Retiree Leader: Deficit Panel Meetings Should be Open to the Public

April 27, 2010

For Immediate Release             


Retiree Leader: Deficit Panel Meetings Should be Open to the Public

Discuss Social Security in the Light of Day


The following statement was issued today by Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans:
 
"Today the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform is meeting for the first time, and it could determine the future of Social Security.

"Unfortunately, it will be difficult for seniors to follow the Commission and its work. After today's opening session, it plans to hold most of its meetings outside of the public eye, behind closed doors in the U.S. Capitol.

"The Alliance for Retired Americans has written a letter [ http://bit.ly/9S08ez ] to the Commission, calling for both open meetings and for field hearings to allow testimony from those who would be affected by its recommendations.  Also, grassroots activists with the Alliance are contacting their elected officials, saying that the Commission's deliberations - and the future of Social Security - are too important to be kept secret. 

"Social Security is one of our nation's greatest success stories, and there is no reason to hide it away.  We must bring this new Commission's meetings out into the sunshine, so everyone can see firsthand just how important Social Security is to Americans of all ages."


Click on http://bit.ly/9S08ez  for a copy of the Alliance’s letter to the Commission.

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Contact:   David Blank (202) 637-5275 or dblank@retiredamericans.org