Alliance for Retired Americans Blog

3000 Lbs of Petitions Delivered Today; Retirees Active in Recall

A million signatures were turned in today to begin the formal process of forcing a recall election for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. The petitions delivered to the Government Accountability Board arrived on a truck and weighed over 3000 pounds. The signatures collected and submitted were 460,000 more signatures than required to force a recall. In addition to the Governor, Wisconsinites also turned in the required signatures to recall the Lieutenant Governor and three state Senators.

Retirees in Wisconsin, including WI Alliance members, were active in circulating hundreds of petitions to recall the Governor and the Lt. Governor. In addition to circulating petitions, Wisconsin retirees from all walks of life volunteered time to data entry and validating the signed petitions.

Wisconsin Alliance  leaders spoke to many retiree clubs to organize their membership around the recall efforts. Wisconsin Alliance members also organized and participated in many recall events around the state, including this one at the Milwaukee Airport featured in the New York Times yesterday.  

[Photo at right: Justin Geiger/wisaflcio on Flickr]

The number of signatures and support for the recall that culminated by the time of delivery today far exceeds many Wisconsinites' expectations. 

On Wisconsin!

84 year-old Loses Right to Vote, Sues to Block New Voter ID Law

Under a new law pushed by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, 84 year-old Ruthelle Frank of Brokaw, WI (pop. 107) has lost the right to vote.  According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Frank does not have a driver’s license, and lacks a birth certificate needed to get a state identification card.  She does however have Social Security and Medicare cards, as well as a baptism certificate.  Even if she were to pay $20 to get a birth certificate, her maiden name was misspelled by the attending physician at her home birth.  To rectify this, she would need to petition the courts and pay a $200 fee. 

Frank, an elected member of her Village Board since 1996, recently became a plaintiff in a lawsuit to block the new law, which is similar to proposals in other states.

Our generation, and those who came before us, fought and died for the right to vote. We cannot let politicians take this away. For the latest developments on voting rights, visit http://www.lawyerscommittee.org/projects/voting_rights.

Photo by Dan Young/Wausau Daily Herald of Ruthelle Frank

Wisconsin Alliance Honors Ed Schultz at Power Lunch

The Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans delivered the following message to Ed Schultz at their September 2011 Senior Power Lunch: 

You were the first nationally to broadcast your shows to “shine a  light” on the Wisconsin Governor and his political allies attack on labor and to support our efforts to take back our state. 

You and ‘Team Fargo’ were the lightening rod that made the voices of Wisconsin working families heard across Wisconsin and our nation. 

You continue to focus on the Heartland and their struggles to fight back against the right wing in our country.  

Thank you Big Eddy for your dedication and commitment to working families in our state and country.

Sincerely,

Leon Burzynski, President WIARA

 

Pictured: Ed Schultz airs his show around the Wisconsin Capitol during revolt & interviews John Nichols - Courtesy www.flickr.com/photos/wi_alliance

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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

   

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

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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.

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!

Wisconsin Leaders Honored

Wisconsin Alliance Executive Director Billy Feitlinger was recently honored by the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) with the Alfred Hirsch Award for Outstanding Work as a Legislative Advocate.  He received this award with his friend, David Newby, the President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  

Newby (at left) and Feitlinger (at right) were honored together for their outstanding leadership and lifetime service as advocates on behalf of working Americans. 

William "Billy" Feitlinger has been the Executive Director of the WI Alliance for Retired Americans since  its inception in 2005. He has worked to advance public policy that affects older Americans and stays committed to improving their lives. Feitlinger educates seniors at community centers, nursing homes, in labor unions and other senior organizations about issues such as Medicare, Social Security and health care reform.

Prior to the passage of the new health law, Feitlinger traveled the state to make sure seniors understood the truth about its contents. He now educates seniors on how the new law affects them.  He also advocates to protect Social Security, especially in this crucial time when a new Fiscal Commission threatens cuts to the program.

David Newby, President of the 250,000-member Wisconsin AFL-CIO since 1994, has long fought for economic justice in the workplace and social justice in society. He was very pro-active in the state's charge to improve access to affordable, quality health care for Wisconsin families.

In 2003, Newby and the state federation created the Wisconsin Health Care Partnership Plan - a dynamic health care proposal offering unique solutions to the health care crisis. In 2007, the state federation's plan was integrated with other universal health care proposals to create the "Healthy Wisconsin: Your Choice, Your Plan," which serves as a national model for further health care reform.

Wisconsin Alliance member Judy Burnick said, "Under their leadership, working together, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO and the Wisconsin ARA have formed a firm partnership to protect the health and economic security of seniors that rewards work, strengthens families and builds thriving communities. Both David and Billy are examples of what leaders in this movement should strive to be."

Must help, not hurt Medicare in health reform

The Alliance for Retired Americans stands with other aging organizations in defending a health reform plan that protects and strengthens Medicare. Despite bogus claims from health reform opponents, many seniors realize that so-called cuts to Medicare aim at vast overpayments to insurance companies NOT at care for seniors.

Insurance and drug companies have a vested interest in scaring seniors about health insurance reform and that's exactly what they have done.

When Congress opened up Medicare to private plans, it was based on a claim that the private health insurance industry would be more efficient, provide more coordinated care for seniors/disabled, and cost taxpayers and beneficiaries less than the traditional Medicare program. 

The promises of efficiencies and lower costs turned out to be false - Medicare now pays private Medicare Advantage plans more than it would cost to cover the same beneficiaries via the traditional Medicare program.  According to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), private plans are paid an average of 12 percent more than the cost of traditional Medicare to cover the same person.  Private Medicare Advantage fee-for-service plans are paid on average 19 percent more than the traditional Medicare fee-for service program. 

Overpayments to the private insurance industry hurt Medicare's financial health. Enrollment in private plans (especially those receiving the largest overpayments) is growing rapidly. Over the next 10 years, overpayments to insurance companies will cost an additional $160 billion.  Such overpayments reduce the financial solvency of Medicare's hospital insurance trust fund by two years.

Some seniors are happy with their Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and receive varying benefits such as a free eye exam each year. However, these benefits are inconsistently offered and the subsidies MA plans receive to support their offering additional benefits deeply eats into the sustainability of Medicare in the long run. This is a major problem. 

• Informing the Debate about Curbing Medicare Advantage Overpayments - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• AFSCME Testimony to the U.S. House on Medicare Advantage and the Federal Budget
• National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare paper

The Wisconsin Alliance and state allies asserted the following in several state papers around the holidays:

Keeping in mind the best interests of Wisconsin's 50-plus population, we the undersigned from AARP Wisconsin, the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans want to be clear that we are committed to protecting and strengthening Medicare - not cutting the program, which has been alleged by health reform opponents as this legislation moves through Congress.

Full letter here.