Alliance for Retired Americans Blog

Press Clips from Back Off Social Security Event - March 28, 2011

Video of Sen. Reid speaking
CNN

Audio: Democrats Rally To Support Social Security (MI)
Western Michigan University

Audio: Democrats Rally To Support Social Security
Audie Cornish
Minnesota Public Radio

Standing room only at Social Security rally
Reuters

Led by Reid Democrats asks Republicans to Back Off Social Security
All Headline News
L Kumar

Blumenthal and other senators: "Back Off Social Security"
Shorlineplus.com (CT)

Reid vows to reject overhaul of Social Security
Steve Tetreault
Las Vegas Review-Journal

Shutdown looms as budget talks stall
Susan Ferrechio
Washington Examiner

Harry Reid tells Republicans to ‘back off’ Social Security
Karoun Demirjian
Las Vegas Sun

Sen. Harry Reid goes after Republicans on Social Security
The State Column

Democrats Put GOP On Social Security Notice As Shutdown Looms
Frank James
NPR

Senate Dems Pledge To Protect Social Security
Rachel Whitt
Talk Radio News Service

US's Reid: Soc Sec Reform Should Not Be Part of Fiscal Debate
John Shaw
Market News International

Senate Democrats Rally Against Social Security Cuts
Benjy Sarlin
Talking Points Memo

Senate Democrats rally to support Social Security in Washington
UPI

Social Security: Real People, Real Benefits
Terrance Heath
3/28/11
CAF Blog

Blumenthal and other senators: "Back Off Social Security"
Stamfordplus.com (CT)

Wisconsin Retiree Activists Deliver Resolution and Protest Budget Cuts

During their 4^th biennial convention yesterday, members of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA) unanimously approved a resolution condemning Governor Scott Walker for his drastic budget cuts. Then they got up, marched to the capitol, and watched as WIARA President Leon Burzynski hand delivered the resolution to the Governor’s Office.

Armed with signs reading “Don’t ‘Walker’ On Me!,” retiree activists protested outside of the Wisconsin capitol building. WIARA President Leon Burzynski addressed the crowd and warned that if lawmakers approve this budget, it would mean great steps backward “to where we were before Social Security when 50% of seniors lived in poverty."  
  Governor Walker has proposed cuts to SeniorCare, which is the state’s drug plan for senior citizens. He has also proposed: cuts to essential programs like BadgerCare (a state-run program similar to Medicaid), WI Department of Veterans Affairs, transit aid, public education; freezing Family Care program funding; and also calls for an end to the Earned Income and Homestead Tax Credits. Walker claims that these drastic cuts, which disproportionately affect seniors, children, and low-income residents, are necessary if the state hopes to balance its budget.

 In their resolution, the members of the WIARA pointed out that the Governor’s budget does not calls for an end to tax breaks for corporations and Wisconsin’s rich residents. As stated in the resolution, the budget “…does not contain a single provision asking wealthy Wisconsin residents and corporation sot accept their fair share of sacrifice.”

 Press from yesterday’s event:

▪ Channel 27 News (Madison)
Retirees, Seniors Protest Governor's Proposals

 ▪ Channel 3 News (Madison)
Wisconsin Retirees Condemn Budget Bill

▪ The Badger Herald
Retirees Protest Walker's Budget at State Capitol and Talk of Times Past

▪ The Cap Times
Seniors to March on Capitol, Protesting Walker's Cuts

▪ Wisconsin Public Radio
Retirees to Hold Protest Against Governor's Budget Legislation