Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–October 3, 2013. The following statement was issued today by Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans.
“Today scores of seniors came to the U.S. Capitol, joined hands with more than 20 Members of Congress, and formed a human chain in opposition to the Chained CPI cost-of-living adjustment formula and all benefit cuts to Social Security.
“By doing so, they sent a message: We are standing up for our hard-earned benefits and will not allow a government shutdown to force cuts to our Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid!
“But today was also a part of a timely revolt against Republicans’ hostage taking strategy. Whether shutting down the government to protest Obamacare or using a debt crisis to force the Chained CPI on seniors, Americans have had enough.
“Both current and future Social Security beneficiaries need to know the truth: the Chained CPI is not some harmless, technical change. It’s a benefit cut.
“Americans are already struggling to get by in retirement, as employer pensions are disappearing and only the wealthiest Americans get significant income from 401(k)s.
“If the shutdown and debt crisis are merged in the coming weeks, and the debt ceiling is not raised, seniors also may not receive Social Security checks, Medicare reimbursements and a host of other necessities.
“The Alliance’s 4 million members are watching closely and remaining hopeful that Washington finds a way to do the right thing – that certainly doesn’t mean wrongly trying to solve the country’s budget problems on the backs of our seniors.”
Source: http://retiredamericans.org
