Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–June 19, 2015.
In a Setback for America’s Retirees, Fast Track Passes U.S. House
After a temporary victory on trade for retirees last week, the House of Representatives brought up Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) again, this time using special maneuvers to ensure Trade Adjustment Assistance was attached to a must-pass appropriations bill. The vote passed 218-208, with 28 Democrats voting in favor. TPA, or Fast Track, would enable President Obama to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal without open and full debate.
“This fight is not over,” said Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling. “Retirees have rejected Fast Track because it would hurt seniors by raising the price of prescription drugs and cost U.S. workers jobs. Our members remain mobilized for the next trade votes that affect them.”
New Speakers Added to Alliance’s National Legislative Conference in Washington, DC
The Alliance will hold its National Legislative Conference and Lobby Day in Washington, DC from July 7th- July 10th. In addition to having an opportunity to speak with Members of Congress and their legislative staffs about retirement security, the conference attendees will attend trainings and workshops that will improve their advocacy skills.
Just added to the schedule as speakers: Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL), co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Seniors, and Keith Ellison (MN), co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus. Previously confirmed speakers include AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka; House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA); Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA); Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ) and White House Conference on Aging Executive Director Nora Super.
“The Legislative Conference provides an opportunity to hear from experts about retirement security, but it also gives Alliance members the opportunity to voice their own opinions on the issues that face us,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Not only do we all learn more about strengthening and expanding earned Social Security and Medicare benefits, we will gain valuable skills that we can take with us when the conference is over.”
All Alliance members are welcome to attend. Questions? Contact Joni Jones at [email protected] or 202-637-5377. Sign up for the conference or learn more here. The last day to get the discounted hotel rate is today – June 19.
Report: Millions of Seniors Go Hungry
A report issued by the Government Accountability Office found that only 10% of low income seniors who needed a meal delivered to their home received one in 2013. Furthermore, one in three older Americans 60-69 reported being “food insecure”. The Older Americans Act, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, provides nutrition programs, job training, caregiver support, and transportation for seniors. The act has not been sufficiently funded for years, and since 2009, funding for these programs has declined. This comes as the number of older Americans has increased substantially from 56 to 63 million over the last five years.
“We need to increase funding for the Older Americans Act programs,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “This country has the resources to do it.”
North Carolina Alliance Holds its Convention in Raleigh
More than 70 delegates from more than 20 affiliated organizations attended the Biennial NCARA Convention on Tuesday in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mr. Fiesta, state Attorney General Roy B. Cooper and North Carolina AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer MaryBe McMillan were among those who spoke. At the convention, Bill Dworkin was re-elected President, Judy Coggins Treasurer and Mary Montford Secretary.
Medicare Turns 50: Tell Us Your Medicare Story
The Alliance recently launched www.medicare50th.org, an interactive website that now includes a timeline featuring the program’s historical milestones. Visit the site to read the personal stories of what Medicare has meant to several Alliance members personally since its inception, and how much it has changed their lives. Please send us your story and share how Medicare has improved your life!
“The point of the matter is that this meeting and the others indicates that the people of the United States recognize one by one, thousand by thousand, million by million, that this is a problem whose solution is long overdue. And this year I believe, or certainly as inevitably as the tide comes in next year, this bill is going to pass.” – President John F. Kennedy, May 20th, 1962.
Source: www.retiredamericans.org
