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

January 15, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

Seniors Mobilize in Opposition to Fast-track Commission Targeting Cuts to Social Security

Leading Seniors Advocacy Group Launches Print and Radio Campaign in advance of Senate vote

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare members and supporters are opposed to a Senate proposal creating a fast-tracked commission targeting cuts to the very programs, which have kept seniors afloat during these tough economic times.  The Conrad/Gregg Commission proposal will be voted on during the Senate debate on extending the debt limit next week.

Contrary to the political rhetoric, Social Security and Medicare did not cause our economic problems. Seniors believe fiscal discipline is needed, but not at the cost of crippling Social Security and making seniors the scapegoats for the excesses of Wall Street. You can see a sneak peak of next week's print ad on our website at:

Radio ads will also run in Washington during the week before the Senate vote.  You can listen to our radio campaign here .  National Committee President/CEO, Barbara Kennelly, tells listeners:

"There's a move in Congress to paint a big, red target on Social Security and create a commission to pull the trigger. Americans have a right to the Social Security benefits they've earned. But fiscal hawks want Social Security to pay the tab for years of borrow and spend policies and Wall Street excess. Congress should understand what seniors already know - a commission will cut Social Security."

National Committee members have been calling, writing, and emailing Congress expressing their opposition to the Conrad/Gregg Commission. Next week, the National Committee will join other seniors' advocates such as OWL, AFSCME Retirees, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Association of University Women, Generations United, National Senior Citizens Law Center, NOW, Pension Right Center and Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW) in a January 19th Call In Day to flood the Senate with phone calls against the Conrad-Gregg Fast Track Commission proposal.  

The National Committee has also written members of the Senate urging them to reject the creation of a commission targeting Social Security.  The letter is available on our website.

"Fast Track", the National Committee's YouTube video describing the Commission proposal and its impact on Social Security and Medicare is posted on our YouTube channel .

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