Alliance for Retired Americans Blog

Congress: Keep Your Promise!

Last Thursday, Alliance members joined activists and allies at over 40 events across the country – urging Members of Congress to keep the promises they made during the election season – to expire the Bush Tax Cuts for the top 2% and protect the promises of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Please click here to join us in pledging to DO WHAT IT TAKES to inspire our elected leaders to follow through on their promises to protect our vital programs and expire the Bush Tax Cuts.

The election is behind us but the threat is ahead. In order to avoid budget cuts scheduled for January 1, Members of Congress are working to broker a deal. It must not be a deal that works against the issues we fought for all of this year in the lead-up to the election!

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid were indeed at the forefront of this year’s debates; Americans spoke out and they chose many candidates who promised to protect these critical programs. Our work is not done, we need to make sure elected officials KEEP THEIR PROMISE to expire Bush Tax Cuts for the top 2% and protect our programs – Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

Please join us in pledging to DO WHAT IT TAKES to make sure the promise is kept, our programs are protected and the American peoples’ wishes are honored.

Legislators, Alliance Members Rebuke Votes to Repeal Health Care Reform

On Wednesday, supporters of President Obama’s health care law and the Democratic leadership from the House of Representatives gathered at the Capitol building for a press conference to hold the Republicans accountable for voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Alliance Regional Board Member and retired social studies teacher Bill Cea spoke on behalf of the Alliance, saying of the Affordable Care Act, “Not only is this good for your health, but it is also good public policy.”

Other Regional Board members showed their support by attending and speaking out - including Sam Burnett, Tim Foley, Larry Malone,  James Parent, Nancy True, Jody Weinreich, Marty Alvarado, Kenneth Stevens, Emmett Sheppard, JoEtta Brown, Louie Duran, John O'Brien and Mack Goodman.

The press conference was organized by the Democratic House leadership: Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA), Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) and Assistant Leader James Clyburn (SC). The three Representatives had strong words for their Republican colleagues, who voted to repeal the ACA, 244-185. Five Democrats joined the full Republican caucus in voting in favor of repeal; no GOP lawmakers crossed the aisle. For a complete tally of the vote, click here .

This week's vote was the 33rd attempt by congressional Republicans to repeal this law, a law that in the past two years has been approved by both houses of Congress, signed by the President, and upheld by the Supreme Court.  It is time to move on.  

 

Alliance Leader Joins Biden to Discuss Medicare with Florida Seniors

Florida retiree Bill Cea, a member of the Alliance for Retired Americans’ Executive Board, recently joined Vice President Joe Biden in Coconut Creek FL to discuss plans to cut Medicare that have been advocated by U.S. House Republicans and presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

The FY 2013 budget proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) would give seniors vouchers to either buy health coverage in the costly private insurance market, or purchase it from a Medicare program that would be made more expensive by the exodus of younger, healthier retirees.  The plan, which would lower taxes on corporations and high-income earners, would also cut spending on Medicaid and turn it over to cash-strapped states, jeopardizing the only way over 70 percent of seniors are able to afford long-term or nursing home care. 

In contrast to Romney, who termed the plan “bold and exciting,” Biden told the gathering of 500 seniors that the proposal would, “balance the budget on the backs of seniors and middle class Americans.”
“Vice President Biden made a powerful presentation to Florida seniors.  He understands that Medicare and Social Security are lifelines for millions of retirees,” said Cea, a retired teacher.

Even though the 2010 Affordable Care Act improves Medicare by helping retirees better afford to see a doctor and fill a prescription, Cea is concerned that the law is often misunderstood among older Americans.  “I urge all retirees to learn more about how this law helps them pay their medical bills,” he said.

The Alliance has a new fact sheet on the Republican budget proposal, as well as information on how the Affordable Care Act helps seniors.

Romney to Seniors: Let Them Eat PB & J

While presidential candidate Mitt Romney noshed at a recent Palm Beach fundraiser co-hosted by a sugar baron and a pro sports owner, Florida Alliance for Retired Americans members gathered nearby for a more simple meal: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

The idea for the “Regular Man’s Picnic,” according to event organizer Tony Fransetta, a UAW retiree and Florida Alliance president, was to contrast Mitt Romney and his financial backers with the daily struggles of seniors in Florida and across the nation.   Speaking near the Romney event, Tony Fransetta said:

“Those inside are advancing the interests of the 1%, while we are outside today to speak up for the 99% who are too often silenced in this country.”

The Alliance for Retired Americans is gearing up for its largest-ever grassroots mobilization, seeking to educate current and future retirees on the issues and where the candidates stand.  Alliance president Barbara J. Easterling said today:

“Mitt Romney’s America would have seniors buying their Medicare from the big insurance companies and anxiously watching Wall Street gamble away their retirement savings through a privatized Social Security.”

Romney To Be Greeted By 'Real Man's Picnic' - Politics News Story - WPBF West Palm Beach

Romney blasts Obama, ignores GOP rivals at West Palm Beach - News - The Palm Beach Post

 

Seniors active in Occupy Wall Street actions across nation

Retirees across the country are joining their younger counterparts in protests against Wall Street greed and failed economic policies.  Numerous events took place this weekend and will continue indefinitely.

Today marks Day 25 of "Occupy Wall Street" actions, spurred by the group Adbusters.

Phillip Meyers, active with the Alliance for Retired Americans in Georgia and the retiree chapter RUFF (Retirees Unite for the Future) reports that yesterday seniors were up bright and early to stake out the turf for the OCCUPY SAVANNAH rally yesterday and stayed despite steady rain and forceful winds. Several were interviewed here:

 

Florida weekend action

Find an #Occupy action near you here

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

Alliance member Brenda Kelley Nelum of Woodbridge, Virginia spoke on Wednesday at the rally at on 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 #OccupyWallStreet movement that began two weeks ago in New York City.

Brenda Kelley Nelum said “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!” She also got the crowd chanting “SENIOR POWER!” 

 

Photos

Nevadans rally in support of Wisconsin's public workers

Post by Rita Weisshaar

There was a great showing of union solidarity in Carson City!

There were probably 300-400 people at the President's Day rally. They came from a wide variety of unions in Nevada who came out to support the state workers in Wisconsin.

Vicki Borst, pictured at right picketing NV Energy last summer, is a NV Energy retiree and activist with the IBEW Local 1245 Retirees Club. She came out on February 21st to rally and support public workers in Wisconsin.

“I think it’s an awesome show of unity and solidarity in Wisconsin, and I see the same thing going on here today,” Borst said in a channel 8 TV report.

All four of the local TV stations, including the FOX network, covered the rally.

Nevada AFL-CIO chief Danny Thompson was the MC for the rally and several from the state workers, teamsters, teachers and other unions spoke on the importance of collective bargaining and the importance of the services state workers provide.

A few members of the legislature came out and stood with us in support of the state workers and collective bargaining. Senator Horsford furnished pizza to the people in the crowd saying he would rather give than take away from the state workers.

There was a great deal of enthusiasm in the crowd and it was reflected by the people in passing cards who honked their horns in support. There were a few anti-union protesters but they were outnumbered probably 20 to 1.

There was a good showing of Local 1245 retirees at the rally - about a dozen. One of them, Jim Walker, brought his young son. There were lots of families at the rally because of the Presidents Day holiday. It will create a memory for them they'll never forget.

It was a great day!

Rita Weisshaar is a retired NV Energy employee and IBEW Local 1245 shop steward. She is also an organizer for the union.

WI Retiree Leader Blasts Gov. Walker for Refusing to Negotiate with Workers

It’s Time to Stop the Power Struggle, Restore Balance in State


The following statement was issued Monday, February 21st by Leon Burzynski, President of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WIARA):

Last Friday, public employees through their union, offered major concessions related to their pension and health care plans, as Governor Scott Walker set forth in his budget plan, in exchange for retaining their right to bargain collectively and have a voice through their union.  Despite the fact that these same workers already made significant concessions during Governor Doyle's administration, last week public employees were willing to accept Governor Walker's proposal on pension and health care plans to help solve the state's budget challenges.  They felt  it was time to restore balance to the state and move forward.  The Governor's rejection of their offer is  a slap in the face to working people in our state. 

Wisconsin workers – public and private – are not responsible for the state budget challenges.  While the Governor talks about Wisconsin's budget challenges, last month he added $120 million to the 2011-2013 deficits alone by passing tax breaks predominantly for large corporations.  In dealing with the state's budget challenges, what sacrifices is the Governor asking of wealthy Wisconsin citizens and these corporations to balance the state budget?

Communities across Wisconsin are voicing their opposition to the Governor's "Budget Repair Bill" that hurts Wisconsin middle class families. Collective bargaining is not responsible for our budget challenges.  Bargaining collectively and having a voice through one's union has been and must continue as a great tradition of Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin retirees know the value and benefit of having a voice through their union. That’s why they have been out at the capitol, out in their communities, speaking to their social networks and the media about what this affront really means. They also know that workers like nurses, highway workers and teachers are essential to the well-being and safety of our families and communities. They make Wisconsin a great place to raise a family and retire. They deserve better!

It’s time to stop the power struggle. Our leaders, including Scott Walker, need to work together to create and maintain quality jobs here in Wisconsin and to address the problems facing the middle class.  If the Governor refuses, state lawmakers need to stand up and open a dialogue to get the state moving forward.

Contact:  Billy Feitlinger (608) 239-5384 for more information or interviews with retired workers

Follow WI Alliance photos on Flickr 

Follow WI Alliance on Youtube

Video of protests by Matt Matt Wisniewski

 

Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill Protest from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.

Part II

 

Wisconsin "Budget Repair Bill" Protest Pt 2 from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.

Month-Long Celebration of Social Security

This week, Alliance groups in Califonia, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland and Missouri held more celebrations of the successful program known as Social Security.

Tomorrow, the California Alliance will celebrate Social Security's long history and issue a call to protect it for future generations. Congressman Xavier Becerra will be present at tomorrow's event. He is a member of the Commission on Deficit Reduction which will make recommendations to Congress that could impact the future of Social Security and Medicare.  The commission, nicknamed the "catfood commission" was recently discussed in a San Jose Demo Report.

Members of Congress attended events in numerous states. In Arizona, for example, Congressman Raul Grijalva joined over 200 Arizona Alliance members in Tucson to celebrate Social Security's successes. Grijalva reiterated his promise to vote no on commission recommendations to cut Social Security or Medicare.

Celebration in Arizona:

Phoenix senior's story:

More American Stories regarding Social Security.

Happy Birthday Social Security!

Social Security celebrates its 75th birthday today and Alliance activists and Americans nationwide continue celebratory parties and events.

The week of August 1st, Alliance members held several events in Arizona, Iowa, Ohio and South Carolina in advance of the birthday.

Last week, over 50 Alliance events took place in communities across the states, and festivities continue next week.

Social Security is a true American success story, one that has kept generations of seniors out of poverty, and allowed millions to retire with dignity and peace of mind. Because this landmark anniversary is tainted by the deficit commission's calls to cut Social Security benefits and raise the retirement age, Alliance activists are busier than ever staging events to celebrate and educate across the country. Check out very personal accounts from Alliance members about how Social Security has impacted their lives here.

Festivities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa recently helped spread the word that Social Security puts $7.2 billion into the Iowa economy by releases on Social Security matters coinciding with birthday celebrations. The Social Security Works for Iowa report adds, "Without Social Security, half (50.8) percent of Iowa women aged 65 or older would have incomes below the poverty line." U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) joined the celebration in Cedar Rapids and added his personal story about Social Security survivor benefits. The Congressman told attendees that without Social Security survivor benefits, he would not have made it through college. Other state reports here.

Yesterday, seniors in Omaha, Nebraska gathered to join the month-long, national commemoration of Social Security and the people it serves. ‘With more than 50 million people receiving Social Security benefits today, the program helps virtually every American family,” Donna M. McGrath, Secretary of the Nebraska Alliance said. “Beyond the candles and the cake, we have a more serious message – Social Security must be remain strong for current and future retirees.”

Members nationwide speak out on the issue. Here is Don Thacker from South Carolina:

Jo Price from Florida also shares her thoughts on Social Security:

Check out some news clips including interviews with Alliance members here:

Wisconsin

• 'Social Security celebrates 75 years' - Wisconsin Radio Network
  Billy Feitlinger is Executive Director of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. “We feel very strongly, if it is not the greatest program that the federal government has done, it’s clearly one of the most successful programs. And we feel very strongly right now that it’s under attack.
• Seniors celebrate the 75th anniversary of social security - WEAU Channel 13 Eau Claire
  Social security provides benefits to more than one million Wisconsinites. Besides sharing a cake, speakers discussed the importance of social security and the adjustments needed to have it for future generations.

North Carolina

• Etheridge visits Louisburg Senior Center to celebrate Social Securit's 75th anniversary - The Franklin Times
  With a 75-year-old as the guest of honor, the Louisburg Senior Center was the appropriate place for a birthday party.

Connecticut

• 75 years of Social Security celebrated (video) - The New Haven Register
  NEW HAVEN — A 75th birthday party was held Wednesday for the nation’s Social Security Act, and guests, including U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, wished for many, many more.

California

• Senior Group Plans SF Social Security Rally - KPIX CBS Channel 5 San Francisco
  ... several organizations in San Francisco are warning against suggestions by some in Washington, D.C. to cut Social Security benefits or raise the retirement age in order to fix the federal government's deficit woes.

Alliance leaders speak out:

• 'A federal plan that works' - Toledo Blade letter from Sam Burnett
  Social Security has been the lifeblood of people age 65 and older. Without monthly Social Security payments, nearly half of Americans over 65 would live in poverty.
  Help us celebrate this successful government program, which is run by fine people who care about senior citizens.

• Alliance President Barbara Easterling's column on Huffington Post commemorates Social Security's 75th birthday.

Happy birthday Social Security... and many more!