AARP: Don't Make Harmful Cuts to Social Security and Medicare to Get a Deal on the Debt Ceiling

Organization launches campaign to preserve health and retirement security of older Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the national debate heating up on raising the debt ceiling, AARP announced a new campaign today to fight against proposals with arbitrary limits, caps or triggers that would result in harmful cuts to critical Social Security and Medicare benefits that millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of hard work.  

The campaign, which includes a multi-million dollar national advertising schedule, local grassroots and online activities, will engage AARP members and the public around the potential impact that such proposals could have on current and future generations, and encourage them to contact their members of Congress to oppose harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare. There are nearly 2 million Social Security beneficiaries and 1.8 million Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois.

"Older Illinoisans care deeply about the nation's fiscal health, but making political deals that cut their hard earned benefits is the wrong way to address these challenges," said Nancy Nelson, AARP Illinois Senior Manager for Advocacy and Community Outreach.  "Imposing arbitrary, across-the-board spending cuts will not only reduce benefits for today's seniors and tomorrow's retirees, but also add to the financial burden that Americans are already shouldering for their health and financial security."  

Beginning Wednesday, the campaign will air a national television spot.  The television ad script follows here:

"You've worked hard your entire life.  Paid your dues. Raised a family. You've earned a little peace of mind.  Now, some in Congress want to make harmful cuts to Medicare and Social Security. Cutting your benefits so Washington can pay its bills.

"AARP believes the country can do better.  We can cut wasteful spending without cutting the benefits you've earned. Join us.  Tell Congress to stop the harmful cuts to Medicare and Social Security."

"AARP knows that this discussion around the nation's finances cannot be simply reduced to a budget exercise—this is about real people. Congress must balance addressing the nation's long-term debt while preserving the health and economic security that Social Security and Medicare provide so that older Illinoisans can pay their bills, see their doctors and not worry about finding affordable health care," Nelson added.

To view the new television ad and learn about AARP's campaign, visit www.aarp.org/protectseniors.

SOURCE AARP Illinois