July 15, 2016
Congresspersons Are Available
The U.S. Congress has taken a break. Many of them will be available for visits in their home offices. That’s when seniors can easily form delegations and present our issues to them. Even if they don’t agree with us, just making sure they know we’re active makes a difference!
Brother Morris Fried sets a good example. He has the misfortune to live in Congressman Sam Johnson’s district, and this particular Johnson has not been good to retirees. Fried writes:
“I participated in an AARP tele-town hall with Congressman Sam Johnson. The one bit of good news is that he will push legislation to revise or eliminate the benefits offset for two-career teachers. The rest was all bogus. Following the session, I sent this e-mail to the convenor. I have not received a reply.
‘On Wednesday, July 13, 2016 10:25 AM, Morris Fried wrote:
I listened to the entire Sam Johnson tele-town hall this morning and I was thoroughly disappointed with both the tone and content. No mention was made of the fact that Mr. Johnson has previously supported both privatizing Social Security and dismantling Medicare. You let him get away with cavalierly dismissing the idea of raising or eliminating the Social Security tax earnings cap, which, by AARP’s own figures, would eliminate most of the shortfall, while putting forth the horrendous alternative of raising the retirement age. Sam Johnson has a cushy do-little, well-paid position that he may keep until he’s 105, but not everybody does. Congressman Sam Johnson is no friend of Social Security, seniors, or AARP.”
Let’s follow Fried’s example and go see them, whether they are happy to see us or not!
–Gene Lantz, President
Texas Alliance for Retired Americans
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