Retiree Advocacy Group Announce Endorsements 

Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, a non-profit, non-partisan retiree advocacy group with over 42,000 Arizona members, proudly announces endorsements for candidates statewide.

“We feel these candidates will stand strong for senior issues,” said Doug Hart, President.  “Seniors and retirees in Arizona rely on senior services at both the local and state levels.  Seniors care about protecting and preserving Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Meals on Wheels, Senior Transportation, and policies affecting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.  They also care about living in a state with a solid education system for their kids and grandkids.” 

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The Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans is a non-profit, non-partisan retiree advocacy group.  For more information, visit www.retiredamericans.org

Seniors Group Endorses Vikki Marshall for Pima Community College Governing Board

Tucson, AZ - Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans members proudly endorsed Vikki Marshall for re-election to the Pima Community College Governing Board at a membership meeting in Tucson on Tuesday.

 “Vikki Marshall is really a champion for students and seniors. She can be trusted to lead with our interests. Her view on keeping health care affordable is one of the reasons that we stand behind Marshall and her candidacy for Pima Community College Governing Board,” said Doug Hart, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans President.

Vikki Marshall opposes plans to privatize Medicare and Social Security. She opposing repealing health care reform, which, if repealed would adversely affect the ability of Pima Students access to affordable care.   

The Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans represents over 42,800 retirees in Arizona.

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For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

October 11, 2012                                                                                              AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

Biden Stands Up for Seniors;

Ryan for Insurance Companies

The following statement was issued by Doug Hart, President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, in reaction to the vice-presidential debate.

“The vice presidential debate showed a crystal clear difference between the candidates on key issues of Medicare and Social Security.

“On Medicare, Vice President Biden outlined the historic progress the Administration has made in

lowering the price of prescription drugs, giving seniors free access to life-saving tests and screenings, and strengthening Medicare’s finances by cracking down on wasteful spending of tax dollars by private businesses. 

“But instead of standing up for seniors, Rep. Paul Ryan did the bidding of the big insurance companies, advancing his plan to steer retirees toward buying health insurance in the costly, unfair private market. The Romney-Ryan plan would undo nearly 50 years of Medicare progress, fundamentally changing the program to take better care of CEOs’ wealth than seniors’ health.

“Biden reminded the nation why Social Security is one of America’s greatest success stories, one that must remain strong for our children and grandchildren.  On the other hand, Ryan and Romney would have workers and retirees unfairly pay the price for a budget deficit they did not cause.  Their plan to cut benefits, raise the retirement age, and let Wall Street profit from a privatized system ignores the root cause of deficit – unneeded tax breaks for big corporations and millionaires.

“Social Security and Medicare are how we honor a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice. This debate showed a clear choice – move forward by strengthening the middle class, or turn a cold shoulder toward those who built our nation.”

For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

September 18, 2012                                                                        623-570-6396/AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

 Romney Comments Offensive,

Reflect Anti-Medicare, Social Security Stances

Retiree Leader Blasts “Callous Indifference”

The following statement was issued today by Doug Hart, President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, in response recently-aired comments by presidential candidate Mitt Romney:

“Mitt Romney’s offensive comments show his true colors, a callous indifference to millions of hard-working Americans.

“No, Mitt Romney, retirees who receive Social Security and Medicare are not ‘dependent’ – rather they are proud men and women who paid Medicare and Social Security taxes in every paycheck they ever earned.  They are part of a generations-old national commitment to workers, honoring a lifetime of hard work with help toward retiring with dignity and security.

“While shocking, Romney's private comments mirror his public stances.   Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are the most anti-senior ticket ever, running on a platform that would enrich big insurance companies by creating a voucher-based Medicare program and let Wall Street profit off a risky, privatized Social Security system that would provide lower benefits to workers forced to stay longer on the job.

“Before Social Security and Medicare, too many people worked until the day they died or lived out their final years in terrible health and poverty.  These offensive comments by Mitt Romney are a stark reminder that he wants to turn back the clock on the great progress our nation has made.”

The Alliance for Retired Americans is a national organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of over 4 million retirees and their families.

For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

July 30, 2012                                                                       623-570-6396/AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

Retirees at the Pioneers Home to Celebrate Medicare

Prescott, AZ --- To mark the 47th anniversary of Medicare, area retirees with the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans will celebrate this important birthday in Prescott by celebrating Medicare’s birthday with the retirees of the Arizona Pioneers Home.  The celebration will take place on July 31, 2012 at 1:30pm at the Arizona Pioneers Home.  Leaders from the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans will share a new report focused on Arizona that will reveal the economic crisis for Arizona residents should Congress vote to cut benefits for Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. 

The new report, jointly prepared with the Strengthen Social Security Campaign, provides the latest data on the number of Arizona seniors helped by these programs, their economic impact on state and local economies, and the number of jobs in Arizona they help support.

Doug Hart, President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans said: “Retirees in our area are struggling to get by, but they know how much worse things would be without Medicare.  Because of Medicare, seniors are able to pay bills, see a doctor, fill a prescription, and afford a nursing home.  We will celebrate the anniversary of our Medicare system with local seniors and local leadership.”

Who:  60-70 Pioneers Home residents and retiree leaders with the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans

What:                         Special report release and Medicare Birthday party with 60-70 seniors, including an oversized birthday card, balloons, and large birthday cakes

When/Where:                    

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

1:30pm-2:00pm

Arizona Pioneers’ Home

300 S. McCormick St., Prescott

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For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

July 30, 2012                                                                       623-570-6396/AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

 Tucson Residents: “Our Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security Systems Work for Arizona”

Tucson, AZ - Marking the 47^th birthday of Medicare and Medicaid, the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans members, leaders and community activists celebrated on Friday and Monday the programs’ successes and released a new report detailing the impact of these programs on state residents.

The new report can be accessed here http://strengthensocialsecurity.org/sites/default/files/Arizona2012final.pdf

The report details the success of these programs for Arizona and the nation. In addition to documenting Arizona residents impacted in various congressional districts and its counties; how many dollars flow into these economies in a year, the report also presents the stories of hard-working Arizonans.

These programs, like our highway system, are a solid foundation that keeps working in good times and bad. Attendees expressed concern for the wellbeing of future generations and a dedication to keeping the programs strong.

Congressman Raul Grijalva said: “Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are cornerstones of the American success story, and we should do everything we can to make sure we continue enjoying that success. The tens of millions of Americans helped by these programs aren’t just benefits recipients – they’re our friends, neighbors and family members whose lives are made easier and more manageable. When we reflect on what this country would look like if Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security never existed, we realize how important they truly are and why we need to maintain them for the future. As we celebrate Medicare’s forty-seventh birthday, I encourage everyone to give a moment’s thought to the people it has helped and will continue to help. It is not an abstraction or an occasion for a political debate. It’s a real program that has helped Americans lead longer, healthier, less painful and difficult lives since it was enacted. It will continue to do so for as long as we remain its proud supporters.”

Doug Hart, President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans said: “Retirees in our area are struggling to get by, but they know how much worse things would be without Medicare.  Because of Medicare, seniors are able to pay bills, see a doctor, fill a prescription, and afford a nursing home.  We will celebrate the anniversary of our Medicare system with local seniors and local leadership.”

Steve Farley, State Representative from District 28, attended the event and said: “"We've always known that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are good for Arizona's citizens. This report shows us that these programs are also good for Arizona's economy. We need to continue to fight to preserve these investments for ourselves, our kids, and our grandkids."

The events were attended by about 100 seniors, along with local leaders including State Representative Steve Farley, Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez, Pima County Supervisor Elias, Tucson City Councilman Fimbres,  Pima Community College Governing Board Member Vikki Marshall, local attorneys Vince Rabago and Jeffrey Rogers, staff representatives from Congressmen Barber and Grijalva’s offices, and retiree leaders from the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans.

Seniors sang happy birthday to Medicare, and then enjoyed cake while discussing the merits of the program. 

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For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

June 28, 2012                                                                                                     AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

Arizona Retiree Leader: Supreme Court Ruling

Victory for Current, Future Retirees

Law Helps Arizona Seniors Afford Doctors, Prescription Drugs

The following statement was issued today by Doug Hart, President of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, in response to the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act.

 “Today is an historic day for Americans of all ages, an affirmation of a law that helps children, workers, and retirees obtain affordable health care.  Americans can now live more secure, knowing that their health and well-being are no longer tied to the whims and greed of the big insurance companies.

In our state, over 65,700 Medicare beneficiaries have already saved a total of $37M on their prescriptions.   In addition to this, 637,000 Arizona seniors have received free, life-saving tests for chronic diseases. 

“But today will be a short-lived victory if this November we fail to elect a President and Congress with the courage to stand up for the middle class.  A repeal vote in the U.S. House, scheduled for the week of July 9, will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to show their constituents where they stand.

“Today is a tremendous victory for Arizona seniors, their children, and their grandchildren.  But we cannot rest on our laurels.  In the 2012 elections we cannot let politicians roll back the progress we have made.”

Doug Hart is available for media interviews by calling 480-236-1582.

For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

May 22, 2012                                                                      623-570-6396/AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

Arizona Retirees Laud Pastor

for Support on Key Issues

Group Honors Champions During Older Americans Month

Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, a grassroots advocacy organization, today praised Congressman Ed Pastor for supporting retirees in Arizona and across the country.

The organization specifically cited Pastor’s vote against a proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, chair of the House Budget Committee, which would give seniors grossly inadequate vouchers to either buy health coverage in the costly, unfair private insurance market, or purchase coverage from a Medicare program that would be badly weakened by the exodus of younger, healthier retirees.  The budget plan would turn Medicaid over to cash-strapped states, jeopardizing a program that is the only way over 70 percent of seniors can afford long-term or nursing home care.  Moreover, the budget proposal would open the door to future cuts in Social Security.  

“During Older Americans Month, we need to remember that many seniors are struggling to get by. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are now more important than ever.  Today’s workers need to have hope that someday they will be able to enjoy a healthy and secure retirement,” said Doug Hart, President, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans

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For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

May 22, 2012                                                                     623-570-6396/AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

Arizona Retirees Laud Grijalva

for Support on Key Issues

Group Honors Champions During Older Americans Month

Tucson, AZ – The Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, a grassroots advocacy organization, today praised Congressman Raul Grijalva for supporting retirees in Arizona and across the country.

The organization specifically cited Grijalva’s vote against a proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, chair of the House Budget Committee, which would give seniors grossly inadequate vouchers to either buy health coverage in the costly, unfair private insurance market, or purchase coverage from a Medicare program that would be badly weakened by the exodus of younger, healthier retirees.  The budget plan would turn Medicaid over to cash-strapped states, jeopardizing a program that is the only way over 70 percent of seniors can afford long-term or nursing home care.  Moreover, the budget proposal would open the door to future cuts in Social Security.  

“During Older Americans Month, we need to remember that many seniors are struggling to get by. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are now more important than ever.  Today’s workers need to have hope that someday they will be able to enjoy a healthy and secure retirement,” said Doug Hart, President, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans

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For Immediate Release                                                                                                Contact: Tory Anderson

May 22, 2012                                                                      623-570-6396/AZRetiredAmericans@gmail.com

Arizona Retirees Protest Flake, Franks, Schweikert, Quayle, and Gosar

for Stances on Key Seniors Issues

Group Makes Comments During Older Americans Month

Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, a grassroots advocacy organization, today criticized Congressmen Flake, Franks, Schweikert, Quayle, and Gosar for not supporting retirees in Arizona and across the country.

The organization specifically cited the Congressmen’s vote for a proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, chair of the House Budget Committee, which would give seniors grossly inadequate vouchers to either buy health coverage in the costly, unfair private insurance market, or purchase coverage from a Medicare program that would be badly weakened by the exodus of younger, healthier retirees.  The budget plan would turn Medicaid over to cash-strapped states, jeopardizing a program that is the only way over 70 percent of seniors can afford long-term or nursing home care.  Moreover, the budget proposal would open the door to future cuts in Social Security.  

“During Older Americans Month, we need to remember that many seniors are struggling to get by. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are now more important than ever.  Today’s workers need to have hope that someday they will be able to enjoy a healthy and secure retirement,” said Doug Hart, President, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans

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