Alliance for Retired Americans Endorses Arcuri: Commitment to Protecting Social Security Number One Issue

Press Release

The Alliance for Retired American, with more than 587,179 members in New York State, today endorsed U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) in his bid for re-election. The Alliance pointed to Arcuri's commitment to protecting Social Security and his work to expand local Social Security services for area seniors.

"Since taking office, I have stood strong by my commitment to protect Social Security and fight for services for our seniors and retired citizens," said Arcuri. "I am 100% opposed to privatization and worked in Congress to increase funding for the Social Security Administration, protect local offices and help seniors on fixed incomes struggling to pay for food and gas."

The Alliance for Retired Americans praised Arcuri for his work to help bring down energy costs and stabilize our economy, but especially focused on Arcuri's pledge never to privative social security and his work on behalf of Social Security recipients in Auburn, NY.

Immediately after hearing that that Auburn Social Security office was being considered for closure, Arcuri took the needs of local citizens straight to the Social Security Administration (SSA), speaking with high ranking officials, demanding more information and securing increased funding in Congress. After the Auburn office was closed, despite Arcuri's work in Congress, his office worked to ensure face to face service in Auburn for local Social Security beneficiaries.

Arcuri's track record in Congress of fighting to protect Social Security includes his work with David Obey, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to increase funding for the SSA. $9.781 billion was appropriated for Fiscal Year 2008 SSA operations, a $600 million increase from Fiscal Year 2006 levels. Arcuri also cosponsored critical legislation, the Social Security Customer Service Improvement Act (H.R.5110), which would provide Congressional oversight to make sure local offices and services do not face unnecessary cuts. Arcuri also cosponsored legislation to help seniors on fixed incomes faced with the increasing cost of food and medication. The Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers Act of 2007 (H.R. 2032) would establish a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) designed for senior citizens.

Source