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

    November 18, 2011

    NEWS RELEASE

    New Poll Shows Americans Know Cutting COLA's Is a Benefit Cut for the Middle Class

    Vast Majority Oppose Supercommittee COLA Proposal

    New national polling , sponsored by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Foundation and Social Security Works, reveals that Americans across party lines strongly oppose changing the COLA formula as a way to cut the deficit.

    A national sample of 1,000 adults polled last week shows that while Washington's fiscal hawks try to downplay the proposal's impact by calling it a "technical" tweak Americans simply aren't buying it.  They understand that switching to a Chained-CPI, as proposed by some on the Congressional supercommittee, will permanently cut COLAs for generations of middle class Americans, making it harder and harder for them to make ends meet. The survey found:  

    • 72% oppose changing the COLA formula for deficit reduction, including 74% of Democrats, 73% of independents, and 70% of Republicans. 


    • Voter backlash for Congressional members who support changing the formula for deficit reduction extends across party lines. 69% of Democrats, 56% of independents, and 52% of Republicans say they would be less likely to vote for their Member if they support this COLA proposal.

    The goal of the Chained-CPI is to save the government billions of dollars by taking it directly from the pockets of seniors, the disabled and veterans. Estimates based on an analysis by the Social Security Actuary show that over time the adoption of this provision would mean an average $500 annual benefit cut after 10 years growing to almost $1,400 after 20 years.  This benefit cut would impact both current and future retirees.

    "Many in Washington have embraced this COLA strategy, hoping it will fly under the radar of the millions of middle-class Americans who may not yet realize how this change will hurt their wallets. The truth is this proposal is a benefit cut that callously targets our nation's oldest retirees by slashing benefits the longer they live.  This poll shows the American people won't be fooled--Washington can try to camouflage the Chained-CPI using whatever poll-tested language they think is safe--but voters will see right through that and will recognize this as a Social Security benefit cut they'll face today and for generations to come." Max Richtman, NCPSSM President/CEO

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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