As September dawns, Alliance activists across the nation wrap up summer actions focused on celebrating the anniversaries of Social Security and Medicare. Over 70 actions in 30 states garnered plenty of attention from elected officials and the media. Activities ranged from parties celebrating many successful years of the programs (76 for Social Security, 46 for Medicare); to deliveries of cake, letters and petitions to local Congressional offices; to protesting and calling out candidates on their
damaging stances against the programs.
This month, the California Alliance hosted a coalition event in San Francisco and Los Angeles that brought together Californians of all ages for a mass delivery of Social Security stories to Senator Dianne Feinstein. They requested Feinstein stand firm on the issue of protecting and preserving Social Security, not just for today's seniors, but for future generations. Not only were seniors and members of the disability community on hand to relay the importance of Social Security in their lives, but young adults from all parts of the state turned out to say "Social Security can be there for my generation. I'm counting on you to protect it and make it work."
In Seattle this month, hundreds of seniors and community activists joined in a 'Medicare birthday march' from Safeco Field to Pike Place Market. Thousands of onlookers were touched by the Washington Alliance's message "Hands off Medicare."
In Warren, Ohio, 100 local residents gathered at a senior center with U.S. Rep. Timothy Ryan to discuss the importance of Social Security as a stable part of the local economy, not just to individuals but for the business community. Rep. Ryan spoke in support of the long term viability of Social Security and defended the need to keep Social Security fiscally sound.
The Rhode Island Alliance presented several Members of Congress, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline, awards for working to protect both Social Security and Medicare.
In New Hampshire, Alliance members and community allies made national news as they protested the visits of presidential nominees Rick Perry and Mitt Romney in both Portsmouth and Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Summer may be wrapping up, but Alliance activity around these issues will continue through the year. Stay tuned.
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