Issue Position: Seniors

Issue Position

I am working every day on behalf of America's seniors to rebuild our economy, strengthen Social Security and Medicare, and protect our seniors from predatory financial schemes. With a strong foundation, we can rebuild this economy to work for seniors and the middle class, instead of for CEOs and multinational corporations. Over the last few years, I have been actively working for the seniors in our community. I remain dedicated to our seniors, and look forward continuing the progress made in the 111th Congress. The following highlights the progress made last Congress, but if you are having a problem with Social Security, Medicare or any other federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Rebuilding with the Recovery Act

Creating Jobs for Seniors -- The Recovery Act invested $120 million in the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which provides part-time jobs in
community service for seniors struggling to find employment

Lowering Daily Expenses for Seniors -- The Recovery Act provided funds to lower the cost of food, energy and housing for America's seniors

- $100 million for critical senior nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels and meals served at senior centers

- $5 billion to help hundreds of thousands of seniors weatherize their homes and reduce their heating bills by an average of 32 percent

Ensuring Needed Funding for Long-Term Care --The Recovery Act increased the federal financial commitment for Medicaid, which is the key program helping pay for long-term care for low-income seniors and seniors who have exhausted their retirement savings

Boosting the Economy and Retirement Savings -- According to economists, the Recovery Act has helped deliver the biggest three-quarter swing in economic growth in 29 years. This turnaround is boosting and stabilizing retirement savings for millions of people who depend on this income to protect their quality of life as they age

Putting Cash in the Pockets of Social Security Recipients -- The Recovery Act provided an automatic $250 payment to every adult Social Security recipient

Strengthening Medicare

GOP 2012 Budget - Recently, I voted against the Republican plan to end Medicare and replace it with a voucher system. I will continue to oppose any and all efforts meant to weaken or destroy seniors' Medicare guarantee.

Health Insurance Reform -- The Affordable Care Act makes Medicare stronger by extending the program's solvency without cutting guaranteed benefits. It lowers the costs of prescription drugs for seniors by beginning to close the Medicare Part D donut hole (seniors have already started receiving $250 rebate checks to help with their drug costs), eliminates cost-sharing for preventive care, strengthens access to doctors, and improves care coordination

Medicare Premium Fairness -- The Medicare Part B Premium Fairness Act would ensure that all Medicare enrollees are protected from an increase in the Medicare Part B premium in 2010. This would ensure that 2010 premiums remain at $96.40, and would make it so that no seniors see a cut in their Social Security benefits during the coming year

Seniors' Bill of Rights

Moreover, House Democrats are listening to our nation's seniors and are committed to continuing to put forth the best public policy for America's aging generations -- including:

- Financial security
- Quality and affordable health and long-term care
- Protection from abuse, scams, and exploitation
- A strong economy now and for future generations
- Safe and livable communities

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