AARP Online Community: AARPSD - AARP Supports $250 Emergency Relief in 2010

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Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Rapid City-Information Center

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AARP Supports $250 Emergency Relief in 2010

Urges Congress to Pass Legislation Immediately to Address Lack of Social Security COLA

With an expected announcement of no Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010, AARP is calling on House and Senate leaders to provide $250 in emergency relief to millions of older Americans who are struggling in this economic climate.

“More than half of South Dakota’s 145,000 Social Security recipients rely on those monthly checks to stay out of poverty,” said Sarah Jennings, state director for AARP South Dakota. “With so many South Dakota seniors depending on every penny of their Social Security to meet basic needs, an emergency relief payment would be critically important.”

Social Security plays a vital role for a financially secure retirement, and protecting Social Security income is a top priority for AARP. AARP will work with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to urge quick passage of legislation that will help combat rising health care and prescription drug costs that consume an increasing amount of seniors’ income each year.

“Seniors spend on average, 30 percent of their income on health care costs, which continue to increase well above the rate of inflation. Next year, Medicare Part D – prescription drug premiums are expected to increase,” said Jennings. “Additionally, a third of South Dakotans on Medicare, fall into the “doughnut hole” each year. This combination of higher health care costs and a stagnant Social Security benefit means more South Dakota seniors face the grim reality of lower Social Security payments in January 2010.”

Jennings continued, “On behalf of our 105,000 members in South Dakota, and 40 million members nationwide, AARP is expressing strong support for providing America's seniors with $250 in emergency relief as the appropriate legislative response to the projected lack of a Social Security COLA in 2010.”

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