The Strengthening Social Security Act Is Introduced In The U.S. House Of Representatives

U.S. Representative Linda Sanchez (Democrat-California) has Introduced The Strengthening Social Security Act, H.R. 3118, in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The Bill Would Increase Social Security Benefits by Approximately $70 Per Month by Modifying the Formula Used to Calculate Benefits.  In Sharp Contrast to the Chained CPI Benefit Cut, The Strengthening Social Security Act Would Also Increase Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) by Using a COLA Formula that More Accurately Reflects the Living Expenses of Social Security Beneficiaries.  The Bill also Extends the Life of the Social Security Trust Fund by Gradually Eliminating the Payroll Tax Cap so that the Wealthiest Americans Contribute their Fair Share. The Bill is the House Companion to S. 567, was Introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (Democrat-Indiana) in March.  You Can Learn More About The Strengthening Social Security Act at http://tinyurl.com/nuyd7zs.  To ask Your Representative to Co-Sponsor the Bill, go to http://tinyurl.com/l3lhvp2.   “At a Time When the Retirement Income Deficit is ($6.6 trillion), the American People are Calling for Strengthening – ‘Not’ Cutting - Social Security,” Alliance For Retired Americans President Barbara Easterling said. “It’s Essential Congress Work to Strengthen this Lifeline of Retirement, Disability and Survivors’ Security to Ensure that Americans of ‘All’ Ages Can Count On the Benefits that They Have Been Promised.”

Census Data: Social Security Kept More Than 15 Million Americans Out of Poverty In 2012

According to a New Report Released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Country’s Poverty Rate and Real Household Median Income (Adjusted for Inflation) Have Remained Essentially Unchanged Since Last Year’s Report.  This is an Improvement over Recent Years, when Poverty Increased and Median Household Income Declined.  The Report also included a Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), which Gauges the Impact of Various Federal Benefit Programs on Poverty.  According to the SPM, Social Security kept 15.3 million People Out of Poverty in 2012.  The Data also Revealed Out-of-Pocket Medical Costs are the Most Common Cause of Poverty.  Go to http://tinyurl.com/kxqwn5e to View the Report. Analysis from thinkprogress.com is at http://tinyurl.com/lopbek5, and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) has some of the Key Numbers at http://tinyurl.com/k5mqy3b.  “While its Good News that the ‘Bleeding’ from the Great Recession Appears to have Halted, We Need More Than Just Stagnation,” the Alliance’s Executive Director Edward Coyle said. “Wall Street May Have Recovered from the Recession, but the Vast Majority of Americans, including Seniors, are Still Struggling to Stay on Their Feet.  In these Economically Perilous Times, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are More Important than Ever.”

Missouri Alliance Helps Defeat Dangerous Anti-Senior & Anti-Union Legislation

Thanks to the Hard Work of a Broad Coalition of Activists, including the Missouri Alliance for Retired Americans, Two Toxic Bills have been Defeated by a Bipartisan Coalition in Missouri’s General Assembly.  One Piece of Legislation, HB 253, Would Have Implemented a Tax on Seniors’ Prescription Drugs and Forced Cuts to Education and Health Care in Order to Pay For Tax Cuts on the Wealthiest Missourians.  The other, SB 29, would have Weakened Public Employee Unions and Hurt Thousands of Middle Class Workers.  The Kansas City Star has more at http://tinyurl.com/mta5yto.  “We are Very Proud of the Missouri Alliance and their Allies,” Alliance President Easterling said. “These ‘Extremist Bills’ were Supported by Corporate Money and Lobbyists, but They Proved to be ‘No Match’ for a Dedicated Group of Activists.”

New Film Exposes Rise Of Income Inequality In America

Inequality For All, a New Film Featuring Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, is Coming to Theaters on September 27th.  The Film Documents the Dramatic Increase in Income Inequality in America in the Last 30 Years through Gripping Personal Stories, Interviews with Experts, and Compelling Graphics.  To Find a Showing of the Movie Near You, go to http://tinyurl.com/nj6d3ae.

Detroit Retirees At Risk Of Losing Pensions Tell Their Stories In Court

More than 50 Detroit Residents recently Spoke Out Against the City’s Decision to File for Bankruptcy at a Court Hearing held by Judge Steven Rhodes, who is Hearing the Bankruptcy Case. The Speakers included Many Retirees who are at Risk Of Losing their Hard Earned Pensions Due to the Bankruptcy. These Men and Women Told Compelling Stories of Working 30 Years or more at Physically Demanding Jobs, Only To Be At Risk Of Falling Into Poverty If Their Pensions and Medical Benefits Are Cut or Eliminated. Rhodes said that He Will Consider the Retirees’ Testimony in Making his Final Decision on Detroit’s Eligibility to File For Bankruptcy, which will come after an October 23rd Trial.  The Detroit Free Press has More on the Hearing at http://tinyurl.com/kopyago.