Help Save Our Benefits!

(This appeared in the September/October 2010 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Judy Beard, Director

This summer, three federal programs reached important milestones: The 45th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid was on July 30, and the 75th anniversary of Social Security was on August 15. These programs are crucial to the well-being of America’s senior citizens.

However, as we reflect on the positive impact these programs have had on seniors, dependent children, and people with disabilities, the APWU and retiree members cannot help but be concerned about the future: Will there be more anniversary celebrations to come?

The APWU has joined forces with unions, seniors’ organizations, and others to express our anxiety about the precarious state in which we find these federal programs. We celebrate what these programs have accomplished and take a public stand against those whose political actions would jeopardize our benefits.

Regarding Medicare and Medicaid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made the following statement: “Forty-five years ago today, Democrats and Republicans came together to create Medicare and Medicaid. Unfortunately, that bipartisan tradition has now been lost, as congressional Republicans not only oppose improvements to our seniors’ health care system, but pledge to repeal them and end Medicare as we know it — leaving seniors on their own to negotiate with insurance companies for coverage. Democrats will not let this happen. We will stand with America’s seniors to protect and strengthen Medicare now and in the future.”

With 2010 congressional elections quickly approaching, it is imperative that APWU members help elect U.S. senators and representatives who will protect our benefits. In the coming weeks we encourage APWU retirees to help educate candidates about the detrimental effect the elimination of these programs would have on our families.

Prior to the Nov. 2, 2010 elections, we also must secure from each of them a commitment to keep these programs viable. We know that Social Security may be targeted by the Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform as a scapegoat for the national debt. Some members of this bi-partisan commission are attempting to persuade the public that Social Security undermines the solvency of the federal budget. This suggestion jeopardizes the future of Social Security benefits.

Please contact the fiscal commission directly at www.fiscalcommission.gov to let its members know how important Social Security is to you, your family, and other APWU retirees. You can also watch the hearings and view the testimony presented thus far to the commission on the Web site.

The APWU is part of the Coalition to Strengthen Social Security, which represents 30 million Americans. I urge you to take part in our campaign to preserve Social Security by signing an urgent petition to the commission. The petition can be found atwww.strengthensocialsecurity.org/action. You can also contact your U.S. senators and representatives directly and tell them: “Don’t allow the Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to cut or privatize Social Security!”

Be sure to give your name, city, and state, so that your members of Congress know you live in their state/district. And don’t stop there: Ask your family and friends to join the campaign, too. You can reach your senators and representatives through the Capitol switchboard by calling 866-338-5720.