FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

RetireSafe Listens to Seniors "Virtual Testimony," Acts to Push Introduction of New "CPI for Seniors Act" in Congress

Washington, DC (June 1, 2010) - Today RetireSafe, representing 400,000 senior citizen supporters nationwide, announced the overwhelming online response to its call for "Virtual Testimony" from seniors on the zero Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment for 2010 and its impact on their lives. Citing hundreds of poignant personal responses, RetireSafe has joined with caring Members of Congress to push the introduction of new legislation to foster fair economic treatment of older Americans facing hard times with rising costs, limited options, and a zero COLA. That legislation, H.R. 5305 by U.S. Representatives Duncan (TN-2), Lipinski (IL-3), Fudge (OH-11), Arcuri (NY-24), and Harper (MS-3), is the CPI for Seniors Act of 2010 which calls for a new consumer price index (CPI) just for seniors.

RetireSafe President Thair Phillips called the "Virtual Testimony" from seniors an "important new tool to highlight the challenges they face, and to take their concerns to Congress to bring about the needed changes." "We decided to create a way for older Americans everywhere to participate in a virtual congressional hearing," he said. "Hundreds have already responded, and we are taking those responses to the Hill calling for action," he continued. "Thankfully, a number of Members of Congress are also listening, and joining us in calling for a CPI for seniors that actually reflects the rising costs every older American faces on a daily basis," Phillips added, in sharing some responses.

He noted the words of one older American, "My story is no different than the millions of other senior citizens in the U. S. ... I have reduced my driving (to save fuel) and limit my grocery shopping to bare essentials for daily survival. I no longer have the luxury of giving my grandchildren the little treats that create the memories that last a lifetime! What has President Obama or Members of Congress given up lately???? I doubt much!"

"American seniors deserve an accurate CPI based on their costs, not on young urban workers, the standard now," Phillips stressed. "Then we can get to a fair Social Security COLA for every older American," he said. "H.R. 5305, the CPI for Seniors Act, will finally make that happen," Phillips concluded.