Trumpcare Bad For All But The Rich

American Health Care Act

• This American Health Care Act (AHCA) decimates Medicaid, with more than $800 billion in cuts.
  
• Donald Trump’s 2018 fiscal year budget attempts to add another $600 billion in Medicaid cuts to that figure, for a total of $1.4 trillion.
  
• It is difficult to say what the cruelest aspect of this vote is, but raiding Medicare and cutting Medicaid surely are at the top of the list.
  
• Even President Trump acknowledges that the AHCA is “mean.”
  
• President Trump could fix this by going back to his campaign promises not to cut Medicare and Medicaid.
  
• The AHCA drops the coverage guarantee for people with pre-existing conditions, strips coverage from millions and drives up costs for millions more.
  
• The House bill takes away health insurance coverage away from 23 million Americans, and the Senate is using it as their starting point.
  
• The numbers are especially troubling for anyone with a pre-existing condition. Premium increases are going to be massive for this group, which includes millions of older Americans.
  
• Among people ages 55 to 64, 84 percent had at least one pre-existing condition in 2014.
  
• The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score confirms older Americans’ worst fears: the American Health Care Act is a disaster for older Americans who are not yet eligible for Medicare.
  
• The scenario isn’t much better for those who qualify for Medicare, since the AHCA robs the Medicare Trust Fund to pay for tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires.
  
• The transfer of wealth from the sick to the wealthy is unconscionable.
  
• We know why the House leadership was in such a hurry to pass this dreadful legislation without a single hearing, and why the Senate negotiations are being done in private: it is both dangerous and unfair.
  
• The CBO confirms some states will drop the coverage guarantee for people with pre-existing conditions. This will make health insurance a privilege for the wealthy, not a right.
  
• This legislation will destabilize the health care markets.
  
• Members of the Alliance for Retired Americans are mobilized and ready to fight tooth and nail against the AHCA in the Senate.

Source: Alliance for Retired Americans

June 14, 2017

Have a Great Retirement, Jim and Carol

Although not considered my “boss”, in the usual sense, I’ve never-the-less always tried to consider SOAR Director, Jim Centner, as my boss.

Since Jim became our SOAR Director and while I’ve been the Secretary Treasurer, I must say that he has been the best boss I’ve ever had.

Now, I’ve had a lot of asshole bosses during my working years in the U.S. Navy and then working for the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, so I think I’m qualified to know an asshole boss when I see one.

Jim has always shown himself to be fair, reliable, understanding, trustworthy, reasonable and generous. He has made my work with SOAR extremely satisfying and it’s been a real joy to work with and for him - and for this, I will be forever grateful. 

The friendship of Jim and his wife, Carol, has been a real plus for my wife, Elaine and I and I hope they’re able to enjoy his announced retirement as much as we have enjoyed ours.

Absent Congresswoman

Those of you who have Congressional Representatives who have town hall meetings to listen to their constituents, be thankful. My congresswoman chooses not to listen to hers.

Thanks from Bill Gibbons

Thank You

While there have been a lot of serious developments that can adversely affect retirees and the working class that I could write about, I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to two SOAR activists and leaders of SOAR that I have had the privilege and opportunity to work with in pursuing the mission and activities of SOAR.

Charlie Averill, who was the Secretary-Treasurer of SOAR, decided not to run for re-election during our recent SOAR conference. He has since been appointed an Emeritus member by International President Leo W. Gerard. Charlie has devoted many years to SOAR in the performance of his duties as Secretary-Treasurer. Those of us who have had the opportunity to work with him have firsthand knowledge of his dedication and leadership. His work on the “SOAR Chapter-Connection” is just one example. I am pleased that he is still working on it.

Jim Centner, SOAR Director, is retiring June 1. I have found Jim’s dedication, leadership and work for SOAR untiring, supportive and an inspiration in pursuing the mission and purpose of SOAR. Jim was always there when needed. Jim provided the information and resources needed to pursue the mission of SOAR. He coordinated and organized so many of our meetings in an informative and productive manner.

Jim and Charlie are examples and inspirations for all of us to pursue the purpose, mission and necessity of SOAR. I thank them both for all that they have done and wish them, Carol and Elaine the best.       

Bill Gibbons, PACE Representative

Trump's Cabinet: Bootlickers All

bootlicker |ˈbo͞otˌlikər| noun informal an obsequious or overly deferential person; a toady: bootlickers telling him what a big star he's going to be.

Take Action, Stand Up, Fight Back

Billy’s Banter

Stand Up fight Back

Returning from the SOAR Conference energized and ready to go to work, we are hit with a vote in the US Congress that will reduce health benefits to seniors and a budget that makes it very clear where their priorities are. For an Administration to put millions at risk of losing or having their health care benefits reduced; limiting funds to programs like Meals on Wheels; to reduce SSDI benefits; to reduce funding into Medicare (which will cause financial issues in the future and open the door to change or eliminate Medicare) and to reduce funding to Medicaid, should be enough to get every SOAR member energized. The fastest growing groups of Medicaid recipients are seniors who enter nursing homes and have no means to pay other than Medicaid. 

All of this is proposed to provide, in part, money for a tax break for the wealthy. This administration believes it is a fair trade off to reduce our benefits so taxes like the estate tax can be repealed.  Presently, if you die the first almost $11 million dollars are tax free to a married couple who would inherit the estate. Then you would start paying tax on the amount over $11 million. The present administration feels this is not fair and has proposed total repeal of the tax and we should have our benefits reduced so there is money to make up for the loss of revenue. 

If that isn’t enough to get you energized and willing to get active and do something, then I can’t think of anything that will. 

We must take action and get involved. Demonstrate, protest, attend town hall meetings, call or write your representative. All SOAR Chapters should promote some action to let our representatives know we will not sit back and allow our seniors be taken advantage of in order to provide more for the wealthy. Stand Up Fight Back is not only the cry of the active members of the USW, it is the call to action for all SOAR members.

Bill Pienta, SOAR President

From the Director (Retired)

Passing the Torch

By the time you receive this newsletter I will be officially retired and an active dues paying member of this wonderful organization. An organization that I have had the opportunity to help shepherd for over the last 16 years. I leave knowing the elected leadership is committed to growing a politically active retiree organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life of retirees and workers in both of our countries. 

I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Julie Stein, who USW International President Leo W. Gerard has appointed to assume my duties upon my retirement. Julie brings a wealth of experience into her new job. She has been an instrumental part of our union Political Department for the last five years. Prior to moving to Pittsburgh, Julie spent a great deal of her time in Wisconsin working election cycles, where she knocked on hundreds of doors and participated in phone banks to educate our members on the issues that affect working families and retirees as well as encouraging support of labor-friendly candidates. In addition, Julie has great communication skills and brings a disciplined approach to the administrative side of the job.

I’m not going to walk away from the work and activism that this organization does so well. I am going to take a little time off, recharge my batteries and then get reengaged in the fight as a SOAR volunteer and activist. But, I can walk away from the day-to-day administrative duties of this job knowing that the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees is in good hands and prepared to face the challenges the future brings head on!  Congratulations Julie, I wish you great success in your new job!

 Jim Centner, SOAR Director

Eternal Father......Navy Hymn

2017 SOAR Conference

Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR)

Eternal Father Strong To Save

The Cold Within

President Tweeter Causes High Anxiety

When household problems are cause for anxiety, such as an old kitchen faucet becoming disabled, a water softener plugging up and then a hole in my well pump screen is discovered, it is disheartening for sure. But high anxiety with the thought of President Tweeter having his fingers near the nuclear codes makes all these type problems seem like pretty small potatoes. I hope that congress will find a way to get this president some mental health care before it’s too late for us all.

donald trump again

What A Wonderful World

New Rule: The Magic (R)

Kellyanne Conway is NUTS

Trump, People's Court

Just the Facts, Ma'am

What is Fascism

Repealing Obamacare Will Hurt Seniors

Don't Eliminate Free Wellness Visits For Seniors

Chomsky On Trump

Will Jackie Walorski keep her promise?

"In congress, I'll oppose any cuts to Social Security or Medicare".

Saving Carrier Jobs Is Just The First Step

by Robert Roach, Jr.

On the campaign trail, President-elect Trump discussed workers’ understandable apprehension about losing jobs and what it means for the future of their families. He promised to stop Carrier Corp. from moving 2,100 jobs it had planned to shift from Indiana to Mexico.

The United Steelworkers had tried negotiating with Carrier in order to keep the jobs in the United States by pledging $23 million per year in savings it could offer to the company. But Carrier rejected the offer, citing its expected savings of $65 million each year by moving to Mexico. 

A spokesperson for the United Steelworkers 1999, the union representing Carrier’s production employees, told The Washington Post that the union was boxed out of the talks. It seemed Carrier was determined to choose additional profitability over its dedicated workers. 

Now, after a lobbying effort from the incoming Trump administration, Carrier has agreed to keep about half of those jobs in Indiana. In exchange, the company will receive new government incentives. 

The Alliance will continue to stand with our friends at USW and hope that Trump succeeds in keeping additional jobs in the United States. 

However, we still need to make sure Trump doesn't advance Republican plans to attack unions at every turn. Labor’s foes want to go after our pensions, keep the minimum wage low, and make health care less secure for workers and retirees. We must ensure that this one victory for Carrier’s workers is not used by the Trump Administration as a smokescreen to do more damage elsewhere.

Robert Roach, Jr. is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans.  He was previously General Secretary‐Treasurer of the IAMAW.  For more information, visit www.retiredamericans.org.

Report From The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM)

Report From The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM)

 President-elect Donald Trump focused on many hot-button issues during the Republican primaries and the general election in which he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump, ever the savvy salesman, began the dialogue about American manufacturing and trade right out of the gate, despite the traditional Republican mantra promoting “free trade agreements.”

Trump quickly promised crackdowns on unfair trade deals and called NAFTA the “worst trade agreement ever.” He was particularly focused on China and Mexico where many American manufacturers have moved their factories to increase profits. He promised 45 percent tariffs on China if it continued to “dump” its overcapacity of steel in the United States because it was costing America millions of dollars and middle-class jobs.

It was a “do as I say, not as I do” situation. Trump used steel manufactured in China to build the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas and purchased Chinese-made aluminum for the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago. It is likely he has built additional structures with Chinese steel. He has a penchant for having his products manufactured in other parts of the world. We know he is an eager consumer of low-cost products made in China, Mexico and many other offshore manufacturers around the globe. His suits and neckties are made in China, while his furniture and kitchen goods lines are also manufactured overseas.

Trump’s early statements about the steel industry and manufacturing in general are considered important reasons why he did so well winning most of the “Rust Belt” states on election night.On June 28, 2016 in Monessen, Pennsylvania, an area once the heartland of the American steel industry, Trump was in full-fear mongering in a speech before thousands of people affected by the crash of American steel. 

“A Trump Administration will also ensure that we start using American steel for American infrastructure. Just like the American steel from Pennsylvania that built the Empire State building. It will be American steel that will fortify America’s crumbling bridges. It will be American steel that sends our skyscrapers soaring into the sky. It will be American steel that rebuilds out inner cities. It will be American hands that remake this country and it will be American energy – mined from American resources – that powers this country. It will be American workers who are hired to do the job. We are going to put American-produced steel back into the backbone of our country. This alone will create massive numbers of jobs.”

Within the past year, more than 15,000 USW members have lost their jobs and the situation is getting worse. Maybe if President-elect Trump and his billionaire buddies can practice what Trump preaches, the American steel industry can stop the bleeding and re-open the many idled steel mills waiting to get back on line. That would definitely create thousands of jobs for skilled American steelworkers.

Jeff Bonior, AAM staff writer, Alliance for American Manufacturing

Elections Have Consequences

With the election of a Republican Congress and President, I have great concerns regarding the future of retirees and workers. It is no secret that the agenda of many of these Republicans is to do away with Medicare as we know it and attack Social Security, attack Unions by having a national “Right To Work” (for less law) and to attack many Executive Orders that President Obama enacted including; improved overtime pay, more transparency in Union organizing campaigns on the spending of company money to defeat employee organizing efforts, eliminate prevailing wages on government contracts, etc. This, all in the name of eliminating regulations.

We will also be confronted with the possible appointment of anti-Union and corporate interest individuals to the Supreme Court and regulatory agencies. For example, the Trump business is fighting the employees in Las Vegas who are trying to form a Union. He will now have the right to appoint members to the National Labor Relations Board that will tilt the scales not only in his business interest but throughout the Country.

This is my opinion and I hope we are not confronted with the possibilities, but we must pay attention, and be prepared to oppose such anti-worker, anti-union efforts and those that will attack the welfare of retirees including Social Security and Medicare and health care benefits of over 20 million people who could lose them if the ACA is eliminated. 

p.s. By the way shouldn’t we be concerned and demand an investigation over the involvement of Russia in our Presidential election? 

Bill Gibbons, PACE Representative

Solidarity Now More Than Ever

Billy’s Banter

Solidarity Now More Than Ever

I want to start by thanking all those who got involved in this year’s election. You have proven that we still can contribute and are willing to remain involved and be a valuable source of information and activism.

We must now unite and become even more vigilant in making sure that those in office not destroy the benefits we have worked so hard for over the years. I tend to believe what people say, until their actions cause me to believe otherwise and I fear some people will do just what they say.

Speaker Ryan’s plan to eliminate Medicare’s guaranteed health benefits in favor of a system of vouchers is outlined in his “A Better Way,” a document that promises cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Seniors would have to use government vouchers or coupons and buy insurance on the private market.” I do not believe this is in our best interest nor do I believe that the person chosen to lead the discussion on Social Security is going to support status quo or improvements, if I can believe what he has said in the past about this issue. 

The retired lobbyist President-elect Trump has named to lead his Social Security transition team is Michael Korbey, he has tried to eliminate or cut Social Security for decades. Back in 1996 he said of Social Security: “It's a failed system, broken and bankrupt” and that although cuts would hurt seniors, “the government needed to focus on other constituents.” 

During George W. Bush’s administration, Korbey was a senior advisor to the Social Security Administration and helped spearhead Bush’s effort to privatize Social Security. 

I hope I am losing sleep over nothing but I believe we will be better off if we get prepared for a fight and do not have it, than be un-prepared and play catch up on these very important issues. If we choose not to be involved, who will pick up the fight for us? We cannot stand divided we must unite on these important issues if we hope to retain our dignity in retirement. We need to maintain and improve existing benefits. Please let your Representatives know that you do not want vouchers or reduced SS for yourself or future retirees. Let us start now.

Bill Pienta, SOAR President

From the Director’s Desk -  Reflections

The election is now over and the people have spoken. For those of us who advocate on behalf of retirees and the working class, we know the weeks, months and years ahead will not be easy; but we will get through them together and we will come out stronger together, just as we have done in past.

Today, we rededicate ourselves to our role as activists and recommit ourselves to mobilizing our members and like-minded fellow Americans to protect and defend what was won in the halls of congress and in our collective bargaining agreements.   

We knew this was an election about change and a revolt against the political elite. It was a revolt against what those in power in both parties have done or accepted; global trade and tax deals for corporations; Wall Street bailouts; big-money politics and decades of promises not kept. After neglecting the working class for decades, that class, working folks, abandoned the Democratic Party that once represented them, said enough is enough and voted for what they thought was real change.

Time will tell if this election will truly make a difference. 

However, in the meantime, I am scared out of my wits of the agenda of the far right now in power in the House, Senate and the White House. What will happen to Social Security and Medicare? We all know these two critical programs that mean so much to retirees have been in their crosshairs for years. 

There is already talk of turning Medicare, one of our government’s most successful programs into a voucher program. There is talk once again about privatizing Social Security, which in its present form has kept so many retirees from living in poverty. Changes to these two very successful programs could very well destroy the quality of life of older Americans and place retirement for the next generation out of reach.  

We must be steadfast in our diligence and pay close attention to what is going on in Washington. We must be prepared to fight to protect what is ours! Social Security and Medicare are earned benefits not entitlements, as the Washington elite would like you to believe. 

The battle continues…..

Jim Centner, SOAR Director

The plain old fashioned lie

When you hear a congressperson say that he/she will never vote to cut Social Security benefits for our "seniors," what that really means is that this particular politician would indeed be willing to cut Social Security benefits for those who will some day be "seniors."

In other words, it's just a plain old fashioned lie. Don't be fooled.

What is an idealist?

That's a man who notices that a rose smells better than a cabbage, so he thinks the rose will make better soup.

-From Spencerville by Nelson DeMille

The Real War On Christmas

Holiday Flashback

51st Wedding Anniversary

 It was 51 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 60 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.

Why China and Taiwan Hate Each Other

Joe Donnelly On Medicare

iPhone tip

Bayh for Indiana

Nothing More Exciting

Go Navy!

Saturday Nite

Trump is a Blabber Mouth

Trump-Who's Fooling Who?

Trump 25 Stupidest Things.

Magnify your iPhone

Equal Pay Only Makes Good Sense.

Medicare Part D

Lynn Coleman is Exactly Who We Need In NIPSCO Land

We Need Lynn Coleman for Congress

Hillary Clinton on Expanding Social Security

Freedom From Greed

Their Son Murdered On The Job

USW - Women of Steel

No Good NABISCO

Boycott Nabisco Oreos made in Mexico

Boycott Nabisco Oreo Cookies

https://www.change.org/p/irene-rosenfeld-mdlz-com-by-cutting-600-jobs-at-your-100-year-old-chicago-factory-and-moving-to-mexico-you-re-absconding-with-the-assets-we-ve-created-so-we-re-giving-up-on-oreos-until-you-invest-in-the-people-who-created-the-wealth-that-you-are-now-

Helmets To Hardhats

Classical Cluck

In The Mood

The Platters - Harbor Lights

Earned Social Security Benefits

President Obama Proposes Expanding Earned Social Security Benefits 

Congress Should Act to Help Seniors 

Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, released the following statement regarding President Obama’s proposal today to expand Social Security:

“The Alliance for Retired Americans welcomes President Obama's statement in favor of expanding earned Social Security benefits.

“At a high school in Elkhart, Indiana today the President said ‘...it's time we finally made Social Security more generous and increased its benefits so today's retirees and future generations get the dignified retirement that they have earned.’

“The Alliance advocated the expansion of Social Security benefits for years and we are pleased that the President agrees with us. Forty percent of Americans over the age of 50 say that Social Security will be their primary source of retirement income, and the current level of benefits is not keeping pace. It’s time for Congress to pass one of the many bills that has already been introduced to make a more secure retirement for current and future retirees.”

Alliance for Retired Americans

Another woman of Steel

United State Of Women

Report From The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM)

Can you imagine the United States without a thriving steel industry? For decades, American steel has played a vital role in the health of our nation’s economy and national security.

But American steel companies have hit hard times in the past decade because of the unfair “dumping” of Chinese steel into the U.S. market. China has an enormous overcapacity of steel products that are now being used to infiltrate countries around the world. China’s domestic use of its steel has dropped precipitously but the government-funded steel companies continue to produce massive amounts of steel to - among many reasons - keep its workforce in place. Chinese steel is sold in America at below market price making it nearly impossible for U.S. steelmakers to compete.

And United Steelworkers are suffering from what is passed off as “free trade.” In 2015, approximately 13,500 American steelworkers were laid off and many major steel mills were idled or permanently ceased operations. American steel companies have been fighting back with a constant series of trade cases filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In today’s worsening situation, America’s steelmakers are attacking with gusto and decision makers in Washington, D.C. are taking notice. A large number of members of congress have joined the fight, drafting legislation to protect America’s steel industry, appealing to President Obama and raising awareness of the importance of American-made steel.

On May 17, 2016, the U.S. Department of Commerce recommended tariffs as high as 522 percent on Chinese cold-rolled steel that is used in automobiles and appliances. China had promised to reduce its steel production but you can add this to the list of broken Chinese promises. China exported a record 112 million tons of steel in 2015. U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal and many other domestic steelmakers who filed this trade case in 2015, have several other cases being investigated by the International Trade Commission, including complaints on hot rolled steel and corrosion-resistant steel.

In 2004, China controlled 28.3 percent of the global steel market. Today, China supplies at least 50 percent of the world with its cheap, subsidized products.

U.S. Steel. with support from USW International President Leo W. Gerard, has asked the federal government to ban all Chinese steel products from entering the U.S.

At this critical stage, America needs to take the most drastic measures it can to preserve the U.S. Steel industry and the well-paying jobs of its workers.

Go to www.americanmanufacturing.com and click on “An Unprecedented Threat” to take action and let your voice be heard. You can also contact your members of congress at their local offices or call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative by name and you will be connected to their office.

Jeff Bonior, AAM staff writer, Alliance for American Manufacturing

Dodgin’ Donald’s Hiding Something in Those Unreleased Tax Returns

Dodgin’ Donald’s Hiding Something in Those Unreleased Tax Returns: Donald Trump scorns traditional presidential candidate standards. The Donald doesn’t do what’s expected. And he certainly doesn’t do what he tells other candidates they must do. If Donald doesn’t feel like debating, he stiffs his...

The Lesser Of Two Evils

The election season is upon us. Therefore, a look at the two leading presidential candidates is in order. On one side, we have a candidate that refuses to release the transcripts of speeches given to bankers and has, in the past, supported bad trade agreements. The other leading candidate has said American worker’s wages are too high and condemns companies that move jobs out of the country; while choosing to have his company make suits and ties that could be made in America, made in China and third world countries.

I believe we, as a country, are getting what we asked for. With continued low voter turnout and allowing unlimited financial contributions, we have put ourselves in a spot where, after years of us saying by voter apathy, that we do not care who gets elected. We have left that decision up to a select group of wealthy individuals.

 
Do not believe the rhetoric about self-financed campaigns or millions of small contributions. In order to win the presidential election, both sides will spend a BILLION DOLLARS each! One candidate has so far LOANED his campaign most of its money. He will be expecting those loans paid back. The other has had a fundraiser that required a $350K contribution per couple.  Both will need money and those who make big contributions will be expecting a return on their investment.

 
Until term limits, public financed elections and increased voter participation become a reality, we need to look at the party platform of the two parties and determine which platform has our best interests at heart. Do we think the economy works best from top down or bottom up? Are we better off acting as individuals or as a group?  Should we help out each other when help is needed or let everyone fend for themselves?

Not real tough questions and pretty easy answers. So vote for the lesser of two evils on Election Day. 

Bill Pienta, SOAR President

Primary Season

The presidential primary season is winding down for both parties. Once the anointed candidates leave their perspective conventions, the battle for the White House begins.

With the advent of the 24-hour news cycle and social media, we will be barraged with so much information and misinformation, that it will make our heads spin. Somehow we will have to sift through all of this rhetoric and make the decision on who we believe is the best candidate to move our nation forward. Which candidate will look out for our best interests and enhance the quality of life for average Americans.

Every election we hear that “this election is the most important election of our lifetime.” Unfortunately, I believe this statement is true each and every time we vote for the President of the United States. We live in difficult times. Unrest in the Middle East, ISIS, along with an unstable economy in most of the world, makes for a very volatile situation. Stagnant wages and unfettered trade has decimated the manufacturing sector of our country and has created a downward spiral for the working class. 

The future of Social Security and Medicare, two successful programs that have kept millions of retirees from poverty, are in danger of being cut or privatized. All of these issues and more must be addressed by the next occupant of the Oval Office.

That is why who we elect this November is so critically important. Listen to the debates carefully and make an informed decision. We are faced with an awesome responsibility, one that many across the globe never experienced. Don’t take your role in this election lightly.

Every vote counts! The future of our children and grandchildren depends on us doing the right thing. Let’s not screw it up!

Jim Centner, SOAR Director

Hillary Clinton Supports Letting People Over 50 Buy into Medicare

At a recent campaign stop in Virginia, Hillary Clinton announced a proposal that would let people over the age of 50 buy into Medicare.

Secretary Clinton’s proposal would benefit older adults and employers, who pay the majority of health insurance costs for workers in the 50 age category. Given that many areas of the United States are severely limited in the number of health insurance plans available to them, this would provide another option. An added benefit: since Medicare is more efficient at keeping healthcare costs down, including adults under 65, would help slow the growth of overall healthcare expenditures.

The new proposal will build on what the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has achieved so far, making up for the lack of a public option from the ACA.

“While the Affordable Care Act has helped many Americans obtain health insurance coverage for the first time, rising costs are still a major concern,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We need a president with realistic and specific solutions.”

Source: Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert, May 20, 2016 

Medicare Should Include Dental Benefits

Oral Health America: Medicare Should Include Dental Benefits

On Thursday, Oral Health America (OHA) released a state-by-state report of the oral health of the country's 65 and older population and the success or failure of states to address those needs. The 2016 State of Decay is the 3rd in a series of reports from OHA surveying the state of oral health for older Americans. The report shows that 59 percent of lower income older adults have no dental insurance and that older adults with dental insurance are 2.5 times more likely to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Sadly, 58 percent of lower income older adults have no plan in place to pay for dental care once retired.

The Alliance and OHA both advocate for financially viable Medicare Dental Benefits.

“Fifty-two percent of all older adults are either unsure or don’t know Medicare does not include dental coverage,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “We need to increase awareness so that we can expand Medicare to address this.”

Source: Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alert, May 20 2016 issue

Workers Make, Executives Take

Workers Make, Executives Take: Chief executive officers at S&P 500 companies made on average a whopping 335 times more than ordinary rank-and-file workers in 2015, according to a new AFL-CIO report. The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, found that while working people continued to see stagnating wages...

1957 Oldy: I Only Have Eyes For You

In Memoriam USW Paper Sector