Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 3-7-14

Headlines:
House Budget Committee Chair Ryan Misrepresents Economists in Poverty Report
President Obama Releases His 2015 Budget
Affordable Senior Health Insurance to Supplement Medicare
Senators Introduce Legislation to Protect Medicare for Seniors
Bridge Project Reports on the Conservative Money Trail

House Budget Committee Chair Ryan Misrepresents Economists in Poverty Report
The House Budget Committee released a report, The War on Poverty: Fifty Years Later, on Monday, and the findings left several economists and social scientists bemused and angry, according to The Fiscal Times. Several experts who read it said that Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI) either misunderstood or misrepresented their research. One of the study’s authors, Jane Waldfogel, a professor at Columbia University and a visiting scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation, said that she was surprised when she read the paper, “because it seemed to arbitrarily chop off data from two of the most successful years of the war on poverty.” Barbara Wolfe, a professor at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, objected to Ryan’s use of two of her studies: Ryan’s paper erroneously claimed that one of Wolfe’s studies found that only a minority of families alter their employment decisions in response to Medicaid’s design. For analysis and a link to the report itself, go to http://tinyurl.com/o23ysld.

“It is especially galling when the misinformation is used to attack the economically disadvantaged,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

President Obama Releases His 2015 Budget
President Obama released his 2015 budget on Tuesday. As expected, it did not include the chained CPI benefit cut to Social Security and other programs. The budget includes $250 million to modernize customer service at the Social Security Administration in order to decrease wait times. Also, an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit is expected to benefit 300,000 working seniors, and increased funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development is slated to expand housing for seniors by 3,000 units. The budget also includes some cuts, especially to Medicare beneficiaries, that many seniors’ advocates would rather not see. To read The Washington Post’s budget write-up, go to http://tinyurl.com/objbnjh. For the National Coalition on Aging’s take on the budget, go to http://tinyurl.com/qalg8jo. To see the White House’s fact sheet on the budget and seniors, go to http://tinyurl.com/p7evz3q.

“Seniors continue to be thrilled with reports that came out in February that President Obama has removed the chained CPI cut to Social Security and other programs from his 2015 budget,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We would soon like to see a White House plan, articulated well by members of Congress like Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), as well as Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA), to expand Social Security.”

Affordable Senior Health Insurance to Supplement Medicare
Are you a union retiree or spouse?  Did you know you are eligible for affordable supplemental insurance to Medicare exclusively endorsed by the Alliance?  The Union Retiree Health Plan offers several options to fit your budget and is proud to announce the program’s most competitive rates ever!  The Open Enrollment Period is currently in effect through March 31, 2014.  During this period, Medicare-eligible union retirees and spouses are guaranteed acceptance without waiting periods, regardless of preexisting health conditions.  If you are not one of the thousands of your fellow members currently benefiting from the Union Retiree Health Plan, now is the best time to enroll!  Already enrolled?  Tell your friends! Enrollment is easy.  For more information, please call 1-855-733-0557 today.

Senators Introduce Legislation to Protect Medicare for Seniors
Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR) is the lead on a bill that was introduced on Thursday to protect Medicare.
Co-sponsors include fellow Democrats Sherrod Brown (OH), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Jeff Merkley (OR), Al Franken (MN), Brian Schatz (HI), Tom Udall (NM), Kay Hagan (NC), Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), and Warren. The Senators introduced the Medicare Protection Act, legislation expressing strong opposition to changes in Medicare that would reduce or eliminate guaranteed benefits or raise the eligibility age for hard-working seniors.

“We’ve seen an irresponsible few in Washington try to balance the budget on the backs of our seniors by recklessly voting to turn Medicare into a voucher system and raise the eligibility age for benefits,” Sen. Pryor said. “I refuse to let that happen. That’s why I’m proud to lead the charge on the Medicare Protection Act, a responsible solution that will protect the health, safety, and financial security of nearly 600,000 seniors in my state alone.”

The Medicare Protection Act would amend the Congressional Budget Act to define any provision included in reconciliation legislation that makes changes to Medicare to reduce or eliminate guaranteed benefits or restrict eligibility criteria as extraneous and an inappropriate use of the reconciliation process. The bill would also express the sense of the Senate that 1) the Medicare eligibility age should not be increased, and 2) the Medicare program should not be privatized or turned into a voucher system. For a copy of the bill, click http://tinyurl.com/oa29ghe.

“This legislation would protect Medicare so that it is not turned into a voucher system, benefits are not slashed, and it is not privatized,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Bridge Project Reports on the Conservative Money Trail
On Thursday, Bridge Project, an organization dedicated to “opposing the conservative movement’s extreme ideology and exposing its often dishonest tactics,” released a new report shining a light on the money funding the conservative agenda. Coming on the first day of this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the report, “Conservative Transparency: A Look at the Organized Right in 2014,” and its accompanying website give the public a window into the complex and often cloudy flow of money among conservative donors, organizations, and candidates. The full report is available at http://tinyurl.com/k5ay996.

The first of several planned state-based case studies was also released on Thursday: it details how North Carolina, since 2010, has pushed one of the most aggressive right-wing agendas in the country. The North Carolina case study is available at http://tinyurl.com/qcvw5ms. The group’s accompanying website, www.ConservativeTransparency.org, tracks the flow of money among conservative donors, advocacy groups, political committees, and candidates. In the 2012 cycle, conservative outside groups spent more than $800 million on federal elections.

For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/pvlnvcd.

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 2-28-14

Headlines:
U.S. Ranks Just 19th in Retirement Security Worldwide
Virginia Alliance Member Joins Sen. Chris Murphy in Support of Affordable Care Act
Rep. John Dingell Announces his Retirement after Record 58 Years in Congress
Pentagon Budget Could Hurt Military Retirees
Nebraska Takes Center Stage in Medicaid Expansion Debate
Texas Alliance Stands up for Minimum Wage Hike, Illinois for Nursing Home Safety

U.S. Ranks Just 19th in Retirement Security Worldwide
U.S. retirees are facing worse conditions for their golden years than retired workers in many other developed countries -- from Canada and the United Kingdom to South Korea, CNN reports. The U.S. ranked 19th in retirement security for the second year in a row, according to information from Natixis Global Asset Management that ranked 150 countries based on health care, finances, economic well-being and quality of life factors. European countries took eight of the top 10 spots, lifted by strong social programs for seniors. Number 1 Switzerland, for instance, is known for its strong public and private pension system. In contrast, American workers increasingly have to save for retirement on their own or through workplace 401(k) plans, while high health care costs remain an added burden. More at http://tinyurl.com/lfg23ns.

“A nation as wealthy as the U.S should be doing better than 19th,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “I see in these numbers more proof that we need to expand Social Security.” The Alliance fully supports the Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 (S.567), introduced by Tom Harkin (D-IA) in the U.S. Senate, and its companion bill H.R. 3118, introduced by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA) in the House. The legislation would increase annual Social Security benefits by an average of $800. It also improves the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) calculations by using a formula that reflects the cost of goods and services typically used by older Americans and ensures the Social Security Trust Fund remains solvent for years to come.

Virginia Alliance Member Joins Sen. Chris Murphy in Support of Affordable Care Act
On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) launched a coordinated effort in Congress to highlight the positive effects that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is having on millions of low- and middle-income Americans. Over the past four years, the law has provided health insurance coverage and new benefits to millions, reduced their overall cost of care, and reduced federal health spending. More than 6 million Americans have signed up for health insurance since 2010. Many say that Republicans in Congress have worked to sabotage the ACA by attempting to block implementation and deny funding for critical provisions of the law. At the Wednesday event, senators highlighted the impact the law has had on seniors across the U.S. Please tell us your story about affordable health care here: http://bit.ly/1gHdg34!

Virginia Alliance member Ken Pease joined the five senators, stating, “The Affordable Care Act is important, because it gives me peace of mind to know that my drug costs will be lower than they would have been without it. Repealing the health care law would send my prescription drug costs right back up again.” Photos at http://tinyurl.com/ooby3ve. Paul Krugman wrote this week in The New York Times about the multitude of false stories propagated by opponents of health care reform in an effort to make their case. Read the article at http://tinyurl.com/nxwu4vk.

Rep. John Dingell Announces his Retirement after Record 58 Years in Congress
U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), at 87, the longest-serving member of Congress in American history, announced his retirement on Monday. Dingell, a fierce protector of Detroit’s auto industry, is the former chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. He has served with every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. In September, 2006, Rep. Dingell received the Alliance's Leadership Award for a career dedicated to the health care and economic justice of retirees.  He had presided over the House vote to pass Medicare in 1965. For a video of Rep. Dingell with that day’s gavel, go to http://tinyurl.com/k5lxubl.

“Rep. Dingell has been a great friend to seniors ever since he was first elected in a 1955 special election to replace his late father,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance.

Democratic Rep. Ed Pastor (D-AZ), also won’t seek reelection in 2014, he announced Thursday. Last week, both Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-CA) announced that they will not be seeking another term in Congress. The full list of members who will not be returning to their seats can be found on the Roll Call Casualty List at http://tinyurl.com/mhfd3l.

Pentagon Budget Could Hurt Military Retirees
On Monday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined in great detail the Pentagon's plan to save money while emphasizing special operations and technology by calling for a smaller Army, changes in pay, and the elimination of some aircraft, weapons and bases. The budget calls for a 1% pay increase for most troops. However, generals and admirals would receive a one-year pay freeze. Hagel said he wants to slow the growth of housing allowances and require active-duty and retired members of the military to make a larger contribution to their health care costs in the TRICARE program. Future pay and pension questions will be handled by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, which is expected to issue its report in a year.

Nebraska Takes Center Stage in Medicaid Expansion Debate
With more red states moving toward adopting the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare, Americans United for Change is targeting a series of radio ads in a place that could actually do it: Nebraska. The spots contrast Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) request for a new $3.3 million state plane with his refusal to pay the state's relatively minor share of the cost to expand Medicaid. A bipartisan bill to expand Medicaid and cover an additional 54,000 Nebraskans is pending in the legislature, but it is several votes short of the 33 needed to break a procedural hurdle. The 33 votes would also be enough to override a veto, if Heineman were to reject the measure (http://tinyurl.com/mmvdeqc).

“Several states with Republican governors or state legislatures still might expand Medicaid, despite initial objections,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “…Nebraska, Arkansas, and Maine, just to name three.”

Texas Alliance Stands up for Minimum Wage Hike, Illinois for Nursing Home Safety
A Daily Kos blog post highlights an event at which Texas Alliance activists joined a downtown Dallas demonstration in favor of increasing the minimum wage at http://tinyurl.com/mgdlw4w. To view Illinois Alliance members protesting GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner's ties to dangerous nursing homes, go to http://tinyurl.com/nbje5r9.

For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/ob44khs.

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 2-21-14

Headlines:
President Obama Takes the Chained CPI out of his Fiscal 2015 Budget
Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee Narrowly Vote not to Unionize
“Doc Fix” is in the Works, but it may not be a Reason to Celebrate
Listen to the Alliance Point of View on Labor Radio
Come to the Alliance’s Convention, April 28 – May 1, 2014, at Bally's Hotel Las Vegas

President Obama Takes the Chained CPI out of his Fiscal 2015 Budget
In a great victory for the Alliance, White House staff has announced that President Obama’s Fiscal 2015 budget will not include a switch to the chained CPI formula that would limit cost-of-living increases in Social Security and other programs. Alliance members who had worked diligently for months in the hope that the change would not be implemented - and that earned benefits would not be cut – celebrated the news jubilantly. Especially relieved and excited were the thousands of Alliance members who had joined hands at dozens of “Human Chain” events held nationally last July (http://tinyurl.com/kocng72).

“We are thrilled with reports that President Obama heard Alliance members from across the country and removed the chained CPI cut to Social Security and other programs from his 2015 budget,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance.

Mr. Fiesta continued, “Now that the pesky chained CPI is out of the way, we can focus on the real task at hand, articulated well by members of Congress like Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), as well as Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA), which is to expand Social Security so that it fits the retirement security needs of today.”

Mr. Fiesta added, “The Alliance for Retired Americans made eliminating the chained CPI our top priority of the past year. We held dozens of ‘Human Chain’ events with thousands of Alliance members all across the country, and are elated that they paid off.” To see the complete Alliance press release, go to http://tinyurl.com/kzpcclw. 

Deficit hawks said Obama's move to shelve chained CPI likely kills any chance of a grand bargain for the rest of his term. In an effort to save $230 billion over 10 years, the President had proposed adopting a new way of calculating benefit increases that assumes consumers don’t always pay higher prices for products but rather substitute with cheaper alternatives. The net result is a lower inflation rate than measured by the conventional consumer price index. For additional coverage, including a Miami Herald article mentioning the Alliance, go to http://tinyurl.com/m2medu5.

Just prior to the President’s announcement, 117 Members of the U.S. House, led by Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), had signed a letter (http://tinyurl.com/mmhbowc) urging him not to include the chained CPI in his 2015 budget, and 16 Senators had signed a letter, spearheaded by Sen. Sanders, urging him not to cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid (http://tinyurl.com/l4xjdlu).

Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee Narrowly Vote not to Unionize
Workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee narrowly rejected joining the UAW last week by a 712-626 vote. The efforts to organize were met with strong anti-labor threats from Republicans like State Senator Bo Watson, who said that if workers opt for UAW representation, Volkswagen would have a “very tough time” securing future tax incentives from the state.  Outside organizations like the Grover Norquist-led Americans for Tax Reform also swarmed on Chattanooga to influence the vote.

The defeat came as a major disappointment to labor, as there had initially appeared to be an outpouring of enthusiasm, and Volkswagen had officially stayed neutral on the vote. Despite the loss this week, workers may again vote to unionize in a year’s time. 

“The loss in Chattanooga will not halt the efforts of unions and those who support the rights of workers,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “The UAW will continue to explore opportunities in the South.” More at http://tinyurl.com/mknpes8.

“Doc Fix” is in the Works, but it may not be a Reason to Celebrate
The nation’s most powerful lobbies for physicians are heaping praise on legislation heading to the floors of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, perhaps within the next month, to address an upcoming cut in Medicare payments to doctors.  The deal, which both the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians have called a “bicameral, bipartisan” agreement to repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), would bring an end to stopgap corrections to dramatic cuts in doctor payments from Medicare in what has been labeled the “doc fix.”

“If this legislation passes, it will make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to see a doctor,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “However, we can’t celebrate without knowing if it will shift more costs onto seniors.”

Listen to the Alliance Point of View on Labor Radio
You can hear Mr. Fiesta discuss current events every Friday at 2:00 PM Eastern Time on The Union Edge radio show (www.TheUnionEdge.com). Charles Showalter hosts. Download a free app for your smart phone or dial 712-432-5866 from any phone, anywhere in the world at any time to listen to the most recent program. You can also hear Mr. Fiesta the second Wednesday of every month on America’s Work Force radio at http://awfradio.com, with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc.

Come to the Alliance’s Convention, April 28 – May 1, 2014, at Bally's Hotel Las Vegas
Join us in Las Vegas as we sharpen our organizing and communications skills for the 2014 elections and beyond! Confirmed speakers now include: Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security; Liz Shuler, Alliance Executive Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO; Linda Chavez-Thompson, former Executive Vice-President of the AFL-CIO; J. David Cox, President of the American Federation of Government Employees; and Jimmy Gilbert, Director of the AFL-CIO’s Union Veterans Council.

Alliance members will elect a president and secretary-treasurer, and community members will elect six community-based board members and the executive vice-president for community affairs. Alliance members whose dues are paid and are in good standing as of February 27, 2014 are eligible to be a voting delegate. Hotel reservations must be made by March 21, 2014. Questions? Contact Joni Jones at jjones@retiredamericans.org or 202-637-5377. Ready to register? Download a registration form at http://tinyurl.com/nqnz97a or register on-line at http://tinyurl.com/prl8box.

For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/1h6h53o.

President Obama Heeded Our Call

Today, it was reported President Obama heeded OUR call and struck the chained CPI cut to Social Security and other programs from his 2015 budget.

The 4 million member Alliance for Retired Americans made eliminating the chained CPI our top priority of the past year. You have been key in making that successful. Thank you.

•    Our “Human Chain Against the Chained CPI” events across the country paid off!
•    Our grassroots educational forums actually turned the language and understanding of the “chained CPI” into the “chained CPI benefit cut” for seniors, veterans and others

•    We will continue to do our part to educate, advocate and mobilize for retirement security for Americans who work hard and should be able to count on a secure retirement.
•    Now that the pesky chained CPI is out of the way, we can focus on the real task at hand, articulated well by members of Congress like Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), as well as Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA), which is to expand Social Security so that it fits the retirement security needs of today.

Thanks so much for your confidence, support and especially activism! Together, we do make a difference!

Sincerely,
Richard Fiesta
Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 2-14-14

Headlines:
Wall Street Journal Profiles People Affected by Failure to Expand Medicaid…
…While Washington Post Profiles Those Whose Unemployment Benefits Ran out
Democrats Bail out Speaker Boehner to Raise the Debt Ceiling
Senate COLA Vote Restores Full Pension Benefits to Younger Military Retirees
AOL’s CEO Faces Backlash for Singling out Employees with High Health Care Costs
Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit Card Debt Increases among Seniors Ages 65-74

Wall Street Journal Profiles People Affected by Failure to Expand Medicaid…
The Affordable Care Act was meant to cover people in part by expanding Medicaid to workers earning up to the federal poverty line—about $11,670 for a single person; more for families. In addition, people earning as much as four times the poverty line—$46,680 for a single person—can receive federal subsidies. However, The Wall Street Journal this week profiled some of the millions of people caught in the middle, who are finding that their Governor’s refusal to expand Medicaid in their state has left them unable to afford any coverage.

In 2012, the Supreme Court struck down the health law's requirement that states expand their Medicaid coverage. Federal government offered to pay the full cost of the expansion for three years, and then states would pay 10% of the annual expansion costs. Republican elected officials in 24 states then declined the expansion, triggering the coverage gap. As of January 1, 4.8 million people earn too little to qualify for health law subsidies to buy private insurance, and aren't eligible under existing state programs for the low-income, either. More at http://tinyurl.com/mpn8c99.

“We are seeing people who fall into a new coverage gap,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Without the expansion of Medicaid, it is possible to fall between the maximum you can earn to qualify for Medicaid benefits, and the minimum you need to make to get subsidies.”

…While Washington Post Profiles Those Whose Unemployment Benefits Ran out
According to The Washington Post, “never in more than 65 years have so many workers been without a job and without a government lifeline.” Studies show that about a third of the people cut off from long-term unemployment benefits will find help from Social Security or other government programs. Others will thread together dwindling savings or support from family. But economists are studying the people who appear to come up with “more-idiosyncratic solutions,” which are tough to identify and almost impossible to track. More at http://tinyurl.com/ltnmbu4.

Americans United for Change has commissioned two polls from Public Policy Polling that suggest opposition to the Unemployment Insurance (UI) extension may have damaged two GOP Senators. They find voters in Ohio and Illinois say they’re less likely to vote for Sens. Rob Portman and Mark Kirk by 24-point and nine-point margins in 2016. GOP opposition will remain key to the argument against Republicans in a cycle that many Democrats are making about inequality.

Democrats Bail out Speaker Boehner to Raise the Debt Ceiling
On Tuesday night, only 28 House Republicans joined nearly all Democrats to approve a “clean” extension of the government’s borrowing authority - one without strings attached. For a tally of the 221-201 vote, go to http://tinyurl.com/mtl5j48. The one-year extension left Republicans ceding control to Democrats, after a collapse in support within his own party for an earlier proposal advanced by Speaker John Boehner (R-OH).

On Wednesday, the increased borrowing authority was approved in the Senate, 55-43, on a strict party line vote with only Democrats in support (tally at http://tinyurl.com/mg9b2lr). The legislation, which President Obama said he would sign, would eliminate any chance of default on $17.2 trillion in debt — and the financial havoc that would ensue — until March 2015. Passage this week brought considerable breathing room before February 27, when the U.S. Treasury had expected to exhaust existing borrowing capacity, putting federal payments at risk.

Senate COLA Vote Restores Full Pension Benefits to Younger Military Retirees
The House also approved a bill, 326-90, on Tuesday for restoration of full cost-of-living pension increases for younger military retirees, a bipartisan surrender to groups that opposed a cut when it was enacted less than two months ago.

The Senate passed a similar bill on Wednesday, 95-3. For a tally of the House and Senate votes, go to http://tinyurl.com/qbx387l and http://tinyurl.com/n6sa7ek. The savings to the government from the reduction had been calculated at $7 billion over a decade, but would have cost individual veterans tens of thousands of dollars over their lifetime. More at http://tinyurl.com/kutyaoq.

AOL’s CEO Faces Backlash for Singling out Employees with High Health Care Costs
Staff complaints about recent comments by AOL’s CEO Tim Armstrong have led AOL (previously America Online) to reverse policy and again match employees' 401(k) contributions each pay period, rather than once a year. Mr. Armstrong announced the reversal in a staff e-mail on Saturday. In addition, he apologized in the memo for comments made during an employee conference call when he mentioned “specific health care examples” in trying to explain his decision- making process around AOL’s employee benefit programs. Armstrong did not describe the examples, but on the employee call Thursday, he had cited two distressed pregnancies costing $1 million each as a reason for switching to the annual 401(k) matching. More from CNN at http://tinyurl.com/kj7noey.

One problem with once-a-year contributions is that employees who leave before the end of the year generally don't get any matching contribution, unless they retired or became disabled. Employees who get a year-end match also lose the benefits of compounding, or earning a return on money invested throughout the year.

There are other problems with annual 401(k) contributions as well. “Your risk goes up,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “If you happen to get your single payment when the stock market is tanking, you can lose a substantial amount before you even cash your check.”

Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit Card Debt Increases among Seniors Ages 65-74
A new report from the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) shows that the percentage of 65- to 74-year-olds who report having a mortgage or home equity loan payment increased from 21% in 1989 to nearly 37% in 2010. The average credit card balance for the same group rose from $2,100 in 1989 to $6,000 in 2010. More at http://tinyurl.com/k43qgcr.

“Many seniors have had to borrow against the equity in their homes to meet basic expenses,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. “It is another sign of the difficulty that the middle class has been enduring the past few years. If you are suffering, you are definitely not alone.”

For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/k48ws6a.

Join the World's Dirtiest Dating Service

STRIKE, Unfair Labor Practice, NEO Industries

STRIKE

Unfair Labor Practice

Support our Brothers and Sisters

In Solidarity

USW Local 2003-15

Neo Industries

1775 Willowcreek Road and US 20

Portage, Indiana 46368

Neo grinds and chrome plates rolls, mostly for Mittal Steel and an Alcoa Plant. We have
been in bargaining with Neo since earlier October of 2013 and their labor agreement expired
November 26, 2013. The Company has not bargained in good faith, they have done nothing but say
take it or we’re shutting down. The Company wants to eliminate part of the bargaining unit by
contracting out the trucking work, this would eliminate 10 drivers. The Company has also offered
a very modest severance package. They have now put the Union on notice that absent us agreeing
to their terms, they will implement their proposal and contract out the trucking. They have hired
a trucking firm called Area Trucking and they are a non-union company.

We are not going to allow this company to take our good paying jobs and contract it out just
to save a few bucks they claim they will save and the Union disagrees with their numbers.

Please stop by and show our members at Neo your support and let’s show Neo that when
you take on one Steelworker you take on the USW. If you can’t make it tonight please just stop by
anytime and show your support. This is a 24/7 STRIKE Stop by anytime.

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 2-7-14

Headlines:
NY Gov. Candidate Astorino: Let Seniors Eat Soup, and They Won’t Need Dentures
Harvard-CUNY Study: Governors’ Refusal of Medicaid Funds May Kill up to 17,000
Affordable Senior Health Insurance to Supplement Medicare
Vote to Extend Benefits for the Long-Term Unemployed Fails in Senate
Republicans in House Discuss Tying Debt Limit to Medicare
“Compassionate Allowances” Speed up Social Security Disability Claims
Come to the Alliance’s Convention, April 28 – May 1, 2014, at Bally's Hotel Las Vegas

NY Gov. Candidate Astorino: Let Seniors Eat Soup, and They Won’t Need Dentures
This past Monday, Republican/Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino formed an exploratory Committee to run for New York Governor against Andrew Cuomo (D). The New York Daily News covered it by reporting on an interview that Mr. Astorino gave in 2011. During a “Capital Tonight” conversation, Astorino said that Medicaid should not pay for dentures for seniors. Asked by interviewer Liz Benjamin how seniors would be able to chew, Astorino said, “Soup is good.”

In response to the article, Dennis Tracey, President of the New York State Alliance for Retired Americans, said, “Telling seniors who depend on Medicaid to ‘go eat soup’ is insulting and degrading to senior citizens everywhere.  This kind of thoughtless comment ignores that there are countless senior citizens who depend on Medicaid for all kinds of critical health issues, from prescription drugs to dentures.” Mr. Tracey continued, “To mock these real issues shows that Rob Astorino not only doesn't care about the needs of seniors, but that he thinks our best use is being the butt of a political joke.  Mr. Astorino should immediately apologize.” To see video footage of Astorino’s original remarks, go to http://tinyurl.com/q4zgjvq. Monday’s Daily News article is at http://tinyurl.com/nwk254m.

Harvard-CUNY Study: Governors’ Refusal of Medicaid Funds May Kill up to 17,000
Using mortality rate statistics from other states’ previous efforts to expand Medicaid, a Harvard – City University of New York study has found that between 7,000 and 17,000 Americans are likely to die due to 25 states’ refusal to expand Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act. More at http://tinyurl.com/pgdpchx. For an Alliance fact sheet with Medicaid information for 2014, go to http://tinyurl.com/oz43huc.

Affordable Senior Health Insurance to Supplement Medicare
Are you a union retiree or spouse?  Did you know you are eligible for affordable supplemental insurance to Medicare exclusively endorsed by the Alliance?  The Union Retiree Health Plan offers several options to fit your budget and is proud to announce the program’s most competitive rates ever!  The Open Enrollment Period is currently in effect through March 31, 2014!  During this period, Medicare-eligible union retirees and spouses are guaranteed acceptance without waiting periods, regardless of preexisting health conditions.  If you are not one of the thousands of your fellow members currently benefiting from the Union Retiree Health Plan, now is the best time to enroll!  Already enrolled?  Tell your friends! Enrollment is easy.  For more information, please call 1-855-733-0557 today!

Vote to Extend Benefits for the Long-Term Unemployed Fails in Senate
On Thursday, the Senate again failed to approve an extension of emergency unemployment insurance, 40 days after the benefit was allowed to lapse. One vote prevented 1.7 million long-term unemployed Americans from receiving a desperately needed lifeline. Republicans opposed the bill even after Democrats met their demands that it be fully paid for and only three months in duration. For a tally of the 58-40 procedural vote, go to http://tinyurl.com/pnsjnd9. Sixty votes were needed. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) switched his vote to “nay” in the end, enabling him to bring the vote up again in the future. More at http://tinyurl.com/qbj234b. “Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) had said, ‘If [Senate Majority Leader Reid] gave us an offset, I’d be a yes.’ However, he did not keep his word,” noted Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Republicans in House Discuss Tying Debt Limit to Medicare
This week, House Republican leaders have tried to craft a debt-limit package that could pass with only Republican support. Now, according to Politico, Speaker John Boehner (Ohio) and others are considering “attaching a whole laundry list of provisions to the debt ceiling that do precious little to decrease the deficit but would instead serve only to attract enough Democratic support to move the legislation on to the Senate.”

One option being widely discussed is attaching a nine-month patch of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) to the debt-limit increase. The SGR, or “doc fix,” is the formula by which the federal government reimburses doctors who treat Medicare patients. Such a move would enable doctors to continue treating Medicare patients without seeing a cut to their payments. However, Medicare beneficiaries could see their costs go up. Also in the mix is a proposal to reverse recent cuts to the cost-of-living adjustment for some military retirees’ pensions. Top Republicans think that could attract Democratic support, but Senate insiders say Boehner is mistaken. The debt ceiling likely needs to be hiked by the end of February to avoid a default. More at http://tinyurl.com/pqhpean.

“Compassionate Allowances” Speed up Social Security Disability Claims
Acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin has announced that 25 conditions would be added to the Compassionate Allowance program, bringing to 225 the number of conditions covered. The program allows individuals with the most serious disabilities to be pushed through the process of applying for, and receiving, benefits at a much faster rate. For many, applying for Social Security benefits can take months, but the Compassionate Allowance program cuts this wait to days. You can see the list of conditions added, including a dozen cancers, at http://tinyurl.com/pgrmuso. 
“We welcome the expansion of the Compassionate Allowance program, and the relief it will provide to countless Americans who don’t have the luxury of waiting to get their benefits,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.

Come to the Alliance’s Convention, April 28 – May 1, 2014, at Bally's Hotel Las Vegas
Join us in Las Vegas as we sharpen our organizing and communications skills for the 2014 elections and beyond! Liz Shuler, Alliance Executive Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO; J. David Cox, President of the American Federation of Government Employees; and Linda Chavez-Thompson, former Executive Vice-President of the AFL-CIO, are confirmed speakers. Alliance members will elect a president and secretary-treasurer, and community members will elect six community-based board members and the executive vice-president for community affairs. Alliance members whose dues are paid and are in good standing as of February 27, 2014 are eligible to be a voting delegate. Hotel reservations must be made by March 21, 2014. Questions? Contact Joni Jones at jjones@retiredamericans.org or 202-637-5377. Ready to register? Download a registration form at http://tinyurl.com/nqnz97a or register on-line at http://tinyurl.com/prl8box.

For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/lo7upfz.

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 1-31-14

Headlines:
President Stays Away from Cuts to Key Programs in State of the Union Speech
Illinois Public Sector Unions Sue to Block Pension Theft
In Fight of Their Lives, Union Members Rally at Pennsylvania State Capitol
Coalition Challenges ALEC with the Facts
Today is Intercontinental Day of Action against the TPP; Harry Reid Lends Support
Thousands Join Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday Night Call
Alliance’s Virginia Chapter Marks Its Third Year

President Stays Away from Cuts to Key Programs in State of the Union Speech
President Obama’s State of the Union address avoided mention of some policies that would prove damaging to retirees, such as the chained CPI cut to earned Social Security benefits or other cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. “Now, we must work to increase Social Security benefits,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. Mr. Fiesta added, “We applaud the President’s efforts to attack income inequality. An initiative to raise the minimum wage, and a renewed effort to extend the unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, are two major steps in the right direction.” To read Mr. Fiesta’s full statement, go to http://tinyurl.com/ol972dw.

The President also introduced his myRA plan, which would allow some individuals to purchase bonds in a “starter” retirement account which guarantees no risk. The myRA will be safe and simple, but will top out at $15,000 per account and offer modest returns.

Illinois Public Sector Unions Sue to Block Pension Theft
On Tuesday, a coalition called “We Are One Illinois,” which consists of the Illinois AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the Service Employees International Union, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Education Association and others, brought suit to block the enactment of a sweeping pension reform law in the state. While other employee and retiree groups already had filed legal challenges to the state pension law, the latest lawsuit carries the weight of Illinois’ largest public sector unions. The law was passed to alleviate a $100 billion dollar unfunded pension debt the state has accrued, but there is a provision of the Illinois Constitution which declares public pensions a “contractual relationship” with benefits that cannot be “diminished or impaired.” More at http://tinyurl.com/nemraln.

Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrigan said, “Our suit makes clear that pension theft is not only unfair, it’s clearly unconstitutional…Teachers, nurses, emergency responders, and other workers and retirees will not stand by while politicians try to take away their life savings illegally.”

“We stand with the We Are One Coalition against any attempt to take away employees’ pensions, whether they are retired or still on the job.” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

In Fight of Their Lives, Union Members Rally at Pennsylvania State Capitol
Identical bills currently being debated in the Pennsylvania state House and Senate would stop state and local governments, as well as school districts, from automatically deducting union wages from employees’ paychecks.  Opponents of the bills point out that other organizations, including the United Way, are allowed to make use of automatic deductions at minimal cost to the government. In response to the proposed legislation, a rally was held at the state Capitol in Harrisburg on Tuesday. Over 1,000 union members, including several members of the Pennsylvania Alliance, protested against the severe attack on labor and Pennsylvanian workers. More at http://tinyurl.com/ptbtnad.

“This legislation is a blatant attack on worker’s rights, and is absolutely unconscionable,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “We hope the actions of the Pennsylvania Alliance and the unions showed Governor Corbett that this is not the will of the people.”

Coalition Challenges ALEC with the Facts
On Monday, a coalition of labor and progressive groups kicked off “Mondays with ALEC,” a day focusing on an aspect of the ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) corporate-funded agenda and ways to fight back, as part of the Stand Up to ALEC campaign. A new fact sheet highlights how ALEC’s agenda targets workers and lowers wages, increasing income equality: http://tinyurl.com/qapc29o.

Today is Intercontinental Day of Action against the TPP; Harry Reid Lends Support
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has signaled his opposition to a bill that would speed the approval of the trade agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). If not blocked, the bill would allow the TPP to be passed with minimal debate and no amendments. While the White House supports both the TPP and fast track, 151 House Democrats have told the President in a letter that they will vote against fast track. The addition of Senator Reid leaves the administration with an uphill battle.

Today is an Intercontinental Day of Action against the TPP and Corporate Globalization, with dozens of protests taking place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to mark the anniversary of the passage of NAFTA. Today’s march in Dallas includes numerous Texas Alliance members. The Iowa Alliance joined Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) of Iowa, the Communication Workers of America State Council of Iowa, and about 50 community members on Tuesday night, braving the -8 degree weather in the Eastern part of the state, for a teach-in on TPP and Fast Track. Jan Laue, President of the Iowa Alliance, highlighted the history of unfair trade starting with NAFTA and spoke about how the TPP will hurt seniors and raise the cost of prescription drugs.

Thousands Join Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday Night Call
More than 670 Alliance members joined a tele-conference call with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on Monday night. Thousands of activists from partner organizations were also on the call, which focused on protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and creating an agenda that works for all Americans, and not just powerful special interests. “We've got to be alert, we’ve gotta be focused, we have to be aggressive,” said Sen. Sanders. “If we do that, I am confident that we will not just protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, I believe we can expand those programs.”

Alliance’s Virginia Chapter Marks Its Third Year
Virginia Alliance for Retired Americans members gathered in Richmond on Tuesday to mark their third year of retiree activism and to build capacity for more. Delegates heard from Ms. Easterling; Doris Crouse-Mays, Virginia AFL-CIO President; Ron Thompson, President of the Virginia Alliance; James Gilbert, Union Veterans Council Director; Judy Beard, American Postal Workers Union National Retiree Director; Jayne Clancy, Legal Consultant for the Alliance; and others. Attendees spoke with Mr. Gilbert about issues affecting veterans, such as transitioning from combat to civilian life and Helmets to Hardhats programs, which connect service men and women to building trades careers. Photos here: http://tinyurl.com/ps7k7qr.

For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/ofuwk7c.

Alliance for American Manufacturing Response to SOTU

Retirees Breathe a Sigh of Relief

For Immediate Release
January 29, 2014
Contact: David Blank – 202/637-5275 or dblank@retiredamericans.org 


Retirees Breathe a Sigh of Relief Following State of the Union Address

President Addresses Income Inequality, Has No Plans to Cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid


The following statement was issued today by Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans:

“Members of the Alliance for Retired Americans watched the President’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night with an eye on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Income Inequality.

“We are relieved that the President did not mention support for the chained CPI cut to earned Social Security benefits or any cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Retirees let out a collective sigh of relief when the address was over. Now, we must work to increase Social Security benefits.

“The President has stood strong in stopping attempts by Republicans to raise Medicare’s eligibility age. He has also stopped attempts, included in the Paul Ryan House Republican budget, to “block grant” Medicaid. Retirees are reassured that President Obama has held those positions.

“However, seniors wanted to see additional plans to close tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. Companies like GE will continue to avoid paying their share of taxes without changes on multiple fronts.

“Finally, we applaud the President’s efforts to attack income inequality. An initiative to raise the minimum wage, and a renewed effort to extend the unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed, are two major steps in the right direction.”

Just War Theory

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert, 1-24-14

Headlines:
Supreme Court Hears Landmark Union Case Involving Home Health Care Workers
Last Chance to RSVP for Conference Call with Sen. Bernie Sanders Monday Night
Insurance Industry Ads Seek to Preempt Medicare Advantage Cuts
Scam Using Medical Alert Devices was Aimed at Seniors
Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans Holds its Convention, Elects Officers
Obituary: Kenny Stevens, Member of Alliance Executive and Regional Boards
Obituary for former Vermont Alliance President Chet Briggs

Supreme Court Hears Landmark Union Case Involving Home Health Care Workers
This week, U.S. Supreme Court heard Harris vs. Quinn, a case concerning in-home care providers who work with Medicaid patients, and their right to unionize. In response to high turnover rates and low wages amongst home care providers, 20,000 individuals in Illinois voted to join the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), securing higher union wages in negotiations with the state. In response, the anti-union group the National Right to Work Foundation brought suit against SEIU and Governor Pat Quinn (D). At issue are two questions: whether states may recognize a union to represent health care workers who care for disabled adults in their homes instead of in state institutions; and whether non-union members must pay for negotiating a contract they benefit from.

“We hope that the Court will see through this attempt by anti-labor groups to strip power from unions and from the millions of employees they represent,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. More at http://tinyurl.com/pc4zo9g.

Last Chance to RSVP for Conference Call with Sen. Bernie Sanders Monday Night
On Monday night, January 27th, at 8 PM EST, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will host a tele-conference call with activists from across the nation. Alliance members and coalition partners will come together for a discussion about how we can protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and create an agenda that works for all Americans, not just powerful special interests. To take part, go to http://tinyurl.com/orcrzkc. Today (Friday) is the deadline to RSVP, so don’t miss your chance!

Insurance Industry Ads Seek to Preempt Medicare Advantage Cuts
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a trade association representing health care insurers, launched a seven figure advertising blitz this week. The campaign comes in advance of an annual notice that sets the plans’ payment rates for the upcoming year and focuses on that issue.

According to Politico (http://tinyurl.com/q25lxou), the ads follow the “Seniors are Watching” theme of a prior campaign. Medicare Advantage (MA), unlike “Original Medicare,” is offered by a private insurance company which in turn contracts with Medicare.  Historically, Medicare trust fund reimbursements for MA have been higher than regular Medicare for similar services, and certain Affordable Care Act provisions set out to bring the costs more in line. While AHIP and allies refer to the incoming changes as catastrophic for seniors, others disagree. “This is just setting the stage so that when the 2015 announcement comes out, AHIP will try to argue that these are new cuts... but there are no new cuts,” said Edwin Park of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

“The cuts that the ads aim to stop are actually a bonanza for private insurance companies,” added Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “That money is better spent on providing health care to those who cannot afford it.”

Scam Using Medical Alert Devices was Aimed at Seniors
According to MSN Money (a service of MSN, originally The Microsoft Network), federal and state regulators have shut down a multimillion-dollar scam that they said duped seniors into turning over their credit card information in exchange for supposedly free medical-alert devices. The business blasted seniors across the U.S. and Canada with robocalls and said that they were eligible for “a free alert system purchased by a friend or relative.” Once the person agreed to receive the device, “they were transferred to an operator who took their billing information and immediately began charging them for the service.” Government officials said last week that they received more than 66,000 complaints about the scam, which deliberately targeted the elderly. Medical alert systems are designed to help seniors get quick help in the event of an emergency. The devices most often consist of a necklace or wristband with an emergency button that contacts a company dispatcher. The scam was not connected with any real manufacturers of medical alert devices. The makers of Life Alert had sued the business for using its “Help, I've fallen and I can't get up,” phrase on the robocalls. Prosecutors said the business appeared organized in a way that would evade law enforcement.

“Many Americans have been talking recently about having their information stolen at the checkout lines of retail stores,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “But we should all remember that giving out too much information to people who call you can be equally dangerous.”

Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans Holds its Convention, Elects Officers
Mr. Fiesta traveled to Hawaii for the Hawaii Alliance's convention in Honolulu on January 11. Eighty-six voting delegates attended, representing all eight statewide affiliates.  Speakers included Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell; International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 142 Secretary-Treasurer Guy Fujimura; Mr. Fiesta; and Alliance Western Regional Board Member Luis Duran. One highlight was the educational session on Long Term Care Costs and Services Relating to Alzheimer's Disease, presented by Wes Lum, Director of the Executive Office on Aging (EOA); Jody Mishan, State Coordinator of Alzheimer's Disease; and financial adviser Michael Yee. Congratulations to all of the newly elected officers: Justin Wong, President; Elmer Yuen, Vice President; Carol Noland, Secretary; and Phyllis Hiramatsu, Treasurer.

Obituary: Kenny Stevens, Member of Alliance Executive and Regional Boards
Kenneth (“Kenny”) Stevens, who was on the Alliance Executive and Regional Boards and a member of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), passed away on January 17th at the age of 78. “Kenny was so crucial to the formation of the Virginia Alliance,” said Ms. Easterling. “I know we will all miss him greatly. Our condolences go out to his family and all of those close to him. He had many friends at the Alliance.” Interment will take place in Danville (Virginia) Memorial Gardens with military honors by American Legion Post #1097 and the U.S. Army. For a more detailed obituary, go to http://tinyurl.com/ojk6jpr.

Obituary for former Vermont Alliance President Chet Briggs
Chester (“Chet”) Arthur Briggs, who was formerly President of the Vermont Alliance, has died at the age of 73. “From leading a movement in 1960 to integrate lunch counters and movie theaters in Austin, Texas, to serving as state President for the Vermont Alliance, Chet led a life dedicated to making the world a better place,” said Mr. Fiesta. “I offer our deepest condolences to his family. He touched a lot of people.” To read a full obituary, go to http://tinyurl.com/qhsy8sw.

For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/k99c9b6.

Once Upon A Day

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 1-10-14

Headlines:
No Consensus So Far on Extension of Unemployment Benefits;
Spending Bill: Limited Relief for Some Military Retirees, but Tax Loopholes Remain;
GAO Reports on Drug Companies That Listed the Wrong Prices Online;
Koch Brothers Invade Pennsylvania;
At NAFTA’s 20-Year Anniversary, an Assessment

No Consensus So Far on Extension of Unemployment Benefits
Negotiations to extend emergency benefits for the long-term jobless came to a standstill in the Senate on Tuesday. That leaves more than 1.4 million people without federal unemployment aid at least until late January, when lawmakers are likely to resume consideration of the legislation. For more than a week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) kept the Senate focused on restoring expired emergency unemployment benefits, an effort that failed in two separate votes. The chamber voted 52-48 (see tally at http://tinyurl.com/mpk4xgl) to reject a proposal to extend benefits through November and pay for it by extending the sequester’s mandatory spending cuts into 2024. A different measure, to extend aid for three months — without a pay-for — was defeated 55-45 (http://tinyurl.com/mzxoo7d). Republicans fumed that Reid was limiting consideration of amendments. Some amendments would have offered savings by eliminating the ability of the disabled and unemployed to receive both federal disability payments and jobless aid.

“Some amendments, pushed strongly by the Republicans, would have taken away Social Security Unemployment Insurance for the low-income disabled,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “These amendments would have treated people with significant disabilities who receive Social Security Disability Insurance differently from other American workers, and harmed the economic security of these beneficiaries and their families.”

Reid believes that next week’s holiday recess will motivate Republicans to extend unemployment benefits without strings attached. “Jobless constituents will no doubt be giving Republican Senators a piece of their mind,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.

Spending Bill: Limited Relief for Some Military Retirees, but Tax Loopholes Remain
Disabled military retirees were given a reprieve from a controversial pension cut, but working age military retirees were not, as the House and Senate passed a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill this week. The appropriations measure keeps intact a provision from the budget agreement President Obama signed into law last month reducing cost-of-living adjustments for working-age military retirees by 1 percent starting in December 2015. A higher rate would apply again once the former service members reach age 62 (http://tinyurl.com/lp5af2u).

The bill does not close any corporate tax loopholes, or force the super wealthy to pay their fair share. One tax break that still exists lets corporations avoid paying taxes to any nation on their financial income earned by foreign subsidiaries, so long as those profits remain offshore. The “active financing exception,” lets GE and Wall Street banks shift their profits to foreign subsidiaries in order to avoid paying their fair share. All they have to do is claim that their U.S.-based financing income is actually being earned in offshore tax havens. Some call it the “GE Tax Loophole” because it is a primary reason the company has succeeded in getting a tax refund from the U.S. government in at least three recent years, according to the group Americans for Tax Fairness.

“GE and Citigroup like the active financing exception, but the rest of us shouldn’t,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Our country loses $11 billion in tax revenue every two years to it.”

GAO Reports on Drug Companies That Listed the Wrong Prices Online
Last Friday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report finding that during the first seven months of 2013, 25% of Medicare Part D contracts had one or more plans suppressed from Plan Finder, the Medicare website seniors use to choose their drug plans, due to pricing inaccuracy. The GAO also found that between January 1, 2009 and July 31, 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had taken more than 150 official compliance actions against plans for pricing inaccuracy- issuing 89 notices of noncompliance and 67 warning letters. The report was requested in April by U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Susan Collins (R-ME), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, amid concerns over the reliability and usability of the Plan Finder website.

When a plan is suppressed from the Plan Finder website, its pricing information is removed and beneficiaries are unable sign up for the plan on site until the sponsor submits accurate prices.   In cases where plan sponsors repeatedly submit false or incomplete information, CMS can take further action. The full GAO report is at http://tinyurl.com/lj452eb.

Koch Brothers Invade Pennsylvania
According to the DailyKos blog, wealthy conservative brothers Charles and David Koch are talking to Republican Governor Tom Corbett to move legislation this winter and spring to outlaw union dues deduction for all state and local public employees. It is the same kind of legislation Governors Scott Walker passed in Wisconsin and John Kasich tried to pass in Ohio. Philadelphia City Paper stated that a likely vehicle for this effort is House Bill 1507. The legislation would make it impossible for public-sector unions to automatically collect dues from their members' paychecks and eliminate the required “fair share fee” from workers who do not join. The legislation would also make it impossible for unions to automatically deduct optional donations to labor political funds. More from the Daily Kos is at http://tinyurl.com/lx7qf7w.

At NAFTA’s 20-Year Anniversary, an Assessment
In 1993, the U.S., Mexico and Canada signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Recently, CWA posted an item in their newsletter (http://tinyurl.com/m7nglg3) documenting a string of broken promises since the signing twenty years ago. The U.S. has seen some 700,000 jobs move to Mexico. U.S. employer threats - made during organizing campaigns to close plants if workers voted for a union - rose from 29% in the mid-1980s, to 50% in the two years following the adoption of NAFTA, to 57% during the mid-2000s.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and others have all documented worsening conditions and eroding standards for workers both in the U.S. and Mexico. Meanwhile, as corporations took advantage of Mexico's low wages, Americans have witnessed downward pressure on their own wages. The U.S. trade surplus with Mexico is now long-gone, as well. You can see the rest of CWA's Broken Promises report at http://tinyurl.com/ly8mkxc. It outlines what happened over the past 20 years and what it means for future trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.


For a printable version of this document, go to http://tinyurl.com/ly6hjpj.

Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert 1-10-14

Headlines:
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Down Despite the Extreme Cold
Tell AT&T Corporation to Respect Retirees
Extension of Federal Benefits for the Long-term Unemployed Clears One Hurdle
Come to the Alliance’s Convention, April 28 – May 1, 2014, at Bally's Hotel Las Vegas
National Academy of Social Insurance Conference Begins January 29 in DC
Obituary: Donna McGrath

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Down Despite the Extreme Cold
Huffington Post reports that sequestration's budget cuts last year have left thousands of families in the cold this winter. Congress cut funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program by about $155 million, and total funding has decreased from $5.1 billion to $3.32 billion since 2010 (http://tinyurl.com/lxkp369). Large sections of the United States have recently been frozen by the grip of winter, with a weather system known as a polar vortex bringing subzero temperatures and blizzard conditions. Temperatures reached as low as 50 or 60 degrees below zero in some parts of the nation – meaning that staying warm has become harder than ever for many Americans.

“Sequestration cuts are not just words,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.  “They affect real people in real ways. That is why the sequestration cuts to services need to be repealed altogether, rather than reduced and repackaged, as Congress has done so far.”

Tell AT&T Corporation to Respect Retirees
AT&T retirees were surprised when the company recently sent information related to open enrollment for the retiree medical benefits.  Retirees under the age of 65, who are not eligible for Medicare, saw premium increases of hundreds of dollars a month for coverage under the standard PPO plan.  Retirees on Medicare saw a jump in premiums of about 500% for supplemental insurance. CWA and the Alliance believe that the company should have done more for retirees, as AT&T enjoys healthy profits and significant dividends for shareholders. “Corporate executives should do more to assure that former employees who built the company have quality, affordable health care, and don’t flounder in unilateral, drastic and unprecedented increases,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance.

Some in the company told retirees that the reason for the extraordinary increases is the Affordable Care Act.  Nothing could be further than the truth.  In fact, there are two provisions of the Affordable Care Act that would impact AT&T’s retiree health plan.  First, it improves Medicare by including full coverage of preventive care and recapturing overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans.  Second, the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program set aside funds for employers who offer retiree health benefits, rebating $213.8 million to AT&T between 2011 and 2012 to offset the cost of claims from early retirees. Both these provisions eased the company’s cost burden, but AT&T has chosen not to share that cost relief with retirees.

In 2012, AT&T's CEO Randall Stephenson earned $22.23 million, 642 times the average worker's pay ($34,645). Please take action and tell him that passing down increases to the tune of 500% in monthly premiums for supplemental health care is uncalled for. Send him an email by using this link: [http://bit.ly/1cKhZ3m] or send him a letter: Randall L. Stephenson / Chairman, Chief Executive Officer / AT&T Corporation / 208 South Akard Street / Dallas, Texas 75202-4206.

Extension of Federal Benefits for the Long-term Unemployed Clears One Hurdle
The Democratic effort to extend federal benefits for the long-term unemployed got a surprise boost on Tuesday, as the Senate voted to allow the proposal to advance. The bill would reinstate for three months unemployment benefits that expired Dec. 28 and affect 1.3 million Americans. Six Republican Senators voted with 54 members of the Democratic caucus to approve a motion allowing the measure to move ahead, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will need to clear a second 60-vote hurdle to bring it to a final vote. Of the six Republicans— Susan Collins (ME), Rob Portman (OH), Dean Heller (NV), Kelly Ayotte (NH), Dan Coats (IN) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) — five said that that their support is not guaranteed on the final bill. For a tally of the Tuesday vote, go to http://tinyurl.com/msocyzb.

The measure faces not only big hurdles in the Senate, but also longer odds of passing the House. Senate Democrats made another offer on Thursday, to extend jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed through mid-November. Republicans, however, did not leap to embrace it. More unemployed Americans will lose their benefits as the year progresses and they surpass their states’ normal timelines.

Tuesday’s procedural vote in the Senate came as the two parties jockeyed over the political issue of rising income inequality, with Democrats pushing more aid for the jobless and an increased minimum wage. The crux of the negotiations is the GOP demand for offsetting savings from other portions of the budget. According to The Washington Post, GOP leaders are increasingly concerned about public perceptions that they are insensitive to those who are still struggling in the slow economic recovery. More at http://tinyurl.com/lya6wc2.

“Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the beginning of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty,” said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Perhaps the anniversary is the reminder some elected officials need that the war has not yet been won.”

Come to the Alliance’s Convention, April 28 – May 1, 2014, at Bally's Hotel Las Vegas
Join us in Las Vegas as we sharpen our organizing and communication skills for the 2014 elections and beyond! We will elect national officers and also Community Board members. Questions? Contact Joni Jones at jjones@retiredamericans.org or 202-637-5377. Ready to register? Download a registration form at http://tinyurl.com/nqnz97a  or register on-line at http://tinyurl.com/prl8box.

National Academy of Social Insurance Conference Begins January 29 in DC
The National Academy of Social Insurance is hosting a conference, “Strengthening the Web of Financial and Retirement Security for Today's Working Americans,” January 29-30 in Washington, DC. For more information or to register, go to http://tinyurl.com/n37nbkt.

Obituary: Donna McGrath
Donna McGrath, who was President of the Nebraska Alliance for Retired Americans, died in Omaha on Saturday at the age of 83. Ms. McGrath was the first president of the Nebraska chapter of the Alliance. “The Nebraska AFL-CIO inducted her into their Hall of Fame,” said Mr. Fiesta. “We are thankful for her major contributions to the Nebraska Alliance in getting it off the ground and running, and we will all miss her greatly.”

For a printable version of this document, go to http://bit.ly/1irDvwc.

Call Your Senators Today

If you haven’t phoned or contacted your U.S. Senators about the need to extend unemployment compensation for those who haven’t been able to find employment, this morning is the time to do it.

Senate Democrats, this morning, at 10 am, will try to continue debating this important legislation. They will need 60 votes.

If you want a good example of how far the right wing will go to cause human pain, misery, suffering or  death, just watch them on C-span.

Their argument is expected to be something like “oh, we want to help those people who haven’t been able to find a job, but we have to pay for it first.” This is a pretty weak argument because they were willing to shut down down the government a month or so ago, and the cost of that fiasco is estimated to have cost $24 billion.

One phone number that you can always rely on to contact your congressperson or Senators is the Senior Flash Hotline at 800-998-0180.

The Great 1967 Chicago Blizzard

Sweatshop Warriors

Christmas Tree Hunt

48th Wedding Anniversary

It was 48 years ago today that I married Elaine Adams. We got hitched at the City Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana on December 11th, 1965 with a dinner afterwards at the Hotel Gary.

When I think of how long I’ve known Elaine I really do have to think about it. Let’s see…I met her in 7th grade. We were in the same home-room together. Home-rooms were the first period of the class day and were made up of students according to alphabetical last names.

I remember so well how pretty I thought she was. Although I had my eye on her, she wouldn’t give me the time of day. As a matter of fact, she teased me. She sat a few seats in front of me and I do remember our eyes meeting once and she just batted them at me. I couldn’t let anyone know I was interested in her because I was on the football team, and we weren’t really supposed to be very interested in girls. Most of the gals dated Freshman boys anyway.

It wasn’t until we were Juniors that we began dating. It was in August at the beginning of football season. After practice one day, she and a friend of mine who lived across the street from me and his girlfriend stopped in front of the house and honked their horn. I went out to see who it was and we ended up going to Lo-Jacks drive-in for a rum coke which were very popular in those days. 

 

The very next evening, they stopped by again honking their horn. We did the rum coke thing again and then parked in his drive way. I remember Elaine planted a kiss on me so hard it hurt my lip. Well, a few more similar evenings put me madly in love. I recall soon after telling her that I was going to marry her some day. We dated off and on our senior year, and after graduation in 1961, I went into the Navy and Elaine became a hair dresser. I was stationed in Pearl Harbor and came home two times for a month at a time.

I got out of the Navy in August 1965 and we set the wedding date for December 11. So, I think we’ve known each other since about 1956 which would make it about 57 years. Today will be very special for us both.

Elaine and I wish all of you a Happy Anniversary, whenever it may be, and have a joyful and safe Christmas and New Year's.

You Were An Immigrant At One Point

Walorski Doesn't Make Me Very Proud

Education Is The Key

How do we get our fellow retirees and active union members to become more active in the fight to preserve Medicare and Social Security?  We must continue educating them. 

On October 3, SOAR Chapter 11-4, a SHIP (Senior Health Information Program) Representative presented a Medicare informational program to help our retirees better  understand and weave through the tangles of information.  Members of SOAR, AFSCM, AFGE, and people of the community attended.  Attendees had many questions and sharing of their own problems and successes dealing with the program. SHIP Representatives are volunteers who go through extensive training, so they are eager to share with any group or individual who many need help. 

I learned of SHIP through SOAR and I encourage all of our chapters to reach out to the SHIP Representative in your area.

Thank you to SOAR for keeping us educated so we may continue to educate our members.

Bonnie Carey, President of SOAR Chapter 11-4, Bettendorf, Iowa

Report from the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM)

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are here and while this may be no sweat for folks who have prepared, it’s a bit stressful for those of us with some shopping left to do.  Because Congress is clearly uninterested in putting more Americans back to work, your pals at the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) are asking Santa for “more jobs.” But while we wait on Washington and hope St. Nick can help, we can still take the power of job creation into our own hands.

How? Buy American. We spend billions of dollars every holiday season on gifts for our loved ones. So let’s put that money to good use and support manufacturing jobs in the process! Why? When we invest in things made in our own communities, we invest in the future of our country. And there are several websites and directories that can help consumers do just that.

Here are two websites with products made here, at home, in union businesses. In the United States, Labor 411 http://labor411.org/ hosts a directory of over 4,700 products. From turkeys to tools, you can find great, high-quality gifts for your family and friends.  As for my Canadian brothers and sisters, check out some Canadian-made products at Shop Union http://www.shopunion.ca. Type what you’re looking for in the search box and Shop Union will tell you which union makes it. On behalf of AAM, I’d like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Now get shopping!

For more information, call me at 260-633-1060. Thanks for helping to “Keep it Made in America” www.americanmanufacturing.org

Rachel Bennett Steury, AAM Field Coordinator

Increase The Minimum Wage

Senate Finally Fixes The Filibuster

The U.S. Senate finally voted to change the rules and end the practice of filibusters on presidential nominations to the executive branch and to the courts (except the Supreme Court).

The abuse of the filibuster to undermine policies that the minority could not defeat through the normal legislative process has harmed our democratic institutions and had to be addressed. With this change, the Senate has restored fairness and honor to the nomination and confirmation process for executive and judicial nominations.

Prior to this reform, the Senate was unable to act on issues important to all Americans. The President will be able to fill executive positions critical to creating middle-class jobs, fixing the housing crisis, cleaning our air and water, holding big corporations accountable, and so much more.

The Senate can now move forward and end the crisis in our judiciary system. Too many vacancies exist in our federal courts. They can now confirm judicial appointments ending the empty-bench crisis in our judiciary, filling critical judicial positions and ensuring that justice is no longer delayed and denied.

It is time to stop the partisan bickering in Washington. The Senate must perform in a constructive way that fulfills both their constitutional responsibilities and the needs of the American people. After all, that’s what they were elected to do!

Jim Centner, SOAR Director

Keeping Health Care Promises

Much has been written and televised lately about a commitment to allow people to keep their health care if they like it. Our politicians in Washington are crying out that a promise made should be kept and that other options are more expensive. I agree to a point.

What I do not understand is why all of a sudden it is a miscarriage of justice to change health care plans for people. This has been happening for years to our retirees and other workers around the country. Many tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of our retirees have received similar letters in the past notifying them of a change or cancellation of their health care by their former employers. The big difference, as I see it, is that we had a written agreement, not a campaign promise, which was broken. Why did they not speak up for us then?

The USW has been in court many times defending our position that we traded raises for benefits and have that understanding in writing. Too many times the courts have ruled we did not understand what we agreed to or that the company did not have to live up to the agreement and not once was there an outcry from Washington that legislation should be passed to allow us to keep what we have.

I agree promises should be kept, but not selective promises. Our representatives should make sure ALL promises are kept.

Bill Pienta, SOAR President

Beneficiaries Celebrate the New Year with a COLA

      Many people ring in the new year with champagne. People who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get to ring it in with a COLA. For 2014, more than 60 million Americans will get a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their monthly benefit payments. 

      The 1.5 percent increase begins with benefits for more than 57 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2014, and payments to more than eight million SSI recipients in late December 2013.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will increase to $117,000, up from $113,700. Of the estimated 165 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2014, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result.

Learn more by reading the press release at www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/2014cola-pr.html.

Source: Social SecurityOnline