New AFL-CIO report shows millions of Americans harmed by any effort to cut Social Security
www.aflcio.org/StateFactSheets
Washington DC,–(ENEWSPF)–November 27– Local AFL-CIO leaders from across the country and other working family advocates from 33 states are in Washington on November 27 and 28 to ask members of Congress to let Bush tax cuts for the top 2% expire and say no to benefit cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. They will be joined by hundreds of other advocates from other progressive and labor groups.
The lobby fly-in day coincides with a new state by state report released by the AFL-CIO detailing how many Americans across the country would be negatively impacted if Congress cuts benefits for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
The report notes the number of people per state who currently receive Social Security, including people with disabilities and children, as well as the number of people per state who get their health care coverage from Medicaid, including children and seniors. The report also highlights the amount of money the three programs combined deliver to each state’s economy and the economic costs to individuals if the Medicare eligibility age were increased.
“Working people, jobless people and retirees, who just voted for a middle-class economy, shouldn’t have to sacrifice their health care and retirement security so that the richest 2% can continue getting more tax breaks,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “It’s time to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits that support our working families. It’s time to eliminate tax breaks for the richest 2%. That’s fair, reasonable, and good public policy. ”
On November 8, working families across the country held over 100 events targeting members of Congress in the Lame Duck session. Retirees, activists and members of progressive and faith communities gathered outside Congress members’ offices, health clinics, Social Security offices, construction sites and other community locations. According to Trumka, through November and December, activities in districts will continue to make sure working families’ voices are heard.
For a list of events so far, see: http://local.americawantstowork.org/protectourfuture
Source: aflcio.org
