Stimulus Package Must Include Older Americans
Source: AARP Press Center | February 5, 2008
February 5, 2008
Contact: Danielle Holland, AARP, 202-434-2560, dholland@aarp.org
Survey: Stimulus Package Must Include Older Americans
AARP poll finds overwhelming support for rebate checks for people dependent on Social Security
WASHINGTON – A new poll by AARP finds an overwhelming majority of Americans (90%) think the government must ensure that people dependent on Social Security are included in any stimulus rebate package, even if they are divided on whether a rebate plan would effectively stimulate the economy (52% agree it would - 42% do not agree).
“The recent economic slowdown has created uncertainty among the American people, but it hasn’t changed their fundamental value of fairness,” said AARP CEO Bill Novelli. “People may be divided by age, income, political parties – and even on solutions. However, the American people are unified in making sure that any solution is fair.”
AARP is urging members of the U.S. Senate to pass the bipartisan economic stimulus package introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA). The Baucus-Grassley plan would provide rebates to most Americans, including approximately 20 million Americans that depend primarily on Social Security for retirement income.
“For decades, America’s seniors have contributed to our social and economic well-being,” said Chairman Baucus. “Very frankly, I think they’ve earned the right to be part of this economic stimulus plan. What’s more, the new AARP poll shows that 90 percent of America agrees. This legislation is not only fair, but it’s smart. On average, seniors spend a higher percentage of their income. Providing stimulus checks to 20 million additional seniors is the kind of timely and targeted stimulus that will help our economy steer clear of recession.”
“It doesn’t surprise me that 90 percent of those surveyed thought it was a good idea to give rebates to older Americans,” said Ranking Member Grassley. “If you believe putting money in people’s hands is the way to go, there’s no reason to leave anyone empty-handed. That’s a no-brainer whether you’re an economist or not.”
AARP will be tracking the upcoming Senate vote on the Baucus-Grassley stimulus bill, and the Association will report the results back to its 39 million members.
“The Baucus-Grassley bill is a bipartisan, common sense solution to strengthen our nation’s economic security,” added Novelli. “It realizes that Americans from every walk of life are feeling the economic squeeze and should have a role in putting the economy back on track.”
AARP commissioned the national telephone survey of 1,027 likely voters ages 18 and older, which was conducted February 1 - 2, 2008 by Woelfel Research, Inc.
To read the AARP poll report, or for more information, please visit www.aarp.org/research/reference/publicopinions/econ_stimulus .
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
