“America’s retirees feel the pain of rising costs and economic uncertainty as much as any segment of our population yet they are continually left behind when Washington crafts economic stimulus plans. If we want to stimulate the economy by providing checks to individuals, Americans over 65 should not be ignored. ” Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, on behalf of its millions of members and supporters nationwide, sent letters today to Congress urging them to consider economic relief that includes our nation’s largest growing demographic, older Americans. The economic downturn and rising prices have hit older Americans especially hard since many live on a fixed income with little ability to increase their earnings. Unfortunately, America’s 23 million seniors were left behind in past stimulus packages and are again being excluded under most measures currently being discussed.
Millions of retirees do not earn enough to require filing a tax return and therefore are not eligible for a tax refund, yet they are also not poor enough to qualify for low-income programs being considered for increases. However, seniors are among the demographic groups most likely to spend any stimulus benefit they receive. Americans over 65 are responsible for 14% of all consumer spending. Rather than tying stimulus solely to tax relief or refunds, the National Committee urges Congress to consider using Social Security as a means to distribute economic relief to seniors.
“Older Americans are important contributors to economic growth and must not be ignored in any future economic recovery efforts.” Barbara Kennelly.
A full text of the National Committee’s letter to Congress can be viewed at: www.ncpssm.org. Millions of National Committee members are also being mobilized to contact Congress using the Legislative Action Center on the website or through the toll-free Legislative Hotline at: (800) 998-0180.
The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.
Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
http://www.ncpssm.org
