medicare

David Blank — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:02:35 -0400

According to The Washington Post, leading congressional Democrats “immediately recoiled” Tuesday from a new proposal to cut $600 billion in Medicare spending over the next decade — in part by raising the eligibility age. Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) unveiled the proposal as part of a bipartisan effort to produce the kind of savings necessary to achieve the $2 trillion in debt reduction both parties say is needed to convince lawmakers to vote to raise the debt ceiling. The senators’ plan would raise Medicare’s eligibility age from 65 to 67 and assess higher premiums on wealthier seniors. Democrats say that no deal on the debt limit is possible without an agreement to close tax loopholes that benefit the wealthy, including subsidies for major oil companies and a tax break provided to companies that buy private jets. They have promised they will not trim benefits to Medicare beneficiaries, “a point underscored by their chilly reception of the plan advanced by Lieberman and Coburn.” The two senators conceded that their plan would be unpopular. Democratic rejection of the proposal was swift. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) termed it “a bad idea.” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) called it “unacceptable.” Economists and credit rating agencies have warned that financial markets may grow turbulent if an agreement to raise the debt limit is not reached soon.

Chief Actuary Sheds Light On Privatization Debate

Chief Actuary for the Social Security Administration Stephen Goss was called upon last week to discuss “The Savings Account for Every American Act,” (H.R. 2019), a House Resolution introduced by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) that would privatize Social Security by allowing workers to opt out of the FICA tax. Mr. Goss’s analysis showed that the proposed legislation would reduce Social Security’s revenue stream drastically, severely damaging the program’s ability to pay current and soon-to-be beneficiaries. Furthermore, Goss warned, should workers be allowed to opt out of the FICA tax, the Social Security Trust Fund would be depleted far earlier than the current 2036 projection. In response to the bill, Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance, stated, “Rep. Sessions’ proposal is no better than previous attempts to cut Social Security.” Recently, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further analysis and debate.

Appeals Court Upholds Key Affordable Care Act Provision

Despite opposition, the Obama administration continues to receive positive legal and statistical feedback of the health reform law. On Wednesday, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled that the individual mandate to buy health insurance is constitutional. The decision was not based on party lines, as a Republican-appointed judge teamed-up with a Democrat to write the majority opinion. The judges clarified that Congress does have a ‘rational basis’ to regulate the health insurance market because of its undeniable effects on interstate commerce. “My hope is that the legal legitimacy gained from this ruling will help to silence the critics and expedite the law’s implementation process,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. Two more appellate courts around the country are set to rule on this issue, but many legal scholars believe the Supreme Court will ultimately decide this case. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced on Tuesday that close to half a million Medicare beneficiaries have saved a combined $260 million on their prescription medications due to the Affordable Care Act.

State Round-up: Alliance Events in Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Iowa

Hundreds of Hoover Co. retirees crowded into a senior center last Thursday, expressing concern and outrage that they will have to pay significantly more for health care. Appliance manufacturer Whirlpool Corp., which owned the former North Canton-based Hoover before selling off the brand in 2007, told retirees last month that it plans to cut back on retiree health care benefits, with the changes taking effect in 2013. Allen Schulman, a lawyer and Canton City Council member, told the retirees at the Mayfield Senior Center that his firm wants to represent retirees in an action against Whirlpool Corp., which assumed the Hoover obligations. For photos, go to http://bit.ly/l0V9OL.

As negotiations over the federal debt ceiling go down to the wire, a coalition of New York organizations announced plans to mobilize their supporters this summer. They are holding their state’s members of Congress accountable for attacks on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and domestic programs while preserving tax cuts for corporations and the rich, but not creating jobs. This past Wednesday, New York State Alliance (NYSARA) President Dennis Tracey represented New York Alliance members on a press conference call that kicked off the “Restoring the American Promise” campaign statewide. The coalition includes, among other groups, NYSARA; the New York State AFL-CIO; and 1199 SEIU, Fight for a Fair Economy. The campaign plans to attend Congressional town halls and rallies and operate a statewide caravan, among other actions. Also on Wednesday, President Easterling addressed approximately 300 National Education Association retirees at their annual meeting in Chicago. Next door in Iowa, members of the Iowa Alliance and the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement held an event that same day highlighting the importance of Social Security, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, to veterans. Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA), himself a veteran, emceed and spoke at the Des Moines event.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz to Speak at Alliance Convention in September

Alliance Staffer Mary Johnson Retires After More than a Decade of Service

This week, Mary Johnson of the Alliance’s DC headquarters retired from the position of Senior Field Support for Communications and Training, Department of Field Mobilization. “Mary Johnson has provided boundless energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the growth of local and state Alliance chapters,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We wish her the best as she embarks on this next phase of her life.” On Monday, the Executive Board of the Alliance formally recognized Ms. Johnson for the many ways she has helped build and grow a progressive, grassroots retiree movement.

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Following AARP Story, GOP Has New Ammunition in Goal of Cutting Social Security

David Blank — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:23:40 -0400

According to Politico (http://politi.co/kxt85x), the seniors lobby AARP is in “damage-control mode” following a news report last Friday in The Wall Street Journal that the group is open to cuts to Social Security benefits. A nationwide tour by AARP soliciting feedback from their members and seniors about what Social Security reforms the group should propose is now on hold until after the current round of deficit talks in Washington passes, according to David Certner, AARP’s Legislative Director. Still, Politico reports, the AARP story “gave Republicans new ammunition to push entitlement reforms in talks over slashing the deficit.” In response to the news story, Alliance members have sent more than 7,500 messages to U.S. House members saying that they do not support cuts to Social Security. “Thank you, Alliance members who have contacted your Member of Congress,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “Elected officials need to hear that there are many ways to strengthen Social Security besides cutting benefits. Raising the payroll cap on earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax, for instance, would preserve the program without sending millions of seniors into poverty.” If you have not yet contacted your Member of Congress but would like to, go to http://bit.ly/ldixlQ.

Social Security Beneficiaries Would Suffer From Readjusted CPI, Report Says

As the debate over how to cure America’s budget woes grows more contentious in Congress, proposals that would directly threaten Social Security beneficiaries continue to be considered on Capitol Hill. One such proposal recommends reducing Social Security’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) by reworking the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Workers (CPI-U) based on a chain-weighted formula. This ‘chained’ formula is designed to reflect changes in consumption patterns of a broad range of goods and services per month. Simply put, a ‘chained’ CPI is an aggressive, compounded cut to Social Security benefits that the chief actuary predicts will decrease benefits for the average recipient by $1,400 over a 30-year span. A troubling statistic given that 74% of all beneficiaries over the age of 80 rely on Social Security for more than half of their income. “While some choose to hide behind the policy-speak of calling it a ‘Chained-CPI,’ the cold reality is that it would be an immediate cut in Social Security benefits,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. Coyle continued, “The Chief Actuary’s report is a reminder that with so many seniors already struggling to get by, this would be devastating for retirees all across the country. Though the proposal is nowhere near close to being finalized, it does ignore the simple fact that Social Security has not contributed one cent to America’s deficit.”

Appeal Your Insurance Company’s Ruling? Why Not, You Have a Good Chance

Nothing is more frustrating or disheartening than getting in a fight with your health insurance company over a denied request. Many beneficiaries are unaware they have the ability to file an appeal. A new study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has provided some uplifting news in this regard. The findings show that most denied claims amounted from a clear-cut billing or eligibility issue, not over whether a procedure was medically necessary. Thus, the odds of winning an appeal are around 50/50, far higher than any consumer might have imagined. “Insurance companies must be held accountable for their actions, whether it’s a billing mistake or denying someone care,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. He elaborated, “My hope is that this report will reinvigorate consumers to stand up for their basic health rights and needs.” One caveat is that an individual must compose their appeal to specifically address and refute an insurance company’s reasons for a denial. Health policy experts therefore strongly recommend that people contact their insurance company before filing an appeal.

State Round-up: Florida, Wisconsin

This Monday at FLARA’s annual legislative conference in Orlando, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown joined seniors at an event to reaffirm support for Social Security and Medicare and to oppose any cuts to these programs. Tony Fransetta, President of the Florida Alliance, said, “The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans will not work in a cooperative spirit with organizations or individuals who work to make changes to these great American programs.”

The Wisconsin Alliance, together with Veterans for Peace and other community organizations, hosted town hall meetings in Portage and River Falls, Wisconsin this past Tuesday and Thursday to examine the implications of Governor Scott Walker’s 2011-2013 budget for Wisconsinites. The meetings covered the likely effects of cuts for community programs, public schools, public transportation and public services.

June is HHS’ Preventive Benefits Campaign

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has developed a list of materials for Medicare beneficiaries for the June 2011 Preventive Benefits Campaign. Available materials include: Are You Up-To-Date on Your Preventive Services?, The Annual Wellness Visit, and The Guide To Medicare Preventive Services. Free services offered since the Affordable Care Act passed include: Cardiovascular, cancer, and diabetes screenings; pap tests; pelvic exams; and annual check-ups. Click on http://bit.ly/kCWJ6v to download the full listing of materials and services offered. According to a recent study, only one in six Medicare beneficiaries is taking advantage of the free preventive care.

Alliance Educational Fund Awards Seidman Prize

The Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund awarded its sixth annual Bert and Annabel Seidman Prize for Advancing Social Policy to National Labor College (NLC) student Gary Schaible, a member of the Transport Workers Union of America from Lewisville, Texas. Mr. Schaible was awarded the prize for his senior project entitled, Retirement? — Not In This Lifetime: How Retirement for Aircraft Mechanics Is Becoming a Dream of The Past. The prize, and its accompanying $3,000 honorarium, encourages NLC students to research and analyze social policies that affect the older population. The winning entry conducted a thorough analysis focusing on why union members, specifically aircraft mechanics, have trouble securing a safe and lasting retirement. Ms. Easterling said of Mr. Schaible’s paper, “Bert and Annabel Seidman were very gracious people who were deeply committed to improving the lives of working Americans. I can think of no better way to honor their memory than Mr. Schaible’s paper on the importance of securing a dignified retirement for all Americans.”

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Coyle Stresses Disagreement with AARP Regarding Social Security Benefit Cuts

David Blank — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:56:05 -0400

A story ran in The Wall Street Journal today stating that AARP supports cutting Social Security benefits. “AARP does not speak for all seniors. And on this topic probably not for many of their own members,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “There is no ambiguity on where the Alliance for Retired Americans stands on Social Security - never has been, never will be. We are against Social Security benefit cuts for seniors,” he continued. Mr. Coyle made the remarks on a press conference call with reporters. A lengthy conference call with Alliance state presidents and leaders followed, and strategies were discussed for fighting back and dealing with the fallout from the AARP position. The national Alliance vowed to distribute material responding to the news as soon as possible. “This is a very real threat…the horse has left the barn. We need to call our Senators and Representatives right away to express our extreme unhappiness with the prospect of Social Security cuts. We also need to reiterate that AARP does not speak for all seniors on this issue,” added Coyle. Look for a special e-mail later today describing what you can do right away. To see Mr. Coyle’s full statement, go to http://bit.ly/jaGNJX.

Sen. Hutchison Introduces Legislation to Cut Social Security COLA
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) is introducing legislation that would present an immediate 1% Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) cut and would raise the retirement age starting in 2016. On Thursday, Sen. Hutchison announced she will introduce legislation to cut the COLA for current beneficiaries, wiping out this year’s COLA and slashing future COLA’s by 36%. Her legislation would also raise the Social Security retirement age to 69; that alone would cut benefits of middle income workers by $2,000-$2,700 each year. Overall, the legislation would result in $2,400-$3,600 per year in TOTAL cuts in future benefits per middle income worker. According to the Social Security Actuary and the office of Rep. Xavier Becerra, (D-CA), the legislation would result in $408-$540 per year in cuts in COLA benefits in future years for current seniors. “We will continue with all our might to fight efforts to balance the budget on the backs of seniors while giving millionaires tax breaks,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

SEIU and Walmart Associates Stand Up for Change

Please join SEIU President Mary Kay Henry and the rest of SEIU in registering your voice to improve conditions at Walmart by clicking on http://bit.ly/mQANSr. Momentum is building - both for the Associate-led Organization United for Respect at Walmart (OUR Walmart) - and for Making Change at Walmart, a campaign that stands in solidarity with Associates claiming the respect they deserve. No single employer in America has a larger impact on employment standards than Walmart. If you are someone interested in seeing change happen at Walmart, be sure to “like” the Making Change at Walmart Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/lpHptA and encourage all the Walmart Associates you know to join OUR Walmart at www.ForRespect.org.

Ohio and California Dispel Social Security Myths

Last Thursday, the Ohio Alliance (OARA) spearheaded a “Don’t Make Us Work ‘Til We Die” demonstration and news conference targeting Reps. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH) and Steve Stivers (R-OH) for their votes supporting the Paul Ryan Budget plan. USW retiree and OARA activist Bruce Bostick pointed out the irony that Tiberi and Stivers voted to decimate Medicare while preserving tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and largest multinational corporations. OARA President David Friesner said, "Who can afford an individual private plan now with pre-existing conditions? Our children and grandchildren certainly will not have the savings to cover the ever-rising premiums the House budget proposes.” More here: http://bit.ly/lcLT3d and at http://bit.ly/lVCgAv.

Yesterday, the Ohio Alliance called together over 150 community members in Toledo for more straight talk on Social Security. The forum, addressed by Ms. Easterling; Virginia Reno, Vice President for Income Security of the National Academy of Social Insurance; and Maria Freese of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, is one of many state forums on Social Security this year.

Last Saturday, the California Alliance had some truth-telling of their own to do at a San Mateo forum. Rep. Jackie Speier (D) of California’s 12th Congressional District shared her own Social Security story, reminding attendees that the program is not just for retirees but also for survivors. When Rep. Speier was widowed in 1994 while pregnant with her second child, Social Security survivor benefits really saved her family. Jodi Reid, Executive Director of CARA, praised Speier for her stalwart support of Social Security and reminded attendees that other politicians like Senator Feinstein (D-CA) have not committed to preserving and strengthening the program. CARA has mobilized mass postcard mailings to Sen. Feinstein on this subject. More here: http://bit.ly/jCJQrx.

Singer Judy Collins to Sing, Speak at Alliance Conference; Scholarships Available

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Grammy Winner Judy Collins will sing and speak at the conference. Ms. Collins is drawn to social activism. She has a special interest in mental health, is a representative for UNICEF, and campaigns on behalf of the abolition of landmines, amongst many other causes. Information and registration forms for the conference have been mailed, or you may register online at http://bit.ly/hQro1V. Any questions, please contact Joni Jones, Event Coordinator, at jjones@retiredamericans.org or 202-637-5377.

The Alliance has created a Community-Based Scholarship Program to increase access to national conferences and conventions for our community-based members. Scholarships include: Waived conference/convention registration fee; a banquet ticket; and $1,000 to pay for travel to and from the conference/convention, lodging while attending the conference/convention, meals, snacks, local transportation, parking, tips, etc. Scholarship recipients must be individual members in good standing with the national Alliance; community-based members (not a member of a union that has affiliated nationally with the Alliance); and live more than 100 miles away from the conference site (Washington, DC). In total, 10 scholarships will be awarded. Applications must be received by July 15, 2011. For more information, please go to http://bit.ly/keqjT0 and http://bit.ly/myRzG2.

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It’s Back… Social Security Privatization Bill Introduced on Capitol Hill

Laura Markwardt — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:48:26 -0400

A bad idea that just won’t go away, Social Security privatization is once again back in the public debate with the recent introduction of a bill in Congress to create private savings plans in lieu of Social Security. The legislation, H.R. 2109, was introduced by Rep. Pete Sessions (TX), who also serves as head of the House Republican campaign committee. The bill has been co-sponsored by Reps. Marsha Blackburn (TN), Dan Burton (IN), Randy Neugebauer (TX), Lamar Smith (TX), Lee Terry (NE) and Jeb Hensarling (TX), all Republicans.

“Current and future retirees can ill-afford to gamble away their life savings on the roulette wheel of the stock market. Can you imagine if George W. Bush had gotten his way and Social Security had been privatized? It would have been a disaster if we had turned Social Security over to Bernie Madoff, AIG, and Lehman Brothers. Privatizing is a risk very few Americans can afford to take,” said Edward F. Coyle, the Alliance’s Executive Director.

Senators: Keep Medicare Out of Budget Talks
Five U.S. Senators sent a letter earlier this week to Vice President Joe Biden, urging him to take Medicare off the table in the bipartisan budget talks he is leading. The negotiations are in advance of upcoming congressional action on raising the nation’s debt ceiling. Congressional Republicans have been demanding cuts in Medicare, and earlier this year the U.S. House passed a budget proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) which would end Medicare as know it, privatizing the program and dramatically raising costs for seniors. The letter to Biden was signed by five Democrats: Sens. Claire McCaskill (MO), Jon Tester (MT), Sherrod Brown (OH), Ben Cardin (MD), and Bill Nelson (FL).

Last Friday, the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans presented U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse with their Social Security & Medicare Hero Award. Whitehouse, who was honored for his advocacy on behalf of Rhode Island seniors, received the award from RI Alliance at a ceremony in North Providence attended by over 100 seniors. “The goal of the Rhode Island Alliance is to become a voice for all older Americans. Senator Whitehouse has consistently been that voice, not only for the Rhode Island Alliance members, but for seniors, women, children, minorities and people with disabilities across the nation. That’s why he is our Social Security & Medicare Hero,” said Rhode Island Alliance president John A. Pernorio.

With polls showing that voters are overwhelming opposed to Medicare cuts, Republicans have embarked on a new campaign to misinform and scare seniors. A slew of ads, including one from the business-backed “60 Plus Association,” touts the Ryan plan as a way to save Medicare, despite the fact that under the Ryan plan Medicare is privatized and seniors are forced to pay more for less coverage. The new ad severely distorts the facts, and misleads seniors about how the Republican proposal adversely affects Medicare. “With the Republican misinformation machine in full swing, seniors need to be more informed than ever before so they can separate fact from fiction” said Ed Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

New York Times Spotlights Pivotal 2012 Senior Vote
A recent article in the New York Times focused on how seniors will play an integral role in deciding the outcome of the 2012 elections. While Election Day is still 17 months away, seniors have already emerged as a key voting bloc because of heightened attention to programs such as Medicare and Social Security in fiscal debates. This was shown most dramatically in the May 24 election to fill a vacant U.S. House seat in upstate New York. Political analysts have said that the winner, Democrat Kathy Hochul, greatly benefited from rising public sentiment against Republican plans to privatize Medicare. Hochul won a seat that had been held by Republicans for 40 years.

The New York Times noted that with baby boomers retiring, and the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis still lingering, Americans are now paying closer attention to Medicare and Social Security. According to the National Council on Aging, a non-profit advocacy group, approximately 13 million older Americans are economically insecure, living on $22,000 or less. These financial stresses, combined with history of high turnout, could make seniors a swing voting bloc in the upcoming election. “It will be crucial for seniors to know where the candidates stand on issues affecting current and future retirees” said Barbara Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Texas Retirees Elect New Officers
The Texas Alliance for Retired Americans held its convention on Wednesday, mapping plans for the future and electing new officers: Shane Fox (President), Gene Lantz (Secretary), Elaine Jones (Treasurer), and Judy Bryant, Charles Hightower, and Jim Rivers as At-Large Executive Board members. Dani Pere, the national Alliance’s Director of Field Mobilization, addressed the convention, updating Texas retirees on the Alliance’s efforts to educate and mobilize retirees on emerging threats to Social Security and Medicare.

Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling spoke today at the Texas AFL-CIO’s convention, inducting Communications Workers activist Rosa Walker into the Texas Labor Hall of Fame. Encouraging attendees to work closely with the Texas Alliance, Easterling said, “Rosa is a reminder that for union retirees, our working days may be over, but our fighting spirit burns as strong as ever.”

Something on Your Mind? Write Letter, Win Pen!
Have an opinion about selling off Medicare to the insurance companies? Does the thought of privatizing Social Security make you mad? Is there something you want retirees in your community to know about? Take a moment to write a letter to the editor, and if it is published, the Alliance will send you a free, union-made “Retirees with the Write Stuff” pen.

“Letters to the editor are free and are often widely read,” said Alliance Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks, “with the deep-pocketed business interests we are up against, it’s nice to have an option that doesn’t cost money.”

Most recently, Harold Aldrich, Charlie Balban, Elmer Blankenship, Leon Burzynski, Buzz Davis, Robert Dougherty, Billy Feitlinger, Barbara Franklin, Dave Friesner, Tony Fransetta, Jo Jacobson, Gene Lantz, Richard Miller, Joyce Reiland, Terry Schleder, Scott Watts, Norm Wernet, Charlie Williams, and Barbara Winter contributed to their local papers. If you have had a letter published recently, please email letters@retiredamericans.org.

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2010 Alliance Voting Record, Compiling Key Congressional Votes, is Now Available

Josh Roll — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:53:02 -0400

On Tuesday, the Alliance released its 2010 Congressional Voting Record, detailing the votes of every U.S. Senator and Representative on key issues affecting current and future retirees. The document is available at http://bit.ly/kpet7N. “At a time when Congress has been debating the future of Social Security and Medicare, it is more important than ever that people of all ages know the issues and how their elected officials voted,” said Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling. The voting record examines ten key Senate votes and ten key House votes from 2010, giving the roll calls on issues such as strengthening Medicare, help for Social Security recipients, and protecting older Americans from consumer and lending fraud. According to the Voting Record, 183 U.S. House Members achieved perfect scores of 100% in 2010, while 83 members of the House received scores of zero. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the architect of the GOP’s plan to privatize Medicare and cut Social Security, was one of the House members receiving a grade of zero. Twenty-two members of the U.S. Senate received perfect scores of 100%, while 16 Senators received scores of zero.

Alliance Teams with Social Security Works to Release State Social Security Polls

In a new poll released on Wednesday, 76% of likely voters in Florida’s 2012 election said that they oppose cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit. Those opposed include 90% of Democrats, 66% of Republicans, 71% of Independents, and 56 % of Tea Party supporters. The poll was paid for by Social Security Works, a national organization that convenes the Strengthen Social Security Campaign, which is comprised of more than 300 national and state organizations from many of the nation’s leading aging, labor, disability, women’s, consumer, civil rights and equality organizations. It was released as leaders in Washington debate how to reduce the federal deficit, and many members of Congress call for including deep cuts to Social Security. The poll found that Social Security could be a real wedge issue in the 2012 U.S. Senate race in Florida. Nearly seven in ten (69%) of Florida voters say they would be less likely to vote for a Senate candidate who supports cutting benefits to reduce the deficit. Social Security could also influence swing voters: by a margin of 57% to 9% of independents and a margin of 65% to 5% of those who are undecided in the generic 2012 Florida Senate ballot, voters indicated they would be much less likely to vote for a candidate who supports cutting Social Security benefits to reduce the deficit.

Ms. Easterling participated in a similar event releasing a poll in Virginia on Tuesday. That poll showed that 75% of likely voters in Virginia’s 2012 election oppose cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit. A poll being released today reveals that 78% of likely voters in Missouri’s 2012 election oppose cutting Social Security benefits in order to reduce the federal deficit. For more on these and other polls, go to http://bit.ly/l0RH5V.

Playing Politics with the Debt Ceiling

On Tuesday, Congress voted down a “clean” debt ceiling increase, in favor of tying the measure to politically motivated goals such as cutting Social Security and Medicare. The defeated bill had no strings attached, and merely raised the debt ceiling from $14.3 trillion to $16.7 trillion. Republicans wish to only raise the debt ceiling if they can attach provisions from the unpopular Ryan Budget. However, by voting down this bill, Republicans have rendered the prospect of government default a very real possibility. If the debt ceiling is not raised by August 2^nd, the U.S. will not be able to meet its financial obligations, a situation that Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has described as “Catastrophic”. “As this debate heats up, we will have to focus more than ever on protecting Social Security and Medicare from cuts,” said Ruben Burks, Alliance Secretary-Treasurer.

Voter ID Laws Target Those More Likely to Vote Democratic

Since the 2010 midterm elections, Republican state legislators and governors have been working tirelessly to enact tougher voter identification laws. While many politicians veil the push for the laws as a way to cut down on fraud, evidence of such widespread voter fraud has yet to materialize. In reality, the push for voter ID requirements disenfranchises young people, seniors, and minorities, all of whom lack state issued photo ID’s at a greater rate than the rest of the general population. Minorities and young people are overwhelmingly Democratic voters, while seniors are overwhelmingly swing voters. In Wisconsin, for example, 23% of seniors; 59% of Latina women; and 78% of African-American men 18 to 24-years-old lack a state-issued photo ID. Currently, 12 states require a photo ID to vote. Some states are also shortening early voting periods and restricting the ability of third parties - such as the League of Women Voters - to hold voter registration drives.

New Alliance State Presidents for North Carolina, New York

Jim Moore was elected State President at the North Carolina Alliance's convention in Raleigh on Wednesday. North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Secretary-Treasurer of the North Carolina AFL-CIO MaryBe McMillan delivered remarks. Attendees thanked John Newman for his seven years as president, and Richard Fiesta, Director of the Department of Government and Political Affairs for the Alliance, spoke about current Social Security and Medicare developments. In New York, Dennis Tracey takes over as state president, following Jim Wood’s four years of dedicated service.

Nevada Alliance Commemorates Memorial Day

On Sunday, the Nevada Alliance (NARA) sponsored a Memorial Day BBQ to honor veterans and to defend the Social Security benefits upon which so many depend when they return to civilian life. Teachers, local labor leaders and other supporters joined in the celebration, featuring Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV), purple heart recipient and veteran Rodney Smith and AFT member and veteran Dick Collins. Scott Watts, President of NARA, presided over the tribute. Richard Fiesta also lent support. To see photos, go to http://bit.ly/lCOdYA.

Presidents of NAACP, NEA to Speak at Alliance Convention in September

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Information and registration forms were mailed last month. You may also register online at http://bit.ly/hQro1V. Benjamin Jealous, President of the NAACP, and Dennis Van Roekel, President of the National Education Association, are scheduled to speak. Any questions, please contact Event Coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or jjones@retiredamericans.org.

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Republicans Gamble with Medicare, Lose Big

Laura Markwardt — Fri, 27 May 2011 11:06:35 -0400

The GOP’s desire to privatize Medicare and turn it into voucher program has not only hit a speed bump, it has completely backfired. Their proposal, authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), passed the House on April 15, but is becoming increasingly unpopular amongst a wide array of voters. After weeks of angry town hall meetings, this week saw two specific political consequences of the wildly unpopular plan. First, Democrat Kathy Hochul, who was outspoken in her opposition to the plan, won a special election to fill a vacant congressional seat in upstate New York. Hochul’s victory would have been hard to predict months ago, as it is one the most conservative House districts in the state and is a seat the Republicans had held for 40 years. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by 30,000 in the district. Many political analysts viewed the race as referendum on the Ryan Medicare plan.

Under the Ryan plan, the average 65 year old will be expected to pay an additional $6,359 a year in out-of-pocket health care costs by 2022. “This election is a precursor to what the 2012 elections will look like if Republicans continue to support such extreme positions. Supporters of this plan owe an explanation to current and future retirees about why they chose the big insurance companies over seniors who need help affording their medical bills,” said Edward F. Coyle, the Alliance’s Executive Director.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate rejected privatizing Medicare by a 57-40 vote. All Democrats voted against the Ryan plan, and were joined by five Republican Senators – Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Scott Brown of Massachusetts, and Rand Paul of Kentucky. In contrast to the other four, Senator Paul said he voted no because the spending cuts were not drastic enough.

Alliance Educates Retiree Groups on Threats to Social Security
Also on Wednesday, Coyle spoke in Las Vegas to a national meeting of Coalition of Black Trade Unionists on the retirement security issues facing their community. In conjunction with this speech the Alliance released a new fact sheet on how Social Security impacts African Americans. Based on the data, African Americans will have a huge stake in any debate over cutting Social Security benefits, as Social Security is the primary income for 40% of African American retirees. In addition one of every five (nearly 21 percent) who receive Social Security disability benefits is African American and more than one of every eight (13 percent) African Americans who receive Social security benefits gets survivor benefits. For a copy of the fact sheet, click http://bit.ly/kr0Vip.

Working with our partner organization, the Strengthen Social Security campaign, the Alliance will help spotlight the importance of Social Security for our nation’s veterans. The campaign joined with Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mark Begich (D-AK) this week to release a report on veterans and Social Security. The report details the role Social Security plays for veterans and to the families of service members who have been injured or killed in the line of duty. The report also shows that over 9 million veterans receive Social Security. “Social Security is a promise that should not be broken, especially for those who have who served our nation with such pride and dedication,” said Ruben J. Burks, Alliance Secretary-Treasurer. For a copy of the report, click http://bit.ly/iil5On. To view a brief video of the event, click http://bit.ly/jjQHsT.

Retiree and community leaders in Colorado held a press conference on Thursday to release the results of a new poll of Colorado residents’ attitudes toward Social Security. The poll shows that 71% of likely voters in Colorado oppose cuts to Social Security in order to reduce the deficit. “More than 630,000 Coloradans receive Social Security and nearly half of them are lifted out of poverty by the program’s modest benefits,” Coloradan and Alliance for Retired Americans activist Vivian Stovall said, “Social Security is based on a promise that if you pay in then you earn the right to guaranteed benefits. Our elected officials in Washington need to be sure that promise is kept.”

Also this week, Rich Fiesta, the Alliance’s Director of Government and Political Affairs, provided a legislative update on Social Security and Medicare for members of the New York State Alliance at the group’s convention.

North Carolina Alliance Members Meet with HHS Secretary Sebelius
On Tuesday retiree activists from the North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans got the opportunity to speak one-on-one about their health care concerns with a member of President Obama’s cabinet, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. Sebelius led a Raleigh forum with seniors that was co-hosted by the Alliance and AARP.

Alliance members Jim Moore and Mary Montford joined the discussion with Sebelius. Montford told the Secretary, “The new health care law has brought many new benefits to people who rely on Medicare. I do worry that not enough people know about how the new health law affects them. I hope that we can continue to spread the word.” Sebelius told the seniors in attendance that she was opposed to Paul Ryan’s plan to change Medicare and went on to say that, "I think the Medicaid budget that is being proposed in Congress will have huge impact on North Carolina. House Republicans have proposed a drastic slashing of the Medicaid program.”

Support Transportation Security Officers
Please help bring a strong union voice to over 45,000 airport Transportation Security Officers (TSO) across the country. Beginning this week, TSOs will be voting to be represented by a union for the first time. The Alliance for Retired Americans is proud to support the American Federation of Government Employees in this historic campaign. “Union retirees know firsthand just how important it is to have a voice on the job to speak up on behalf of safety, security, and customer service. And we know how collective bargaining helps workers improve their wages, benefits, and prospects for a secure retirement,” said Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling.

Voting runs through June 21. To find out how you can help, please contact tsahotline@afge.org or 1-866-392-6832. More information is also available at www.afge.org.

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Nevada Activists Say Fund Medicare Fully, Rather Than Subsidizing Oil Companies

David Blank — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:10:06 -0400

Senate Republicans did not help their relationship with seniors and working Americans this week when they voted to keep $4 billion per year in subsidies for oil companies while supporting a budget plan that would end Medicare as we know it. Even with polls showing a majority of Americans wanting to keep Medicare intact, Senate Republicans voted to keep the oil subsidies after they had previously embraced an agenda to turn Medicare into a voucher system. The nation’s five largest oil companies made nearly $1 trillion in profits in the past decade, and profits are soaring even more with gas prices hovering today around $4 a gallon. Edward Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance, reacted to those budget priorities on Thursday during a press conference phone call with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). “To me, it is unconscionable for the Republicans to decimate Medicare so we can keep the big oil companies feeding off the federal trough. I believe that it is more important to help an elderly woman pay her medical bills than it is to use tax dollars to inflate the already obscene profits of an oil company,” Coyle said. Coyle was joined on the call by Nevada Alliance activists Dick Collins from Las Vegas and Gail Dietrich from Sparks, who each described how important Medicare is to them.

Medicare Spotlight Shines Again on Newt Gingrich

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) spent Monday defending the plan to dismantle Medicare after it came under fire in surprising fashion from a fellow Republican, Newt Gingrich. Gingrich became the first GOP presidential candidate to openly rip the plan, which would convert Medicare into a private insurance program, after the proposal -- part of a House budget blueprint to tame federal spending -- drew heavy criticism from some voters, and polls showed it to be unpopular. Gingrich later called his statement criticizing the Ryan plan a “mistake.” However, in 1995, when he was Speaker of the House, Gingrich had told a gathering of Blue Cross/Blue Shield executives that he and his fellow Republicans planned to present “a free-market plan” that would compete with Medicare and ultimately drive it out of business. “We believe it’s going to wither on the vine,” he said then, “because we think people are voluntarily going to leave it.”

“Newt Gingrich actually had it right when he was criticizing the Ryan plan,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Too bad he didn’t stand his ground and maintain that stance.”

Alliance Leaders Reach out from Coast to Coast

Alliance Executive Vice President Judy Cato was honored on Wednesday by Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ms. Cato was given the Award of Excellence by Rushern L. Baker, III, County Executive, for her extraordinary dedication to volunteer service in the county through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling traveled to Long Island on Tuesday to address New York State United Teachers Retiree Council 17. On Thursday, Ms. Easterling flew to Indiana to speak at the Indiana Alliance state convention and to hold a Friday press event decrying recent actions in Washington that threaten the health care and economic security of retirees with cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. “The fact is we cannot trust Wall Street with our Social Security. We cannot trust governors like Mitch Daniels and John Kasich with our collective bargaining rights. And we cannot trust the big insurance companies with our Medicare,” said Ms. Easterling, referencing the Governors of Indiana and neighboring state Ohio.

Earlier in the week, on the West Coast, Richard Fiesta, Director of the Department of Government and Political Affairs of the Alliance, addressed the International Association of Machinists retirees in Seattle.

Alliance in the Midwest: Making a Difference in Illinois, Ohio, and Iowa

Rep. Ryan, who is chairman of the House Budget Committee, was in Illinois on Monday to speak at the Economic Club of Chicago. When he arrived, 225 Illinois Alliance members and coalition partners were there to greet him and protest his budget proposal for privatizing Medicare, gutting Medicaid and fast-tracking cuts to Social Security. For pictures, go to http://bit.ly/lDrm74. Later in the week, on Wednesday, Chicago-area Alliance members discussed the implications of proposed cuts to Social Security at a forum with Rep. Jan Schakowsky and other experts on the subject.

On Saturday in Columbus, Ohio Alliance members met with Sen. Sherrod Brown to discuss how proposed cuts to Medicare and Social Security would affect them. For pictures from Ohio and other “Don’t Make Us Work ‘Til We Die” events, go to http://bit.ly/iA36zB. The following day, Iowa Alliance members met with Senator Tom Harkin and Congressman Leonard Boswell at a downtown Des Moines apartment building for seniors and people with disabilities. They took part in a Q&A session to find out how they could help Sen. Harkin and Rep. Boswell defend Medicare.

Nine Groups Sign Letter Promoting Drug Safety

The Alliance is one of nine organizations to sign on to a letter commissioned by Community Catalyst, a national non-profit advocacy organization building consumer and community leadership to transform the American health care system. In the letter, the groups voice their strong support for H.R. 1483 - a bill that would ensure that drugs and their ingredients imported to the U.S. are safe - introduced April 12 by Democratic Reps. Henry Waxman (CA), John Dingell (MI), Frank Pallone (NJ) and Diana DeGette (CO). H.R. 1483 allows mandatory recalls and the ability to stop importation of drugs from plants that fail safety inspections or deny access to FDA inspectors. H.R. 1483 also increases FDA oversight of foreign plants, and requires that industry meet new standards for adherence with Good Manufacturing Practices. To see the letter, go to http://bit.ly/lEFouI.

Alliance Convention: September 6-9, 2011

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Information and registration forms were mailed last week. You may also register online at http://bit.ly/hQro1V. Take part in the discussion about the direction that our country should take concerning Social Security and Medicare. Workshops will include, among others, Making Progress Together: Working with Coalition Partners in Your State and Advocacy in Your State. Any questions, please contact Joni Jones, Event Coordinator, at jjones@retiredamericans.org or 202-637-5377.

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Grassroots Pressure Influences the Medicare Debate

David Blank — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:17:18 -0400

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the GOP has been on defense with older voters since Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI) budget plan passed the House on April 15 with the support of all but four Republicans. “Since then,” the article reads, “Republicans have faced scathing criticism in public settings from seniors on both sides of the aisle, who say they have deep concerns about turning Medicare into a program where the government subsidizes future retirees through vouchers and private insurance.” The complete story is available at http://bit.ly/m0QCQQ.

At http://bit.ly/iOJwRU, Roll Call wrote, “House Republicans are working to prevent Medicare reform from becoming the politically defining issue of their party for the 2012 election season. But as Members return home for a weeklong Congressional recess Friday, it remains an open question whether media attention and a strong constituent response will turn the issue of entitlements into the GOP's version of cap-and-trade, a Democratic proposal from 2009 that was met with strong opposition and damaged scores of incumbents in swing districts. Like that issue, the new Medicare overhaul seems to have lost the support of House leaders — this time Republicans — after many potentially vulnerable lawmakers cast controversial votes in favor of replacing Medicare with a voucher program.”

Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance, commented on the articles. “Grassroots education & mobilization has made a big difference. People want to lower the federal budget deficit, but in this case the House GOP leadership led their flock way too far, and grassroots activists blew the whistle on them. Folks are having a hard enough time getting by as it is, and then along comes Rep. Ryan and his cohorts with a plan that would actually make things much worse.”

Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance, added on the web site Firedoglake, “House Republicans are having a rocky time back home, with much of the wrath coming from seniors. Their anger is fueled by a House-passed privatization of Medicare that would drive up seniors’ health care costs as they fend for themselves in the wilds of the private insurance market.” To see Ms. Easterling’s full column, go to http://bit.ly/jidUtA. Also, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), an Alliance member, wrote an informative piece for the Puget Sound Alliance’s May newsletter and blog, entitled “Medicare: Our bedrock promise to seniors.” To view it, go to http://bit.ly/kOZPwF.

Social Security, Medicare Trust Fund Reports Released

The Social Security trust fund report came out today and found that Social Security will remain solvent through 2036, a year earlier than was forecast in 2010. “Social Security is doing exactly what it is supposed to do – assuring full payment to beneficiaries, without delay. However, we cannot afford to keep the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. The Medicare trustees report was also issued today, saying Medicare will be able to completely pay its bills until 2024, five years sooner than last year's projection of 2029. “The Affordable Care Act will save nearly $120 billion for Medicare over the next five years. Imagine where we would be without that,” said Mr. Coyle. “We must do more to create high-quality American jobs, which will lead to more people paying into the system.”

Medicaid Increasingly Targeted by Republicans

According to The New York Times, “The changes to Medicaid proposed by Rep. Ryan, the House budget chairman, could actually have a more direct impact on older Americans than the Medicare part of his plan.” The House plan would turn Medicaid, which provides health coverage for the poor through federal and state money, into a block grant program for states. Beginning in 2013, these grants would increase annually at the rate of inflation, with adjustments for population growth, a rate far below that of inflation for health care costs. As a result, state leaders, who have said that they cannot afford to keep up with the program’s costs, are likely to scale back coverage. Such a reduction could have a disproportionate effect on Medicaid spending for nursing home care.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 7 of 10 nursing home residents are on Medicaid. On Tuesday, the foundation released a report, together with the Urban Institute, stating that by 2012, under the Ryan plan there could be 44 million fewer projected Medicaid enrollees nationally than what is forecast under current law. That is because existing projections include new additions to the program from the health care overhaul. While the House passed the Ryan 2012 budget, including changes to Medicare and Medicaid, the plan is dead on arrival in the Senate. Democrats have voiced strong opposition to block grants, arguing that they would shift too many Medicaid costs to states that are already slashing their budgets. Go to http://bit.ly/iUTS1G to view the Kaiser report.

State Round-up: New York, Wisconsin, Nevada

On Tuesday, Ms. Easterling traveled to New York to address the United Federation of Teachers Retired Teachers Chapter of New York City. On Wednesday in Madison, Wisconsin Alliance members joined like-minded activists from other groups in exposing Governor Scott Walker’s (R) “Reverse Robbin’ Hood Budget.” Activists stressed that Walker’s Reverse Robbin' Hood budget makes the wrong choices by taking from schools, seniors, healthcare, public services and the poor - to give corporations and his wealthy donors huge tax giveaways.

This Saturday at the Wisconsin State Capitol, Wisconsinites will once again rally against Gov. Walker’s fatally flawed budget. Wisconsin Alliance President Leon Burzynski will join speakers from the Wisconsin State Senate and numerous unions and community organizations to speak out against the deplorable affront to collective bargaining, SeniorCare and more. Buses will transport people from all over the state to Madison. For details, and to RSVP, click http://bit.ly/kKtzQF.

Last week, on May 3, Nevada Alliance members, IBEW Local 1245 retirees, and supporters picketed the NV Energy shareholder meeting in Las Vegas. Retirees presented a resolution urging the utility’s Board of Directors to amend company bylaws to allow holders of 15% of outstanding shares of common stock to call a special meeting of stockholders. The resolution, a clear call for more accountability by management, passed with 60% of the vote. Under CEO Michael Yackira, the company has slashed retiree medical benefits, even as company profits rose 25% last year to $227 million, and Yackira’s own compensation has gone up 42% in just three years.

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May is Older Americans Month

David Blank — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:06:19 -0400

Honoring the contributions of older Americans across the nation, President Obama proclaimed the Older Americans Month theme this year is “Connecting the Community.” The President acknowledges how social media and new technology allow seniors to remain actively engaged in their communities and connected to their far-away friends and families well into their later years. The proclamation also relates to seniors’ health care. “America’s seniors are pleased to be honored by the President during Older Americans Month,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “As the President noted in his own proclamation, the Administration’s focus on health care for seniors is best exemplified by the free preventive tests for seniors now available due to the Affordable Care Act.” To see the President’s full proclamation, visit http://1.usa.gov/iNFHDa.

Americans Aged 45 and Older Now the Majority of the U.S. Electorate

New data is showing that Americans aged 45 and above now account for 119 million Americans, and over 51% of the voting-age population. This number has risen from 46% in 2000, and highlights an overall trend of an America that is getting older. The preliminary figures are based on the Census Bureau's 2009 population estimates as well as the 2009 American Community Survey, which samples 3 million U.S. households. Broken down by subgroups, older boomers ages 55-64 were the fastest-growing group since 2000, jumping 43 percent to approximately 35 million. They were followed by seniors 85 and older, who increased 33 percent to more than 5.5 million, due largely to medical advances that have increased life spans. Based on actual election turnout, which is higher for older Americans, census data show that baby boomers and seniors ages 45 and older represent about 60 percent of voters in national races, judging by the 2008 presidential race. Nearly 1 out of 2 voters is 50 or older. “These numbers should give pause to elected officials who want to dismantle Medicare, or turn it over to private insurance companies,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. To see the full AP story, go to http://bit.ly/mw5Ymc.

Under 55-Year-Olds Need an Extra $182,000 to Pay for Republican Medicare Plan

A 54-year-old today will have to save an additional $182,000 in their IRA or 401(k) before he or she retires to pay for the House Republican plan to dismantle Medicare, an analysis released Thursday by U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) found. The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) estimated that individuals born in 1957 would need $182,000 by the time they retire at 65 to pay the additional costs imposed by the Republican plan if they live to 84. The analysis was included in a letter to Rep. Miller. “Under the Republican plan, seniors will go into debt. They will be forced to sell their homes that they spent a lifetime paying off. And they will have to rely on their children just to pay for basic medical care,” said Miller. Last month, House Republicans voted to end the guaranteed benefits of Medicare, and replace them with a plan that would force seniors to find private insurance with the assistance of a voucher. Since the voucher’s value relative to health care costs would decrease over time, and private insurance costs are higher than traditional Medicare, seniors retiring in 2022 under the Republican plan would be forced to pay much higher costs than under current law. As a result, CEPR found that the average senior beginning in 2022 would have to save $182,000 to cover these additional costs. The data assumes a return of 3% in real interest during the retirement years. To view the letter from CEPR to Rep. Miller, go to http://bit.ly/jQpFVN.

Sen. Sherrod Brown Leads 50 Senators in Opposing Privatization of Medicare

Following House Speaker John Boehner’s (R-OH) insistence that Medicare privatization is still on the table, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has led a group of 50 Senators in signing a letter to President Obama expressing opposition to the plan. Brown forwarded a copy of the letter to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) on Thursday to confirm that the Republican Medicare privatization plan is dead on arrival in the Senate. Referring to a Washington Post interview with Rep. Cantor, Sen. Brown wrote to the Majority Leader, “Your conclusion was correct that House Republicans ‘need to look elsewhere’ after President Obama ‘excoriated’ the proposal you and your Republican colleagues adopted to privatize Medicare through a voucher system.”

“So-called ‘premium support’ – giving seniors a voucher of approximately $8,000 as proposed by the Republican budget,” the group of 50 Senators wrote to the President, “is a reckless and irresponsible way to address the health care needs of older Americans. And it is an unacceptable means by which to finance tax cuts for those who are earning ten times or more than the retirement income of the average Medicare recipient.” To see the letter to Rep. Cantor, along with the original letter from the fifty senators to President Obama, go to http://bit.ly/jlA9iI.

The End of Paper Social Security Checks

As of May 1st, the federal government is no longer issuing paper checks to new Social Security beneficiaries. The change is part of a program to switch all federal payments from paper checks to electronic payments. Beneficiaries can choose to receive their payments by direct deposit to their checking or savings account, or to a Direct Express debit card that will be provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Electronic benefits are widely considered safer, more environmentally friendly, and more reliable, and they are cheaper for the federal government to distribute.

Current beneficiaries have until March 1, 2013 to choose how they want to receive their benefits. If you currently receive Social Security benefits and you do not choose an electronic payment option by Mach 1, 2013, you will automatically begin to receive your benefits on the Direct Express card. To learn more about paperless benefits, visit www.GoDirect.org, or call the toll-free helpline at 1-800-333-1795.

Washington State Alliance Hosts Forum on Social Security

On Saturday, the Washington Alliance for Retired Americans held a forum at Evergreen State College in Olympia to discuss the past, present, and future of Social Security. The event featured remarks from Richard Fiesta, Director of Government Affairs for the national Alliance; Jeff Johnson, president of the Washington State Labor Council; Andy Landis, author of the book Social Security: The Inside Story; and others. The presentation raised awareness and triggered conversation about often-misunderstood aspects of Social Security, including proposed changes. The event was made possible by a grant from the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI).

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In More Than 50 Cities, Activists Say, "Don't Make Us Work 'Til We Die!"

David Blank — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:48:00 -0400

This week, the Alliance, in coordination with the Strengthen Social Security Campaign and other groups, held events in more than 50 cities to counter Rep. Paul Ryan’s Republican budget, which passed in the House two weeks ago. The budget included painful changes that would deeply affect seniors, such as privatization of Medicare - turning care over to insurance companies; reducing Medicaid benefits by $1.4 trillion; and raising the retirement age, forcing people to work much too late into their lives. Click on http://bit.ly/eelptA and http://bit.ly/me7igN to learn more. This week, the Alliance and other groups maintained a strong grassroots presence at town hall meetings, rallies, and congressional district offices, decrying freshmen and swing district GOP Reps. for their votes on the Ryan Budget. “The activists have come out to say that the Ryan Budget would ultimately force seniors to ‘Work ‘Til We Die,’” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Why should retirees face backbreaking cuts while the super-wealthy see more tax breaks?”

One event that saw a particularly large turnout was a town hall meeting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, inside Rep. Ryan’s home district. Politico reported that “Ryan was met by an overflow crowd that was overwhelmingly opposed to his plan to kill Medicare.” Here’s a video from Rep. Ryan’s town hall: http://bit.ly/kwi211. Such blatant opposition could be seen at countless town hall meetings across the nation this week. To see the Arizona Alliance’s event photos on Facebook, go to http://on.fb.me/mrGTML. Also, the Florida Alliance created a video from a “Work ’Til We Die/Thank-you to Sen. Bill Nelson” gathering at http://bit.ly/laXAgG.

Alliance Radio Ads Protest Republican Cuts to Medicare, Social Security

This week, the Alliance also began running radio ads to protest the Republican budget cuts to Medicare and Social Security. The ads will air on the radio for seven days in Colorado, Missouri, and West Virginia. As many Members of Congress work to shrink Social Security and Medicare, the ads remind voters that the Republican budget would “…use our money to give more tax breaks to millionaires and corporations, and cut nursing home care and Social Security, too.” During a speech at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 4th District meeting in Morgantown, West Virginia on Thursday, Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling told union members that the Alliance ads were used to urge Senators from those three states to stand up for Social Security and Medicare. To hear the ad, go to http://bit.ly/h0ZHX1. Conversely, the 60 Plus Association, a conservative seniors organization, is spending $800,000 on radio ads thanking House Republicans for their votes that would dismantle and destroy Medicare.

As if Privatizing Wasn’t Enough…

In an article entitled, “As if Privatizing Wasn’t Enough,” Jonathan Cohn of The New Republic writes that under the Ryan Plan, seniors would have to enroll in private insurance, using a federal subsidy too skimpy to pay for adequate coverage, instead of getting comprehensive coverage through traditional Medicare. He adds that that’s not the only change in the House Republican budget: Under current law, you become eligible for Medicare on the day you turn 65. If the Republicans get their way, you wouldn’t become eligible for the new Medicare voucher until the day you turn 67 ( http://bit.ly/fzWNSB ).

Despite that, a poll conducted by Gallup/USA Today found that the group most open to Rep. Ryan’s budget plan is the group that will be affected the most by it – seniors. The poll finds 48% of seniors (those 65 and over) support Ryan's plan over President Obama's plan, while 42% back the president. Overall, 44% back Obama's plan, while 43% support Ryan ( http://bit.ly/fUn0oQ ). “More people need to know the truth, and it’s our job to make that happen,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “When the media covers sideshows and not real issues, there is definitely a price to be paid.”

Medicare Offering Free Wellness Checkups and Preventive Screenings

A provision of the health care reform law allows Medicare recipients to receive free wellness checkups and preventive tests to help avoid and control diseases. Some of the tests offered include mammograms, colonoscopies, and cardiovascular screenings. As many as 300,000 seniors have taken advantage of the checkups in the past three months; however, only a small fraction of beneficiaries has received any preventive tests. Experts believe that as more information is released about the program and more beneficiaries begin to understand the law, the number of people using these services will drastically increase. Information about Medicare and a list of the preventive services that are now being offered can be found in the “Medicare & You” handbook (available at www.medicare.gov or at 800-MEDICARE), the users’ manual sent to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Preparing Online Tools for 2012

Democrats are no stranger to using Facebook and Twitter to reach voters and constituents. In fact, social media was heavily employed in the campaign to elect President Obama. However, many Republicans shied away from social media and relied on more traditional campaign strategies. Now that the effectiveness of social media has been proven, Republicans are flocking to the Internet. According to a study by the Pew Research Center on Internet and Society, Republican voters and supporters of the “Tea Party” movement caught up with Democrats in their use of social media in 2010. However, with 19.3 million friends on Facebook, President Obama still remains a heavy contender in the social media campaigns. Social Media outlets such as Facebook are an effective way to reach out to friends, keep in touch with family, learn about current events, meet up with people who share you passion for activism, and possibly connect with elected officials. To stay informed about events that affect seniors, join 2,000 of your fellow retiree activists and become friends with the Alliance on Facebook!

Legislative Conference Reminder

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Take part in the discussion on the direction that our country should take concerning retirement security. Workshops will include Checking the Pulse: Medicare and Health Care Reform. Information and registration forms will be mailed shortly. You may also register online at http://bit.ly/hQro1V. Please contact event coordinator Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or jjones@retiredamericans.org with any questions.

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Alliance Members Tell Congress, "Don't Make Us Work 'Til We Die!"

Laura Markwardt — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:44:52 -0400

Last Friday, the U.S. House approved a draconian 2012 budget that ends Medicare as we know it, provides a roadmap for eliminating Social Security, and cuts $1.4 trillion from Medicaid over 10 years. Meanwhile, in the Senate, there is a major bipartisan initiative to raise the retirement age or cut Social Security benefits in other ways. With Congress in recess until May 3, Alliance members are using this time to tell members of the House and Senate, the media, and supporters that Congress should keep its hands off Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid! “Our goals are to ensure that: Social Security not be included in a deficit-reduction deal; Medicare not be turned over to insurance companies; the eligibility age for Medicare benefits not be raised to 67, from 65; and severe cuts to Medicaid be blocked,” explained Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

The Alliance is teaming with “Strengthen Social Security” and other groups with rallies, advertisements, and grassroots lobbying campaigns to defend Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security from the proposed cuts. Retirees across the country will be showing the effects of what diminishing retirement security legislation means to “real people” by dressing up in work clothes and demonstrating what it means to “Work ’Til We Die.” This past Monday, New Hampshire Alliance members donned hardhats and crutches on Tax Day to tell Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH) that his vote last week in favor of the plan of the House Budget Committee Chairman, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) – a proposal which would replace Medicare with a voucher system and raise the retirement age – would keep people working much too late in life. A group of twenty retirees and workers using wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches gathered at the Manchester Post Office to challenge Guinta's vote. Then they marched to Guinta's office [ http://bit.ly/gvmvY6 ] and gave his staff a long list of grievances stemming from the vote. To learn about upcoming, similar Alliance events around the country, planned for next week, go to http://bit.ly/eelptA. To see the “Don’t Make Us Work ’Til We Die” video from “Strengthen Social Security,” go to http://bit.ly/i7cfe9. To see video of Rep. Ryan being booed at a town hall for defending tax breaks for the wealthy while suggesting major Medicare and Social Security cuts for the middle class, go to http://bit.ly/eOvG0Y.

The Washington Post: The Budget, America’s Preferences, and the Senior Vote

“Despite growing concerns about the country’s long-term fiscal problems and an intensifying debate in Washington about how to deal with them, Americans strongly oppose some of the major remedies under consideration,” according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll [http://wapo.st/fL85oV]. The survey finds that Americans prefer to keep Medicare just the way it is. More than half say they are against small, across-the-board tax increases combined with modest reductions in Medicare and Social Security benefits. Only President Obama’s call to raise tax rates on the wealthiest Americans enjoys solid support. The Post-ABC poll finds that 78% oppose cutting spending on Medicare as a way to chip away at the debt. Only 34% of Americans say Medicare should be changed along the lines outlined in the Ryan budget proposal.

A separate Washington Post article, at http://wapo.st/fZWyX7, looks at the Ryan budget and the senior vote. In 2010, seniors turned out in big numbers, and Republicans carried voters over 65 by 21 points — by far their biggest margin among any age group. “The 2012 budget proposed by Rep. Ryan and passed by House Republicans on Friday would privatize Medicare and shift most of the entitlement’s future costs onto seniors,” the article states. The piece then questions whether the trend of seniors voting with Republicans can continue.

Senate “Gang of Six” Attack Social Security

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate’s “Gang of Six” that is trying to address the budget deficit, recently told reporters that he does not support separating the discussion about Social Security reform from the larger conversation about reducing the federal deficit. Durbin criticized legislation that would prevent Social Security from being cut in an effort to reduce the deficit as “going too far.” The bipartisan group of six senators, which includes Durbin as well as Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Tom Coburn (R-OK) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), is working to produce a budget proposal that would be based on the recommendations of the Fiscal Commission that was chaired by Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson. Members of the group have promised that their proposal will include reforms to Social Security, including a reduction of benefits for “wealthy” recipients and a possible increase in the retirement age. “I urge the Gang of Six to keep in mind that Social Security has not contributed one dime to the deficit,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

CEO’s Receive 23 Percent Salary Increase

The CEO’s who lead companies in Standard and Poor’s 500 Index earned an average of $11.4 million in compensation in 2010, according to Executive Pay Watch, an initiative of the AFL-CIO. This represents a 23% increase from the average CEO compensation in 2009. The report notes that the average secretary makes a median salary of $29,980, while someone such as Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf is compensated more than 632 times that amount, approximately $18,973,722. CEO compensation is public information thanks to a provision in the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Consequently, many banks and major corporations are lobbying Congress to weaken the law. For more, go to http://www.aflcio.org/corporatewatch/paywatch.

Indiana Alliance Stands Up for Home Care

Elmer Blankenship, President of the Indiana Alliance, and Denny Lanane, the state president of United Senior Action, are the co-authors of an op-ed that was published in a recent edition of the Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne, Indiana. In the piece, they detail the ways in which Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has misrepresented facts and led the Indiana General Assembly to believe that Medicare waivers are cheaper than the costs of the Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled (CHOICE) home care program, thereby forcing people into nursing homes. In truth, Medicare waivers cost the state of Indiana an average of $12,000 per person, whereas the CHOICE program costs the state an average of about $3,994 per person. “Sad to say, the senior staff at FSSA cannot bring themselves to tell the Indiana General Assembly the truth about the CHOICE and the Medicaid aged and disabled waiver programs,” said Mr. Blankenship and Mr. Lanane. To see the op-ed, go to http://bit.ly/fnm5Sj.

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Alliance Reacts to President Obama's Plan to Reduce the National Deficit

David Blank — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:53:10 -0400

On Wednesday, President Obama gave a speech outlining his plan for reducing the national deficit by $4 trillion before 2023. The President’s framework rejects plans that would “end Medicare as we know it” or transform Medicaid into a dramatically underfunded block grant. The President also separated his call for Social Security reform from the efforts to lower the deficit, and he promised that he would not renew the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy when they expire at the end of 2012. “As this debate proceeds, grassroots activists with the Alliance for Retired Americans will be urging their elected officials to address the root causes of our deficit – the badly-unneeded tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations – and to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, two great American success stories that have helped generations of seniors stay healthy and out of poverty,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance. For the Alliance’s full statement on the President’s budget, go to http://bit.ly/dHMnsn.

Many Reasons Not to Like Rep. Paul Ryan’s Budget

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 235-193 today to pass the Paul Ryan (WI) Republican 2012 Budget. No Democrat voted for Rep. Ryan’s budget, while 4 Republicans voted against it: Walter Jones (NC), David McKinley (WV), Ron Paul (TX), and Denny Rehberg (MT). Four members did not vote. Here is a link to the roll call: http://1.usa.gov/gI8Mv4. The Ryan budget would severely hurt America’s seniors and retirees by privatizing Medicare; promoting rationing by private insurance companies; fast-tracking cuts to Social Security; and slashing support for seniors and the disabled in nursing homes. The Ryan blueprint would also reconfigure Medicaid into a state block-grant program, while cutting the federal budget by an estimated $6 trillion over a decade. Alliance members joined members of the Congressional Seniors Task Force at a press conference today on Capitol Hill in denouncing the plan. Despite the details of the proposal, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said on Wednesday that the GOP's Medicare privatization plan does not privatize Medicare. “We're transforming Medicare so that it'll be there for the future,” he explained.

Alliance members sent more than 3,400 letters to 411 Representatives stressing their outrage over Ryan’s blueprint. “Once again, our members came through in the clutch,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “Thank you to everyone who sent a letter.” The Alliance also sent its own letter to each Representative echoing the strong disapproval. To read the letter, go to http://bit.ly/fCGrvq. House Democrats, led on the issue by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), unveiled a $3.68 trillion budget proposal Wednesday that would cut billions of dollars in defense spending while increasing taxes on the wealthy. However, the plan failed to pass in the House.

Nevada Alliance Wastes No Time Drawing Attention to Ryan-Budget Supporters

Yesterday, 60 members of the Nevada Alliance gathered outside of Rep. Dean Heller’s (R) offices in Reno and Las Vegas to protest his support of the Ryan/GOP budget proposal. Seniors chanted “Hell no Heller!” and flaunted signs that read “BASIC NEEDS NOT CORPORATE GREED” and “Our Grandchildren Can’t Afford Heller’s Budget.” NARA President Scotty Watts said at the rally, “Under the plan Heller supports, many seniors would no longer be able to go to or stay in a nursing home, receive long-term care, or receive any care at all in their homes and communities.”

Raise the Retirement Age to 70??

On Wednesday, three Senate Republicans introduced legislation, S. 804, to modify Social Security by raising the retirement age to 70 and cutting benefits for high-income beneficiaries. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said that freshmen Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rand Paul (R-KY) were “the only two guys I could find” to sign onto the proposal, but that they were continuing to talk with lawmakers of both parties. Their plan would gradually increase the retirement age for Social Security to 70 by 2032, so that those born in 1970, or after, would not receive full benefits until age 70. After 2032, under the proposal, the retirement age would be indexed to changes in life expectancy. Currently, the retirement age is being phased up to age 67 for those who were born after 1960. Wealthier earners would receive reduced payments after 2018 under the proposal. “Everybody has to contribute to the solution, if you're unable to work, you can apply for disability,” said Graham. He added, “My situation now is much different than it was in the 70s when my parents died, back then cuts would have been devastating. Now, I can afford to forgo some of my benefits.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is pushing legislation to make lawmakers eligible for their federal retirement benefits only when they reach Social Security retirement age. His bill, the 2011 Shared Retirement Sacrifice Act, is in response to lawmakers asking for the Social Security retirement age to be increased to 69 or 70 years old. Under the Federal Employees Retirement System, lawmakers who retire at 50 and have at least two decades of federal service can immediately collect full pension benefits, while those who are 62 will get the same if they retire with at least five years government experience. Brown and other progressives from both chambers of Congress have also gotten behind legislation that would only allow changes to Social Security with the approval of two-thirds of both the House and the Senate.

Leon Burzynski Gives Testimony to Wisconsin Lawmakers

This week, Leon Burzynski, the President of the Wisconsin Alliance (WIARA), delivered testimony to the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee. The testimony focused on Governor Scott Walker (R), his 2011-2013 budget proposal, and the effect his budget will have on seniors. Walker’s budget proposal calls for eliminating the state’s drug program for seniors, SeniorCare, and making seniors enroll in Medicare Part D instead. Implementing this change would cost most seniors in Wisconsin up to an extra $4,550 a year. The budget also proposes capping the number of participants in the state’s long-term care program, which would increase out of pocket expenses for many seniors. Additionally, the budget would cut $9.6 million from transportation assistance.

Register Now for the Alliance Legislative Conference

The Alliance has lots of exciting things planned to celebrate its 10-year anniversary at the 2011 Legislative Conference in Washington DC, September 6-9. We will be mailing more information, and registration forms, in the next few weeks. You may also register online at http://bit.ly/hQro1V. Please contact Joni Jones at 202-637-5377 or jjones@retiredamericans.org with any questions.

Editor’s Note: Due to holidays, the next Friday Alert will be published on Thursday, April 21, 2011.

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Republican Budget Would Drastically Alter Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security

David Blank — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:06:05 -0400

On Tuesday, House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI) released a proposal to cut more than $4 trillion in federal spending over the next decade through drastic changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Ryan’s plan privatizes Medicare, turning it over to health insurance companies. Seniors who currently rely on the federal government for Medicare benefits would be given coupons for a fixed dollar amount, and then forced to fend for themselves in the private health insurance market. Moreover, the dollar amount of this voucher is unlikely to keep pace with medical costs, or one’s changing medical condition. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects that Ryan’s plan would have seniors paying $20,000 a year for Medicare in 2030, or 68% of the total cost of their coverage. That amount is currently 25%.

Medicaid would be, in Washington terms, "block granted," that is turned over, with few strings attached, to state governors. “After what we have seen this year, why would we want to put affordable access to nursing homes and long-term care into the hands of Scott Walker, John Kasich, Mitch Daniels, or Chris Christie? Seniors better pray for good health,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance.

The Ryan plan would also create new federal budget rules to quietly start a "trigger" that could soon lead to Social Security benefit cuts and a higher retirement age. A legal provision would cut Social Security benefits once spending on the program rises above a certain level, which would be as soon as the Baby Boomers are beginning to retire. For more on how the Ryan plan would harm current and future seniors, go to http://bit.ly/fCklaP.

At a Capitol Hill press conference on Tuesday, Mr. Coyle joined Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL) and leaders of other senior advocacy organizations in denouncing the Ryan blueprint. On Wednesday, Coyle joined Reps. John Larson (CT), Jan Schakowsky (IL), David Cicilline (RI), Mark Critz (PA), and Ted Deutch (FL), as well as California Reps. Doris Matsui, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Laura Richardson, and Henry Waxman at a House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force event highlighting the impact of the Ryan cuts.

Government Shutdown Would Affect Social Security Offices

As the threat of a government shutdown grows close to becoming a reality, Congress has yet to produce a spending plan for the rest of the current fiscal year that both sides can agree upon. If there is a shutdown, all non-essential government employees will have to stay home from work; the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not issue tax refund checks; passport applications would not be processed; and federal courts would face serious disruptions. Additionally, Social Security offices across the country would have to close their doors, which would result in a backlog of benefit applications, phones going unanswered, and new beneficiaries facing a delay in receiving their benefits. To protest the effect that the shutdown would have on seniors and the disabled, Alliance members in Iowa, Arizona, and other states across the country joined the American Federation of Government Employees this week to protest outside Social Security Administration offices.

Florida Alliance Members Turn out Across the State to Stop Governor Rick Scott

The Florida Alliance, together with the national Alliance and AFSCME, turned people out for multiple events around the state this week protesting Governor Rick Scott’s (R) push to take people off Medicaid and force them into HMOs - while restricting their ability to sue for the lack of care that would likely follow. Events took place in cities including Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Jacksonville.

Still Time to Enroll in the Alliance’s Retiree Health Plan

The Alliance’s Retiree Health Plan Open Enrollment Period has been extended. All Medicare-eligible retirees and spouses are guaranteed acceptance with no waiting periods, through April 30, 2011, regardless of pre-existing health conditions! This Open Enrollment Period is ending soon, so call now to get your enrollment information in the mail or to enroll by phone before it is too late. Call (866) 298-9117 for further details, to request your free information kit, or to enroll over the phone today. You can also visit www.araretireehealth.com to get more information.

Barbara Easterling Addresses Transport Workers Union

Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling spoke in DC on Tuesday to the legislative conference of the Transport Workers Union (TWU). During her remarks, Ms. Easterling asked, “Can you imagine if we asked workers – particularly those in the physically demanding jobs TWU members do – to work until 70?” She was referring to a recommendation made by U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH).

“We Are One” Events: A Reminder That Collective Bargaining is a Civil Right

Monday, April 4, marked the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To commemorate the legacy of Dr. King, Alliance members across the country joined their labor union brothers and sisters at “We Are One” rallies, marches, and sit-ins. The events also protested recent attacks on public workers’ collective bargaining rights. King had been protesting for collective bargaining rights for sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee just before he was assassinated. “Martin Luther King’s unrelenting dedication to making sure all Americans receive justice and equality serves as an inspiration to all Americans,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Did You Know...
According to Bloomberg Businessweek’s cover story, “The More You Make, The Less You Pay.” For the 400 U.S. taxpayers with the highest adjusted gross incomes, the effective federal income tax rate fell from almost 30% in 1995 to just under 17% in 2007, according to the IRS. And for the approximately 1.4 million people who make up the top 1% of taxpayers, the effective federal income tax rate dropped from 29% to 23% in 2008. Therefore. the top 400 earners end up paying a lower rate than the next 1,399,600 or so! (Politico)

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House GOP Leader: Social Security “Cannot Exist” for Future Generations

Laura Markwardt — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:30:44 -0400

House GOP Leader: Social Security “Cannot Exist” for Future Generations

Discussing the future of Social Security, U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) told an NPR radio interviewer earlier this week, “We're going to have to come to grips with the fact that these programs cannot exist if we want America to be what we want America to be.”

Responding to Cantor’s comments on a telephone press conference call, Alliance Executive Director Edward F. Coyle said, “Eric Cantor and others are saying that Social Security is to blame for our budget deficit. That’s pure fiction, and a sleight of hand that makes no mention of tax cuts for the wealthy or big corporations like GE that pay no taxes. It’s time to stop the lies. It’s time to start telling current and future retirees the truth. Thank you, Eric Cantor. Thank you for making it crystal clear just what the Republican Party thinks of Social Security and the millions of Americans who count on it each month to make ends meet.”

Alliance Members Tell Senate: Hands Off Social Security

This week Alliance members from around the country participated in a “call-in” day organized by the Social Security Works campaign. The effort produced over 6,000 calls into U.S. Senate offices, urging lawmakers to not cut Social Security benefits for current and future retirees as the chamber prepares to consider legislation on federal spending.

“This is yet another reminder of how dedicated Alliance activists in are in standing up for Social Security. Our members don’t just care about themselves, they worry about their children and grandchildren,” said Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling.

Senate Rally Unites Advocates for Social Security

On Monday, Alliance members joined activists from Americans United for Change, Social Security Works, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security on Capitol Hill at a rally to support Social Security. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) hosted the rally. Reid, who has been a longtime supporter of the Social Security, recognized and thanked the Alliance and re-affirmed his support for the program, saying, “What irritates me is we hear pundits and politicians take the bait that's been thrown to them by these Republicans over those last few decades. You throw it to them and they grab it. They grab it and claim Social Security is headed for bankruptcy. It is not!”

Washington Alliance activist Steve Kofahl, a leader of American Federation of Government Employees members who work at the Social Security Administration, spoke of how draconian budget cuts in a bill recently passed by the U.S. House threaten the ability of agency employees to help current and future beneficiaries over the phone or in local offices. Also speaking at the rally were Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Al Franken (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

Alliance Members Make Voices Heard in Local Media

While the big insurance companies and Wall Street firms have millions to spend on top-dollar lobbyists and slick TV ads, Alliance members have the chance to get their voices heard – for free – in their community by writing letters to the editor in their local newspapers.

To recognize those who take a moment to speak on behalf of their fellow retirees, the Alliance’s Retirees With the Write Stuff campaign sends out a U.S. union-made pen to our members who have letters published in the newspaper. Recent winners include: Donald Singer, Bruce McCullough, James Reiland, M. Alma Cormican, Henry Ball, Nick Makrinos, Donald Carr, Joe Szenderski, Gary Adkins, Chuck Himmelspach Pataskala, Asiah Gayfield, Don Badie, Josh Roll.

The rules for Retirees With the Write Stuff couldn’t be more simple: write a letter, win a pen. If your letter is published, please send us a copy, along with your mailing address, to ARAcommunications@retiredamericans.org

No Payday Worries for CEOs

According to The Wall Street Journal, bonuses for CEO’s at 50 major corporations increased by a median of 30.5% in the past year, the biggest gain in at least three years. The largest pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, doubled the total compensation of its CEO, Ian Read, despite the 19,000 employees the company is expected to layoff.

“While Americans of all ages continue to struggle to put food on the table and pay their bills, there has never been a better time – or country – to be the CEO of a big corporation,” said Ruben Burks, Alliance Secretary-Treasurer. “This makes talk of cutting Social Security or Medicare all the more outrageous.”

Alliance Commemorates One-Year Anniversary of Health Care Reform

David Blank — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:03:27 -0400

Wednesday, March 23 was the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s signing of the Affordable Care Act – the nation’s historic health care reform law - and Alliance activists held events around the country this week to mark the occasion. Members also wrote their elected officials in support of the many new benefits that help retirees better afford to see a doctor and fill a prescription, sending over 10,600 messages this week to Congress and governors opposing any efforts to block or weaken key provisions of the law. The Alliance also ran a full-page ad in Roll Call [ http://bit.ly/eGHFEg ] praising the law for lowering the cost of prescription drugs; eliminating co-pays and deductibles for preventive tests and screenings; providing a free annual wellness visit with a doctor; and helping early retirees keep their health care coverage. The ad notes that the law extends the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund for 12 years by eliminating wasteful subsidies to big insurance corporations.

“It is imperative that Congress help America’s seniors by preserving these benefits,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance, adding, “After years of Medicare taking better care of insurance companies than retirees, we've finally begun to move in the right direction. Repealing these new benefits would hurt the health and well-being of America’s seniors.”

The Alliance held grassroots anniversary events this week in: Pittsburgh (with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS] Secretary Kathleen Sebelius); St. Louis (with HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging Kathy Greenlee); Toledo; Chicago; Oakland; Albuquerque; Phoenix; Columbia, South Carolina; and Las Vegas and Carson City, Nevada. For more information on Alliance activities and fact sheets on health reform, visit http://bit.ly/cQTDL9. For a photo from the Chicago event, which included a birthday cake complete with candles, go to http://bit.ly/hfxIYp.

Retirees Protest Budget Cuts at Wisconsin State Capitol

During their 4th biennial convention, members of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA) unanimously approved a resolution condemning Governor Scott Walker (R) for his drastic budget cuts. The resolution denounced the governor’s proposed budget for going after essential programs like SeniorCare, BadgerCare, the WI Department of Veterans Affairs, transit aid, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Homestead Tax Credit, and public education. After approving the resolution, members of the WIARA marched to the Wisconsin capitol and WIARA President Leon Burzynski hand-delivered the resolution to the Governor’s office. Burzynski then re-joined his fellow retiree activists outside of the capitol building for a demonstration and proclaimed, "The governor claims that we're going to save $15 million…to us, that's a $15 million tax on seniors.” News clip here: http://bit.ly/erYGaq.

Barbara J. Easterling, President of the national Alliance, was on hand to commend the Wisconsin retiree activists for the work that they have been doing. She thanked them for inspiring people all over the world. She also warned, “Just as we cannot trust Gov. Walker with our rights at work, we cannot trust Wall Street with our Social Security, nor can we trust the big insurance companies with our Medicare.” John Nichols, journalist for The Nation, Executive Editor of the Cap Times and author of several books, addressed his friends at the Wisconsin Alliance about media relations and encouraged them to harness online media networks. Laura Markwardt from the national Alliance addressed the convention on online organizing and new media.

Hands off Social Security!

Next week will provide several chances for retiree activists to show their support for Social Security and voice their opposition to cuts that will weaken the program. On Monday, March 28th at 12:30 pm, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will host a rally to protect Social Security. Senator Reid is the co-sponsor of legislation that would prohibit the U.S. Senate from making changes to Social Security unless a two-thirds majority approves them. Reid has said that the program “…is not in crisis at this stage. Leave Social Security alone.” The rally will take place on Capitol Hill, in Room SDG-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

If you do not live near Washington DC, or if you are unable to attend the rally, you can still voice your opinion by participating in the “Hands off Social Security” national call-in days. On Tuesday, March 29th and Wednesday, March 30th, retiree activists from all over the country are asked to call their U.S. Senators to make sure they know retirees will not stand by and watch as the Senate tries to reduce or weaken Social Security. Dial 1-866-251-4044 and say, “Hands off Social Security! Vote YES on the Sanders-Reid Social Security Protection Amendment!”

Alliance Events along the East Coast: New Hampshire, Maine, and Florida

On Monday, New Hampshire Alliance members attended discussions in Concord and Nashua with Nancy J. Altman, co-founder of the coalition Strengthen Social Security. Altman is one of the nation's foremost experts on Social Security and was Alan Greenspan's assistant as he chaired the Greenspan Commission in 1982. She currently chairs the board of the Pension Rights Center, a nonprofit devoted to protecting the rights of beneficiaries. She debunked the myths surrounding Social Security’s future while in New Hampshire, and then held a similar event attended by Alliance members at the University of Southern Maine in Portland on Tuesday.

Also this past Tuesday, Florida Alliance (FLARA) members rallied at the Capitol Rotunda in Tallahassee in support of senior housing bills, and they thanked Florida legislators for defending Florida’s Retirement System. The members were in town for the Florida Alliance’s Legislative Conference and Quarterly Executive Board Meeting that took place on Monday and Tuesday. Eva Dominguez, Legislative Representative for the national Alliance, spoke at FLARA’s press conference in support of Florida’s public employees and condemned those who would penalize dedicated government workers for the mismanagement of previous Administrations.

Alliance Convention: September 6 - 9, 2011

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Take part in the discussion on the direction that our country should take concerning Social Security and pensions. Workshops will include, among others: Barbarians STILL at the Gate: Social Security and Entitlement “Reform”; Everyday Activities to Help Build Your State Alliance Budget; and How to Organize On-Line. Any questions, please contact Joni Jones, Event Coordinator, at 202-637-5377.

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What's next for Wisconsin's Public Workers

David Blank — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:27:36 -0400

Governor Scott Walker (R) has signed into law the highly controversial bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for public workers in Wisconsin. The signing comes after weeks of protests at the Wisconsin state capitol. Officials from Dane County have filed for an emergency injunction to prevent the law from taking effect, and Democrats have vowed to fight the law on the grounds that the vote took place unlawfully and violated the state’s constitution. Democrats and labor leaders have also promised that they will lead the repeal effort to remove Republican lawmakers and the Governor from office. “We are dismayed at the Wisconsin lawmakers’ attack on collective bargaining rights for their state employees. This fight is not over, and we will support our brothers and sisters with every tool at our disposal,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Health Care Reform Reaches its Anniversary

March 23rd marks the one year anniversary of the signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Since being signed into law by President Obama, the PPACA has had a tremendous impact on the lives of seniors around the country. As of Jan. 1, Medicare beneficiaries are no longer on the hook for a deductible, co-insurance, or co-payment for many of the program’s preventive services, and more than 150,000 seniors in the past two months alone have received a free annual wellness visit . To commemorate the anniversary, the Alliance will host several events around the country. Check your email on Monday for more information.

Social Security and Medicare under Attack in the Senate, House

Twenty-two Republican senators are threatening to vote against raising the debt ceiling later this year unless the president concedes to cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. However, another group of Senators plans to introduce legislation that would separate Social Security from the wider talks on reducing the federal deficit. That initiative has been backed by Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal (CT), Barbara Boxer (CA), Sherrod Brown (OH), and Barbara Mikulski (MD), as well as Bernie Sanders (I-VT). On Tuesday, 125 members of the House Democratic Caucus sent a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner, advising him that a $1.7 billion cut to the budget of the Social Security Administration would have a disastrous effect on beneficiaries. Also in the House, Rep. Mark Critz (D-PA) introduced an amendment to the stopgap measure to fund the federal government that would prohibit funds in the legislation from being used to cut Social Security or Medicare benefits; privatize Social Security; eliminate guaranteed health coverage for seniors; or establish a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries. However, the motion failed, 190 to 239. For a tally of the vote, go to http://1.usa.gov/giiSHj.

Retirees Protest Budget Cuts Made at both the State and Federal Level

Retiree activists around the country are outraged as more reports of the ways in which budget cuts will affect seniors are released. In Texas, lawmakers are considering a reduction in Medicaid reimbursements that would result in the closing of 850 of the state’s 1,000 nursing homes. In New York, lawmakers have made plans to close 105 of the state’s 256 senior centers. In Wisconsin, Governor Walker (R) has called for ending the state’s SeniorCare prescription drug program. This would force tens of thousands of seniors to enroll in private plans through Medicare Part D, which will be more expensive. Some retiree activists are not taking these attacks lightly. On Tuesday, Florida Alliance members mobilized and joined a “Defend the Dream” protest in West Palm Beach. The event was one of several around the country showing support for public workers, protesting budget cuts, and making Congress aware that Americans will hold lawmakers responsible for their votes. At the Tuesday event, Tony Fransetta, President of the Florida Alliance, called on state lawmakers to address what he said were $26 billion in tax breaks for special interest groups.

Brace Yourselves: Paul Ryan to Release His Budget

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, has again promised that he will lead the charge and propose drastic cuts and fundamental changes to Social Security and Medicare. Last year, he released his widely criticized “Roadmap for America’s Future,” which called for privatizing Social Security for younger employees, raising the retirement age to 70, reducing benefits for middle and high income seniors, and replacing Medicare with a voucher program. Although Ryan has yet to disclose specific details about the budget he will release in April, it is expected that he will stick close to the plan he outlined in his roadmap.

Ad Wins a Silver Pollie Award

An ad by Protecting America’s Retirees, an independent project of the Alliance, during the 2010 midterm elections has won a Silver Pollie Award in the Democratic Independent Expenditure category. Pollies are awarded by the American Association of Political Consultants, and recognize outstanding and original concepts within political advertising. The winning ad shows how a Republican takeover of Congress could lead to an increase in the Social Security retirement age. Entitled “Work,” the ad - on-line at http://www.youtube.com/paretirees - shows, among others, a firefighter, a construction worker, and a lifeguard struggling on the job in their later years, and was featured on cable television in the districts of the following Members of Congress: Raúl Grijalva (AZ); Bruce Braley (IA); John Boccieri (OH); Chris Carney (PA); and Mark Critz (PA). The ad also aired in Western Pennsylvania in support of Rep. Joe Sestak, who ran for U.S. Senate.

“We Are One” Events Celebrate the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

April 4, 2011 marks the 33rd anniversary of the strike of the Memphis, Tennessee sanitation workers and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King stood in solidarity with the striking workers as they fought for their right to bargain collectively and form a union with AFSCME. King spoke before the striking sanitation workers and gave what would be his final speech; on April 4, 1968, he was assassinated. On April 1-4, 2011, the AFL-CIO and the Alliance will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King by hosting “We Are One,” a weekend of events to show solidarity for unions members. The events support working people in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and other states where collective bargaining rights are under attack. “We ask that you stand in solidarity by attending a ‘We Are One’ event in your area,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. For information about events near you, go to http://bit.ly/eAXblT.

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Wisconsin Lawmakers Take Away Collective Bargaining Rights of Public Workers

David Blank — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:13:13 -0500

The Wisconsin state Assembly approved a bill ending collective bargaining rights for most of the state's public employees on Thursday, as state legislators passed Republican Gov. Scott Walker's explosive proposal, 53-42. Thousands of furious protesters had already streamed to the Capitol when Senate Republicans passed the measure on Wednesday. Democratic senators had gone to Illinois to deny the chamber the 20-member quorum required to take up bills that appropriate funds. However, the legislation was separated from the budget measure on Wednesday - the quorum requirement for other kinds of legislation is smaller - breaking a three-week stalemate. Once the bill was separated, the Republicans pushed the measure through the Senate in less than half an hour by a vote of 18-1, without any debate on the floor or a single Democrat in the room. Walker says he'll sign the legislation as quickly as possible.

While blasting Walker and Wisconsin’s Republican legislators for their “absolute corruption of democracy” in passing an anti-labor bill, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka “thanked” the governor for getting activists fired up. “We probably should have invited him here today to receive the Mobilizer of the Year Award,” Trumka said Thursday morning at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. “Wisconsin is the beginning — it’s pushing the start button” for pro-labor activism.” Trumka spoke for millions in the middle-class and Democrats who, according to The New York Times, “condemned the move as an attack on working families, a violation of open-meetings requirements (because most of them were not aware that the vote was to be held until shortly before it happened), and a virtual firebomb in a state already polarized and consumed with recall efforts, large-scale protests and fury from public workers.”

The AFL-CIO created a video that conveys the energy and solidarity of the workers in opposition: http://bit.ly/fRaX0A. To learn of ways in which retirees and progressive allies can take part in supporting public employees - and all workers under attack in Wisconsin, Ohio, and other states - go to http://bit.ly/hMeqRs. The AFL-CIO’s one-stop “States of Denial” microsite also offers many resources, such as a video playlist and an updated news feed: http://bit.ly/ecfLJJ. “Retirees have been mobilizing all across the country to amplify the message of our public workers and voice their utter sense of being assaulted,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Ohio's House speaker now says he hopes a bill to limit public workers' union rights in that state will be voted on next week. The Ohio state Senate passed that measure last week, and Governor John Kasich (R) has said he would sign it if, as expected, it gets to his desk.

Cuts to Social Security Administration Would Affect Medicare as Well

The Obama administration has warned that the U.S. House Republicans’ plan to cut the federal budget for the rest of the current fiscal year would be disastrous for America’s seniors. The House GOP has passed legislation that would cut about $60 billion from various government programs, including $1.7 billion from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These proposed cuts have Social Security recipients and employees horrified, because it would lead to furloughs, layoffs, delays in distribution of benefits, and a backlog of applications. However, cutting SSA’s budget could also affect an area that many people have not considered: Medicare. That is because SSA processes all new Medicare claims. According to Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), “Furloughs at the Social Security Administration would lead to backlogs in processing new enrollments and gaps in coverage for nearly half a million new Medicare beneficiaries.”

“Attempting to reduce the deficit by reducing SSA’s budget would have a disastrous effect on thousands upon thousands of seniors,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. To see how the cuts would affect your state, go to http://bit.ly/ihFxtF.

Obama Administration Appeals Court Ruling That Struck Down Health Care Law

On Tuesday, the Obama administration appealed a U.S. judge's January 31 ruling in Florida that struck down the landmark health care reform law as unconstitutional because it required Americans to buy health insurance or face a penalty. The case will next go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, based in Atlanta. Eventually, the fight over the law is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Health care reform is the signature of Obama's domestic policy, and administration officials have said they would continue to implement the law, because halting it would cause irreparable harm.

March 23, 2011 will mark one year since President Obama signed the changes, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, into law. Since that time, many benefits for seniors, including discounts on prescription drugs and free preventive screenings, have already gone into effect. On Thursday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirmed the negative effects of Republican attempts to defund the law. CBO calculated that the Rehberg Amendment - the measure that calls for the defunding - adds $5.7 billion to the deficit. It does so by increasing government spending, creating incorrect payments in Medicare, and delaying implementation of patient improvement initiatives, according to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Barbara Easterling Addresses Elderly Housing Development & Operations Corp.

Ms. Easterling spoke on Thursday at the Elderly Housing Development & Operations Corporation (EHDOC) 2011 board of directors meeting in Weston, Florida. She tied together several front-burner issues of the Alliance, including Social Security and Medicare, with the recent battles for collective bargaining rights.

September Convention Celebrates Ten Years of the Alliance

Help us mark our 10-year Anniversary at our upcoming Legislative Conference, Celebrating Our Past, Fighting for Your Future, on September 6 - 9, 2011 in Washington, D.C.! Take part in the discussion on the direction that our country should take concerning retirement security. Workshops will include, among others: Checking the Pulse: Medicare and Health Care Reform, and Making Progress Together: Opening Doors to New Coalition Partners. Any questions, please contact Joni Jones, Event Coordinator, at 202-637-5377.

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Public Workers in Wisconsin, Ohio Still Threatened; Retirees Continue to Protest

David Blank — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:57:45 -0500

Wisconsin’s budget stalemate over union bargaining rights shows no sign of resolution, and it could be a long wait, according to the Associated Press. Governor Scott Walker (R) isn’t budging; Democrats in the state Senate who are gone are not planning to come back; and, despite talk of deadlines and threats of layoffs, the state doesn't have to pass a budget to pay its bills until at least May. Even then, there may be other options that could extend the standoff. The bill passed the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly last week after nearly three days of debate. Republicans in the Senate say they have enough votes to pass it once Democrats return.

Further east on Wednesday, the Ohio Senate approved a sweeping bill that would weaken the powers of public employee unions to negotiate contracts, propelling Ohio into the forefront of states seeking to revise public-sector labor laws. Like their counterparts in Wisconsin, demonstrators accused lawmakers of trying to use a budget crisis to destroy public-sector unions. But unlike in Wisconsin, Democratic lawmakers there did not have the numbers to delay the legislation through a walkout. The vote came after more than 8,000 union supporters descended on the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus to protest. The GOP-sponsored bill passed the Senate 17 to 16, with six Republicans voting against it. According to The Washington Post, as the roll call finished, dozens of union supporters in the Senate gallery chanted, “Shame! Shame! Shame!” Screeches and shouts echoed down the corridors of the Statehouse, where hundreds of opponents of the bill had gathered.

The bill next goes to the state House, where it is expected to pass, and then to the desk of Gov. John Kasich (R), who is expected to sign it. According to the Post, by including police and firefighters unions, the Ohio bill goes even further than the one under consideration in Wisconsin. There, Gov. Walker has gained national attention by railing against the power of public unions, but he exempted police and firemen from his plan to strip collective bargaining rights. Ohio Republicans revised the bill to restore collective bargaining on issues including wages and hours, but they also extended an existing ban on strikes to include teachers, and they blocked binding arbitration, giving the final say in contract disputes to the government.

The changes don’t maintain workers’ ability to bargain on a wide range of contractual issues, such as pensions and health benefits, as well as on such matters as equipment for police officers and firefighters. Making strikes illegal for all public workers, their supporters argue, effectively neutralizes the power of collective bargaining and removes the incentive to come to the table. Opponents of the legislation said they are already planning to fight it with a ballot challenge. If it gathers enough signatures, the challenge would give voters a direct say on the measure this November. “Public workers did not cause the crisis, and blaming them for it will only serve to decimate the middle class,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

96 Cities Protest Cuts to Social Security Administration

House Republicans voted on February 19 to cut $1.7 billion from the Social Security Administration (SSA) budget in 2011, and that could result in workers being furloughed for up to 1 month over the next 7 months. As a result, Social Security office doors may be temporarily closed, phones will not be answered, and claims processing will grind to a halt. On a Wednesday conference call with reporters and Social Security policy experts, U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and other national leaders demanded a halt to the deep cuts to SSA. During the call, Richard Fiesta, Director of the Department of Government and Political Affairs at the Alliance, said, “These cuts are nothing but cuts for cutting’s sake. Social Security does not contribute a penny to our deficit -- both benefits and the cost of running SSA offices are funded by worker and employer contributions.”

The same day, retirees and SSA employees in 96 cities held informational pickets outside Social Security offices to draw attention to the devastating effects the cuts would have on services. For more information on these actions, go to http://strengthensocialsecurity.org/social-security-keep-it-working. Also, tens of thousands of Alliance members were asked to call their senators this week to drive home the message that the Social Security Administration cuts would hurt thousands of Americans. For a state-by-state analysis of the potential losses Social Security recipients would see, go to http://bit.ly/ihFxtF. Check out http://bit.ly/eVgLZ7 and http://bit.ly/8YG9i0 for photos and videos from Washington state protests of the cuts to SSA. For Florida, go to http://bit.ly/hrbWYv and http://bit.ly/gxmY2s, and for protest photos from Ohio, go to http://bit.ly/eFJqgy.

Obama to Republican Governors: Opt Out of Health Care Law if You Can Do Better

Since its passage, Republican Governors have asked for flexibility in implementing the health care reform law—and they recently received it. During the Governor’s annual meeting at the White House on Monday, President Obama endorsed a bi-partisan proposal that would allow states to opt-out of implementing the health care reform law, as early as 2014. However, there is a major caveat: state officials must replace the health care reforms with a program that has the same level of effectiveness. This move has been characterized as Obama’s way of “calling the bluff” of Republicans. Many Republican Governors have expressed ideas for how they would implement health care in their respective states, but none of them have produced a plan that provides the same level of coverage, to the same amount of people, for a comparable price.

Factcheck.org Gets a Social Security Fact Wrong

A recent article published by Factcheck.org incorrectly reported that Social Security will face a $45 billion deficit this year. Additionally, the article reported that the program is “in the red.” However, this is simply not true. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the program will bring in $45 billion less in payroll taxes than it did last year. However, the Social Security trust fund, which currently contains $2.6 trillion, will earn $118 billion in interest this year. Therefore, overall, Social Security will not be running a deficit in 2011. The program will pay 100 percent of expected benefits this year and every year until 2037, without contributing to the national debt. “We hope that seniors will remain skeptical of people who try to convince them that Social Security is not financially solvent,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “The program is financially solvent and will remain that way well into the future.”

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Alliance Members Nationwide Support Their Brothers and Sisters in Wisconsin

David Blank — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:51:18 -0500

Alliance members across the country took part in events that showed support for their fellow union members this week, as Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) remained determined to end most of the collective bargaining rights held by public workers for decades. Across the industrial Midwest, Republicans are trying to roll back the powers of not just public-employee unions, but also the bargaining and dues-collecting power of groups that represent auto workers and carpenters. On Saturday, February 26, at noon local time, the group MoveOn.org is teaming with labor and their supporters to organize rallies in front of every statehouse in every major city to stand in solidarity with the people of Wisconsin. To find an event near you, go to http://bit.ly/fApB1K. “State workers in Wisconsin are not alone in this fight,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “Retirees from coast to coast are with them every step of the way!”

A statement from Wisconsin Alliance (WIARA) President Leon Burzynski, as well as photos and video, are available at http://bit.ly/dWN2Kh. WIARA Flickr photos can also be viewed at http://bit.ly/fRgWVs. For more information on the latest goings-on in Wisconsin, visit the Milwaukee-area Labor Council web site at http://bit.ly/fTMlZ7 or the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO web site at http://bit.ly/hAGcIH. Also, Alliance Community Advocacy Board Member John Jensen created a YouTube video on the Madison, Wisconsin protests. Go to http://bit.ly/gvbke3 to see it.

The AFL-CIO and SEIU held solidarity events with Alliance members in dozens of states across the country, including - but not limited to - AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IN, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NV, NC, NY, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, VT, WA, and WI. Events included a protest at the DC office of Gov. Walker. Go to http://bit.ly/hXi5f3 for photos. Nevada, DC and Washington State photos are available at http://on.fb.me/hsVGzJ and http://bit.ly/dUZuIh. Arizona Alliance President Doug Hart, Roman Ullman and several other Alliance members helped organize and attended an event in Phoenix on Tuesday, and a Hartford, Connecticut rally included activist George Corneliusson and other retired Teamsters. The Florida Alliance co-hosted a solidarity rally on Thursday night in Orlando. To send us stories about your rallies or messages for the Wisconsin workers, e-mail ARACommunications@retiredamericans.org.

House Republicans Vote to Cut Social Security Administration Dramatically

At 4:40 A.M. last Saturday, the House voted 235-189 in favor of a spending bill (H.R. 1) for the remainder of this fiscal year that would cut the funding of the Social Security Administration (SSA) by a total of $1.7 billion below what is needed to maintain promised service levels and current projects. This would shut down Social Security offices for one month of the seven remaining this year; eliminate 3,500 jobs; delay payment of earned benefits for hundreds of thousands of retirees, survivors, and disabled workers; and force SSA to ignore billions of dollars in overpayments that could be returned to the trust fund. The action came despite a veto threat from President Obama. A tally of how each House member voted on the spending bill is available at http://bit.ly/eu7iSq. Earlier, last Friday, the House had voted 239-187 in favor of an amendment offered by Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) to block Congressional funding for implementation of the health care reform law. A tally of that vote is now available at http://bit.ly/ibYH8s.

California Retirees Protest the “BS”; Washington State Hosts Social Security Forum

On President’s Day, the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) joined forces with the Monterey Central Labor Council (MCLC) and the Raging Grannies activist group to protest the “B.S.” at the Monterey Bay Conference Center. The protest took place during a talk featuring Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, the co-chairmen of the President’s Fiscal Commission, which has advocated for raising the retirement age and lowering payments to Social Security beneficiaries. The crowd, jokingly called a bunch of “rowdy old folks” by CARA President Nan Brasmer, protested past nightfall. The retiree activists carried shovels, buckets and colorful signs with phrases like “Bowles + Simpson = BS”, “Hands off Social Security”, and “Social Security is Not in Crisis.”

On Saturday, the Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans sponsored a forum on Social Security at Spokane Community College. The event drew a crowd of over 100 seniors, middle-aged workers, and students and included an appearance by representatives of the Washington Congressional delegation. The forum featured Dani Pere, Director of Field Mobilization for the Alliance, as well as other speakers. This was the first field event that the Alliance has held as a part of a grant funded by the National Association of Social Insurance (NASI).

Affordable Insurance to Supplement Medicare Available for Alliance Members

Affordable insurance supplemental to Medicare is available through the ARA Retiree Health Plan. The Open Enrollment period is currently in effect through March 31, 2011! During this period, Medicare-eligible retirees and their spouses are guaranteed acceptance with no waiting periods, regardless of pre-existing health conditions. If you have questions, need an enrollment packet or would like to enroll over the phone, please call 1-866-298-9117. You can also visit http://www.araretireehealth.com to get more information.

Alliance Convention: September 6 - 9, 2011

Did You Know…

Of the states that are NOT running deficits, all, in various ways, support collective bargaining with state employees: Alabama, Arkansas, North Dakota and Wyoming. Further establishing the myth that banning collective bargaining curbs deficits, four of the five states that make collective bargaining explicitly illegal face budget shortfalls: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. The lone exception, Virginia, ended FY 2010 with a surplus of less than $1 billion (Sources: CQ-Roll Call [ http://bit.ly/fc82iO ], Sunshine Review, National Council on Teacher Quality).

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