THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
~ 4 Million Seniors ~ One Voice ~No Privatization ~

March 12, 2007

NEWS RELEASE

National Committee Legislative Agenda
Focuses on 11 Key Areas

Part D Price Negotiation and Strengthening Social Security are Top Priorities

Social Security is not responsible for today's federal budget deficits, nor is it “going broke”.  In fact, in fiscal year 2008, Social Security's $200 billion surplus is masking the true size the federal deficit, effectively funding tax cuts for the wealthy. Following are some of the Social Security priorities highlighted in the National Committee's legislative agenda:

•  Balance the budget .  The biggest threats to Social Security are huge budget deficits and interest on our debt. 

•  Oppose the privatization of Social Security through the creation of private accounts

•  Oppose price indexing of benefits which would drastically cut benefits and transform Social Security into little more than a welfare program.

The challenges facing Medicare are separate and unique from those facing Social Security.  Included in the NCPSSM Medicare priorities for the 110 th Congress are:

•  Create a Medicare-operated drug benefit with government negotiated prices

•  Eliminate large subsidies to insurance companies to reduce costs for seniors

•  Lessen the hardship of the donut hole by waiving premiums during months in the donut hole and counting all drug expenses incurred in the donut hole toward true out-of-pocket costs

The Legislative Agenda also highlights the need for funding and reforms for pensions, Medicaid, COLA adjustments, drug importation and veteran's health care.   The full agenda is available on-line at:  http://www.ncpssm.org/pdf/110th_legislative_agenda.pdf

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Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414

www.ncpssm.org