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    THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
    ~ Protecting the Health and Economic Future of Older Americans ~

    March 4, 2010

    NEWS RELEASE

    Millions of Seniors Will Continue to Go Without a COLA Increase

    National Seniors Advocate Disappointed in last night's Senate Vote
    Rejecting One-Time Payment for Seniors

    "The Senate has unfortunately ignored the reality that despite a relatively low rate of general inflation, seniors' costs are going up.  Health care costs especially are rising rapidly, and the elderly on fixed incomes spend a significantly larger share of their income on health care. $250 may not sound like much, but for millions of American seniors this one-time payment was desperately needed assistance.  Assistance which should be as big a priority as Wall Street bailouts and tax breaks for millionaires.".... Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO

    For the millions of seniors who rely upon Social Security as their only source of income, and millions more who rely upon it for at least half of their income, a cost of living adjustment in their Social Security benefits is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

     "I really need a COLA increase each year as that is my main source of income.  If I lost that I wouldn't have any way to make it.  Please find some way to get around this 100% false idea of zero (0%) inflation.  Everything I have to buy, the price keeps going up.  I asked in the local bank where the zero inflation was.  They said it must be another country and not here!"
    George P from North Carolina

    "I have had cancer 3 times and the $1,500 [SS check] only covers my monthly rent and my insurance.  At age 83 I cannot work any longer.  My savings is fast being used up."
    Helen R from Tennessee

    No cost of living adjustment (COLA) this year not only froze Social Security checks at last year's level, but also reduced many checks as Part D prescription drug premiums and other health care costs rose.  47 members of the Senate understand this and voted in support of a COLA fix; however, it wasn't enough for passage. Our work is far from over. The National Committee will continue to urge Congress to pass a COLA fix for seniors this year.

     

     

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

     

    The National Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that 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.