A Privatization By Any Other Name
The LA Times writes today about how John McCain plans to carry out the privatization policies that Bush attempted at the beginning of his second term -- and how Democrats and others plan to make sure voters know about it, despite his attempts to hide what he really thinks.
Seniors, Veterans Eligible for Stimulus Rebates
This week, President Bush signed the $152 billion economic stimulus package approved by Congress. Seniors and veterans are eligible for the rebates that could arrive as early as May.Alzheimer's as a Key Issue
A new poll shows that increased government funding for Alzheimer's research has emerged as a key issue for Americans, with about 5 million Americans with it. That number "is expected to grow as millions of boomers move into their 70s and 80s, when the risk for the disease increases."Another Week, Another Chance for the Republican Presidential Field to Duck Hard Questions
Tonight, the AARP will be hosting a forum for the Republican candidates in Iowa to address issues important to America's seniors but only one of the Republican frontrunners will attend as the others cited "scheduling conflicts."Fred Thompson Favors Slashing Social Security
According to The Corner, last night Chris Matthews -- who is moderating the Republican debate in a couple hours -- discussed Fred Thompson's Social Security scheme for massive benefit cuts for seniors down the line by radically changing the formula that calculates them.Medicare Part D: More Likely to Pay More
According to a new study of 16,000 Medicare beneficiaries, users of the Part D program are more likely to pay over $300 a month for medicines than those on other plans.Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
Chalk up one more victory for America, as the Senate voted 63-28 to allow lower-priced prescription drugs to be imported from Canada. While the president's advisors are recommending a veto, the bill still stands a shot at passage.AARP Running Medicare Negotiating Ads
AARP, the nonpartisan membership organization for people over fifty, will begin running radio advertisements in 10 states urging the Senate to pass legislation to allow the federal government to negotiate for lower drug prices.Disclosing 401(k) Fees
Workers deserve to retire with the dignity and comfort that they have earned, but as the Associated Press reports, incomplete information about hidden fees can drain thousands of dollars from 401(k) plans.Bush's Medicare and Medicaid Cuts
Rising health care costs are the root cause for the financial obstacles we need to address when taking a look at Medicare and Medicaid. Instead of addressing the issue, however, President Bush has simply proposed $101 billion in cuts to the popular programs over five years.First 100 Hours Over
The ability of the Democrats to win over significant numbers of Republicans on most votes signals the slim but enticing possibility of Democratic mastery over a demoralized Republican Party. If the new bipartisanship takes root, the prospects for health care legislation and immigration reform sharply improve.Delayed Retirement?
A business columnist for the Washington Post highlights an issue of growing concern--that workers are not acquiring enough in retirement savings accounts to retire at age 65.McConnell To Oppose Negotiating For Lower Prices
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the incoming Senate minority leader, recently vowed to oppose a common-sense Democratic proposal to allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices.Eliminating the Medicare [Part-D]onut Hole & Other Fixes
Soon-to-be Speaker Pelosi has outlined her vision for the first 100 hours of a Democratic Congress. Included is a fix to the disastrous Medicare bill passed by the Republicans which prevents the federal government from negotiating lower drug prices for seniors.GOP Continues Trickery at the Voting Booth
Last week's election provided many despicable efforts on the part of the GOP to intimidate and deceive American voters. Last Tuesday, despite the efforts of Republicans, the American people went to the polls and rejected the Karl Rove politics of hate and division, and overwhelmingly voted for fundamental change.Get Out The Vote
The Democratic Party's "Get Out the Vote" drive to push voters to the polls has begun. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Be a part of the new direction. Volunteer with your state Democratic Party and help get Democrats out to vote.Bush Republicans Deny Mobility and Independence for Seniors and People With Disabilities
America’s senior citizens and people with disabilities are once again paying the price for the failed leadership and misplaced priorities of the Bush Republicans in Washington.Medicare Cuts Power Wheelchair Payments
The federal agency in charge of the Medicare program will be cutting payments for power wheelchairs next month. This sudden change leaves Americans with disabilities who require new power wheelchairs in a bind.Ed Perlmutter of Colorado Delivers Democratic Radio Address
This week, Ed Perlmutter of Colorado delivered the Democratic Radio Address.Connecticut State Senator Chris Murphy Delivers Democratic Radio Address
This week, State Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut delivered the Democratic Radio Address.Federal Fumble: Seniors Must Return Money
The Federal Government recently dispersed $50 million in Medicare prescription plan premium refunds and would like seniors to return the money. About 230,000 seniors received an average refund of $215. Some seniors received the money directly deposited into their accounts...."Doughnut Hole" Solutions
The big gap in the Republican-created Medicare prescription drug plan coverage that many seniors are about to face won't be as bad as anticipated for some south Florida seniors. They have devised strategies, buying drugs from other countries, using discount...The Greatest Generation vs. Big Drug Companies
Who do you think deserves to benefit? This is what happens when you let Republicans pass a bill that caters to big drug companies instead of America's seniors. Columbia resident Mary Ann Anderson, 81, was caught by surprise even though...Donut Disaster
Our country’s senior citizen population is in dire need of true medical coverage and reform. But this is what happens when you let George Bush and the Republicans take care of our nation’s seniors: they’re fed doughnut holes. Pharmacists say...New Medicare Prescription Drug Scandal: The Republican Special Interest Agenda Strikes Again
Drug companies will reap "$2 billion or more this year" as "a result of the transfer of millions of low-income people into the new Medicare Part D drug program that went into effect in January."Bruce Braley Delivers Radio Address
This week, Bruce Braley, Democratic candidate for the United States House of Representatives in Iowa's 1st Congressional District, delivered the Democratic Radio Address.Florida State Sen. Ron Klein Delivers Democratic Radio Address
This week, Florida State Senator Ron Klein delivered the Democratic Radio Address.With Deadline Looming, Bush Touts Failed Prescription Drug Plan
With Monday's sign-up deadline looming, President Bush will attend several events designed to sell his failed Medicare prescription drug program. But, despite clear evidence that many seniors have yet to sign up for the prescription drug plan and that many are unaware of the penalties if they miss the May 15th deadline, President Bush and Republicans in Congress refuse to extend the enrollment deadline.Bush's Hapless Medicare Tour Stops In Missouri And Iowa
Today, while as many as 20 states still await reimbursement for the cost of covering prescription drugs, President Bush travels to Iowa and Missouri to pitch his failed Medicare Prescription Drug plan during two different stops at seniors centers and a “Conversation” on Medicare.Bush Offers Missourians More of the Same Failed Medicare Plan
President Bush visited Missouri today in attempt to quell concerns that his disastrous Medicare Prescription Drug Plan has failed seniors. The President's failed prescription drug plan has left many seniors across the country and in Missouri vulnerable and confused, because of numerous conflicting plans and a large gap in drug coverage.Bush Offers Iowans More of the Same Failed Medicare Plan
President Bush will be in Iowa today attempting to quell concerns that his disastrous Medicare Prescription Drug Plan has failed seniors. The President's failed prescription drug plan has left many seniors across the country and in Iowa vulnerable and confused, because of numerous conflicting plans and a large gap in drug coverage.Bolten: The Dishonest Broker
In an attempt to close the rift that has been growing between the Bush White House and the Republican-led Congress over a host of issues, President Bush has tapped former OMB head Josh Bolten as his new chief of staff. However, Bolton’s relations with the GOP-led Congress are not as warm as White House operatives would have many believe.Congressman Marion Berry Delivers Democratic Radio Address
This week, Congressman Marion Berry of Arkansas delivered the weekly Democratic Radio Address. To listen to the audio, click here. "Good morning. I'm Congressman Marion Berry of Arkansas, a senior citizen, a pharmacist, and someone who has spent the past...Dean on Bush's Broken Medicare Plan
President Bush touted his broken prescription drug plan today in New York, even while delays and problems continue to undermine the security of millions of America's seniors and their families who rely on Medicare.Business Trumps Americans' Security In Republican-Led Washington
The Bush Administration's bungling of a deal to allow a foreign government-owned firm to run some of our nation's largest seaports has put the spotlight on the White House's continuing efforts to put the priorities of corporate special interests above the concerns of the American people.Democrats Urge GOP Congress To Act On Pension Bill
With America's pensions under attack, Congress is considering bi-partisan pension reform. The legislation was bottled up last year when Washington Republicans tried to couple common-sense pension reform with President Bush's scheme to privatize Social Security.Do New Hampshire Republicans Support Bush Social Security Cuts?
As President Bush heads to New Hampshire today, the Associated Press is reporting that the President's proposed budget would eliminate the Social Security death benefit provided to widows and widowers who were living with the deceased at the time of his or her death.Gov. Sebelius Increases Access to Healthcare for Seniors
From the Kansas Democratic Party: "Kansas families deserve better access to health care, and we’re working hard to create a healthy state for all Kansans," said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. "Health care, and particularly long-term care is best when it happens in the community, near friends and family members. These new centers will help Kansans receive care in their communities..."Republicans Just Can't Play It Straight on Social Security
As the public continues to reject President Bush's reckless plan to privatize Social Security, the Republican leadership is instructing House Republicans heading home for the Fourth of July not to discuss with their constituents the trillions of dollars needed to...Is it Still Called a Benefit If You Don't Get Anything?
After unveiling a Social Security plan that slashes benefits, President Bush has now offered another raw deal for America's seniors -- a prescription drug plan that would reduce their food stamp benefits. More importantly, this is the second time the Bush White House has proposed to slash food stamps of seniors who enroll in Bush's so-called Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Happy Mother's Day: Time to Cut Your Benefits!
This Mother's Day the Bush administration has sent out gifts you won't find at your local Hallmark shop. The Bush White House continues to promote their scheme to privatize Social Security that will cut benefits for middle class mothers by up to 32 percent through price indexing.
Republicans Continue 70 Year Tradition of Attacking Social Security
a plan that will threaten the long term health of Social Security, add trillions of dollars to the debt and cut benefits that are essential for millions of American seniors.
While Bush Hides Plan, GOP Hides from Constituents
Even though President George W. Bush is refusing to detail his plan to privatize Social Security, Washington Republicans are already distancing themselves from the plan. Republican leaders in Congress this week directed Republican members to cancel any open town-hall meetings with constituents out of fear of the increasing public opposition against privatization.
DoSP: Bush Said It
s plan for not addressing solvency, this is the first time the President has conceded that fact.
DNC Launches Social Security Ads In African American Community
emphasize the importance of Social Security to African Americans as well as the risk, planned benefit cuts and trillions in new deficit spending the Bush plan would require.
NEW POLL: Bush Position on Social Security Hurting Congressional Republicans
Over a month after President George W. Bush first started pitching his unpopular plan to privatize Social Security to a skeptical American public, his Republican allies in Washington are starting to feel the repercussions.
Bush Wants to Shore Up His Base...of Republicans in Congress
Following his State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush traveled to states with Democratic members of Congress in an attempt to sell Democrats on his idea of privatizing Social Security. Unfortunately for Bush, his plan backfired as both Democrats and the American public have expressed overwhelming opposition to his plan.
Republican vs. Republican Part II
The once unified Republican Party continues to unravel as leading Republicans fight with leading Republicans over George W. Bush's plan to privatize Social Security. Leading Republicans are openly criticizing the Bush plan, pointing out that it cuts benefits for retirees while doing nothing to address Social Security's solvency.
Death of a Sales Pitch: Three Strikes and You're Out
The Democratic National Committee today released both a full transcript and the Cliff's Notes version of Republican Senator Mitch McConnell's interview with Tim Russert on Sunday's Meet The Press. Despite being pressed three times by Russert, McConnell refused to answer a straightforward question on how private accounts would extend Social Security's solvency.
: DNC Launches New Radio Ad to Air During Bush Social Security Tour
The ad will air on local radio stations in Westfield, NJ and South Bend, IN, the two media markets President George W. Bush will visit today to promote his Social Security privatization plan.
Death of a Sales Pitch: Week In Review
Again this week, the Republican Congress and the Bush White House have had a hard time with Bush's disastrous plan to privatize Social Security. DeLay and Frist both flip-flopped on the issue of getting Social Security legislation passed this year. GOP Senator Chuck Grassley also expressed doubts about the President's private accounts. During this time of chaos and confusion among Republicans, according to recent polls, the American people are rejecting privatization.
Bush Plans 60 Day Drive, Washington Republicans Slam on the Brakes
President George W. Bush wants to go full speed ahead with a sixty day tour to pitch his Social Security overhaul to the American public, but Washington Republicans are ready to put on the brakes. The latest disconnect between the President and his party comes amid ever-increasing opposition from the American people against Bush's plan to cut Social Security's guaranteed benefits and to borrow trillions of dollars from foreign governments.
They're Just Not That Into You: The No Excuses Truth
As part of our continuing 'Death of a Sales Pitch' coverage, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) today published a guide for Washington Republicans offering a 'no excuses truth' as to why the American public is increasingly 'not into' President George W. Bush's scheme to overhaul Social Security.
