THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE
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May 4, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

Max Richtman named as Acting CEO for National Committee as seniors' group initiates phase three of million dollar ad campaign opposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare

Dr. Carroll Estes, Board Chair of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and the National Committee Foundation, today named Max Richtman, JD, as Acting CEO of one of the nation's largest seniors' advocacy organizations.  Richtman, currently the Executive Vice President, has served at the National Committee since 1989.  The former President and CEO, Barbara B. Kennelly, recently completed a nine year term.  Richtman assumes the national position at a time when many leaders in Washington are moving closer towards enacting harmful cuts to America's most popular and economically vital health and income security programs.   

"We are at a critical time in the history of Social Security and Medicare.  Both programs are under attack by those who believe these programs should foot the bill for our current economic crisis. Seniors know that cutting benefits to millions of middle-class Americans to pay for fiscal mistakes of the past is not the answer.  Our message to Congress is 'We should balance the budget but we don't have to destroy America 's safety net to do it.' The National Committee will continue its sponsorship of multimedia ad campaigns in conjunction with the mobilization of millions of members and supporters to ensure Congress' priorities are consistent with American's priorities. We plan to pull out all the stops to protect the programs absolutely vital to our nation's future." Max Richtman, Executive VP and Acting CEO

As part of that nationwide ad campaign, the National Committee has launched a new round of radio ads, airing in Washington D.C. during May, telling Congress that creating a budget cap on Social Security and Medicare isn't making tough budget choices-- it's actually a backdoor way for Congress to cut these popular programs without leaving any fingerprints.   The National Committee's ad campaign, first launched in January, has invested more than one-quarter million dollars in the DC market with plans to expand to Congressional Districts when Members are on recess.   

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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.

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