"Raising the retirement age would inflict further hardship among a group of workers who are likely to face health and economic problems in their 60s." –Doug Hart, President, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans
"Of all the lies and confusion that still surround the Affordable Care Act, perhaps the greatest is that it is bad for seniors." - Dave Meinell, President, Missouri Alliance for Retired Americans
"My father died when I was three. Because of Social Security (survivors) benefits, my Mom, my younger sister and I survived." – Diane Fleming, DC Alliance Member
"We fear that Congress will balance the budget on the backs of the 98 percent, which is working Montanans and retired Montanans. We simply cannot afford these devastating cuts to vital services such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid," –John Forkan, President, Montana Alliance for Retired Americans
"Along with national parks and Social Security, Medicare is one of the best ideas we Americans have ever devised." -Tim Cunningham, New Mexico Alliance Member
"Seniors have earned and deserve their Social Security checks, and they shouldn't have to go to Congress every 10 years and beg for the program to be renewed." –James Parent, Alliance for Retired Americans Regional Board Member
"Today's retirees paid Medicare and Social Security taxes in every paycheck we ever earned. Now that we are retired, these programs help us to be able to stay healthy and pay our bills. They are the promise we make to people who worked hard all their lives, and we need to keep that promise for today’s workers." –Tony Fransetta, President, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans
"Today's seniors want to lower the budget deficit. We do not want a large debt to be the legacy we leave to future generations, but we should not punish people who have paid Social Security taxes all their lives." –Jim Moore, President, North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans
"Social Security should remain what it has been for 77 years – a solid, reliable way that generations of workers have been able to retire with dignity, economic security, and peace of mind." –Barbara J. Easterling, President, Alliance for Retired Americans
"The fight for Social Security and Medicare is part of a larger fight for justice and fairness"—Barbara J. Easterling, President, Alliance for Retired Americans
"The health insurance reform helps not just seniors, but also middle-class families and young Americans, who are just starting to see the benefits. Don’t let Republicans take all that away." –Don Rowen, President Emeritus, Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans
"Honoring the promise of Social Security and Medicare should not be a partisan issue. Honoring the contributions that we make throughout our working years so that we may feed and clothe ourselves, keep a roof over our heads and those of our family, there is no reason for that to be a hotly contested partisan issue." –Edward Coyle, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans
"We need to make sure that people who need Social Security to make ends meet will have it, and not fall victim to ill-informed and unnecessary cuts to these vital programs."
–Barbara J. Easterling, President, Alliance for Retired Americans
Retirees Despondent After Senate's Refusal of $250 Payment to Seniors
March 05, 2010
For Immediate Release
Retirees Despondent After Senate's Refusal of $250 Payment to Seniors
Would Have Helped Many Struggling in Recession with Life-saving Medications
The following statement was issued today by Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, in reaction to the Senate's failure to pass a $250 Economic Recovery payment for seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
"Retirees are frustrated and despondent after both President Obama's and Sen. Bernie Sanders' calls for a $250 payment to help those struggling in this recession have so far fallen on deaf ears. This proposed act of compassion, had it passed, would have helped 49 million Social Security recipients, many of whom have seen their retirement savings and home values badly shaken by this economic crisis. This helping hand would have made a real difference in seniors' lives.
"It was bad enough when retirees were told they would not be receiving a Social Security Cost-of-Living-Adjustment in 2010. In the worst economy since the Great Depression, it is unbelievable that Congress has shoveled hundreds of billions of dollars to Wall Street Robber Barons, yet the Senate has denied seniors a $250 check. That amount would not even cover dinner for one of Wall Street's fat cats!
"The purchasing needs of seniors are unique, and often include medications needed to stay alive. We insist that the Senate realize the importance of this $250 payment to struggling retirees.
"Alliance members demand that seniors not be ignored, and will continue their grassroots lobbying in support of this payment."
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Contact: David Blank (202) 637-5275 or dblank@retiredamericans.org










