Social Security COLA Cut On Table In “Fiscal Cliff” Talks

While Negotiations between President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner remain stalled, there have been Disturbing Media Reports that there is an Option on the Table to change the Federal Statistical Formula used to Calculate Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).  “This would lower Social Security Benefits for millions of Seniors.  Social Security ‘did not cause’ our Federal Deficit and Retirees ‘should not pay’ the price for more Tax Breaks for Millionaires,” Alliance For Retired Americans President Barbara Easterling said.  Click here to send a message to your Elected Representatives: http://bit.ly/ZKBVhY.  Known in Policy Circles as the Chained CPI, the Policy Change would mean that an Average Earner retiring in 2011 at Age 65 would lose more than $6,000 over 15 years.  The change assumes that a lower COLA is acceptable because Consumers could substitute Cheaper Products when prices go up.  Health Care Costs, however, Consume a Large Amount of Seniors’ Income.  These Costs cannot simply be substituted with a cheaper version.  For example, a Senior cannot save money by opting for Double By-Pass Surgery instead of a Triple Bypass.  Share an Alliance Fact Sheet on the Chained CPI – http://bit.ly/Zm31wV.   “Congress needs to hear from Seniors right away,” Easterling said, urging Retirees to both call Congress and e-mail their Offices.  Last week, Retired Machinist Diane Fleming spoke at a Rally that was held at the U.S. Capitol, telling a large crowd: “It’s time to stop blaming Retirees and Workers for problems ‘we did not create.’”  

Join With The Alliance In Supporting Locked-Out Sugar Workers

Please join with the Alliance in making a Financial Contribution to help support American Crystal Sugar Workers who have been Locked-Out by a Management determined to increase their Health Care Costs and Out-Source their Work.  American Crystal’s CEO Dave Berg, who was paid nearly $2.5 million in 2011, has publicly referred to his Employees who belong to the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union as a “cancerous tumor” on the Company.  The National AFL-CIO has launched a Nationwide Consumer Boycott of American Crystal Sugar Products.  Join with the Alliance in supporting these Workers by clicking here: http://bit.ly/UcHzGI. 

Pennsylvania Alliance Fighting To Protect Funding For Seniors Programs

The Pennsylvania Alliance has joined the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and other Advocates across the State in a Coalition to Protect Key Seniors Programs.  Governor Tom Corbett plans to turn over the management of the State Lottery to a Gaming Firm based in the United Kingdom.  The Lottery provides more than $1 billion annually to Programs for Seniors – from Paying for Prescription Drugs and Property Tax Relief to Funding for Senior Centers and Nursing Home Care.  The Alliance and others believe the Governor is Hastily Advancing a Risky Change without Careful Deliberation or Public Hearings.  “Too many Seniors depend on the Lottery to Afford Prescription Drugs, Stay in their Homes and Maintain their Quality of Life to allow such a rash decision to be made," Pennsylvania Alliance President Jean said last week.  Pennsylvania is the only State to devote 100% of Lottery Proceeds to Seniors.

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Beware Of Holiday Scams

Like the Grinch at Christmas, there are troubling reports of a Holiday Season Spike in Consumer Scams targeting Seniors.  Experts say Older Americans should be wary of Phone Calls, Mail and E-Mails saying that you’re eligible for prizes or other opportunities to receive money.  “We should remember the old adage: ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,’” said Alliance Executive Director Edward Coyle.  Please contact your Local or State Consumer Protection Office with questions and concerns.

And Finally… Happy Holidays From The Alliance

And from Alliance President Easterling: “May everyone find Health and Happiness during the Holiday Season.  ‘Thank You’ for all you do to Improve the Lives of Current and Future Retirees.  Our Working Days may be over, but our ‘Fighting Spirit’ burns as strong as ever.”