THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE
~ Trusted ~ Independent ~ Effective ~

June 20, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

New Radio Ad Continues Million Dollar Campaign to Defend America's Safety Net

Cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security is NOT Fiscal Responsibility

A new round of radio ads , part of the "Hands Off Campaign" sponsored by The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), will begin airing on WTOP radio in Washington on June 21st, following up a similar successful radio campaign in 6 key Congressional Districts earlier this month.

"These ad campaigns remind Congressional members that Americans do not support trading away Medicare's guaranteed coverage for a privatized voucher system or cutting Social Security benefits in the name of 'fiscal responsibility'. The vast majority of Americans of all political persuasions do not want to balance the budget by cutting Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security because they know these programs are lifelines to millions still reeling in this economy. They also know targeting our elderly, handicapped and the poor in the name of debt reduction while preserving tax cuts and loopholes for the wealthy is not shared sacrifice by any definition." Max Richtman , Executive Vice President/Acting CEO

Not only do middle-class Americans oppose cutting Medicare, a recent poll of likely voters in six key battleground states showed that strong majorities declare they'll support the candidate who argues for protecting Social Security rather than cutting it to pay down the debt.

This latest five-figure ad buy is just one part of the National Committee's million dollar "Hands Off Campaign". Launched earlier this year, the nationwide mobilization continues to organize and inform older Americans about the ongoing budget debate in Washington and its potential impact on programs touching the lives of virtually every American family. Other elements of the effort include:

• District Radio Ad campaign in 6 Congressional Districts reminding members that cutting Medicare and Social Security is NOT Fiscal Responsibility
• National Committee members and supporters have already delivered more than 1 million letters and petitions to Congress urging Washington to preserve Social Security and Medicare rather than targeting these vital programs to balance the budget.  
• Thousands of E-cards have been delivered to the key political players in Washington who are deciding the fates of these vital programs.
• NCPSSM's Online Mobilization including outreach to our large and growing communities on Facebook , Twitter and our Blog "Entitled to Know" in a number of ways to keep the pressure on. 
• The National Committee's Truth Squad busts myths and provides the facts about Social Security, Medicare and our fiscal crisis.

The National Committee has a successful track record in protecting the Social Security and Medicare benefits paid for by American workers and retirees including the fight to defeat President Bush's proposals to privatize Social Security. By engaging and informing America's seniors through similar ad campaigns, member mobilizations and grassroots efforts nationwide, our members have said, loud and clear, they're ready to fight against those in Washington willing to trade away the nation's most successful government programs. 

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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 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org