July 29, 2013
MD/DC Alliance for Retired Americans Forms Human Chain at Social Security Headquarters to Protest the Chained CPI Social Security Cut
For Immediate Release, July 2, 2013
Contact: Frank Stella, 240/893-7120; mddcara@nlc.edu
Baltimore, MD–On Tuesday July 2nd, the Alliance for Retired Americans sponsored a National Day of Action which focused specifically on opposing the Chained CPI, which would cut Social Security benefits by changing the cost of living adjustment formula. The Alliance for Retired Americans is a nationwide grassroots advocacy organization representing more than 4 million nationally and 80,000 in Maryland.
Some 100 members of the MD/DC Alliance and AFGE Local 1923 and their allies created a human chain in front of the Security Social Security Administration here to protest the chained CPI. Alliance activists were also visiting the offices of Sen. Ben Cardin in Cumberland and U.S. Rep. Andy Harris in Salisbury to strengthen the current Social Security system. (Activists urged Sen. Cardin to co-sponsor Senate Resolution 15 opposing the Chained CPI and Rep. Harris to reconsider his support for both the Chained CPI and raising the Social Security retirement age.) Dozens more human chains were formed in front of key Congressional offices and Federal buildings, as well as other strategic locations, in states around the country.
The Chained CPI is an immediate Social Security benefit cut, which would result in an annual benefit that is roughly $1,000 (2012 dollars) lower by the time a recipient reaches age 85.
“Politicians continue to call for the Chained CPI benefit cut as a way to reduce the deficit. But the truth is Social Security has not contributed one dime to the deficit,” said Frank Stella, president of the MD/DC Alliance for Retired Americans. “The Chained CPI is not just some small technical change. It cuts benefits for everyone pure and simple. It hurts every retiree, especially the 13 million men and women who depend on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income.”
“Today, retirees and their supporters came together and joined hands to send a message to Washington,” added Mr. Stella. “We refuse to be chained by the Chained CPI, and we will not stand for any cuts to our modest Social Security benefits.”
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The MD/DC Alliance for Retired Americans is a grassroots advocacy organization representing some 80,000 labor and community retirees in Maryland.