Friday Alert   October 27, 2006
Alliance for Retired Americans
888 16th Street, N.W. -  Washington DC, 20006 - (202) 974-8222 - www.retiredamericans.or

Bush's Social Security Privatization Remarks Dismay Some in Own Party
More than a year after Social Security reform faded from the political radar screen, the debate erupted again on Tuesday, as Democrats seized on news that President Bush hopes to revive an unpopular proposal to privatize Social Security.  According to The Washington Post, Bush in recent days has said Social Security remains one of the "big items" he wants to tackle next year.  Alliance Executive Director Edward Coyle said, "Change is long overdue in Washington, as shown by how this Social Security debate can still linger even in the face of such widespread opposition by the American people."  Given the disapproval of private accounts during this campaign season, many Republicans were perplexed by Bush's timing.  Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) was among those trying to explain the strategy behind the president's remarks.

Part D Auto-Enrollment for 632,000 Medicare Beneficiaries Ends
The Associated Press reported recently that the federal government has told about 632,000 elderly and disabled people they won't be automatically enrolled in a Medicare drug plan next year.  These beneficiaries are still eligible to participate in the drug benefit, but they will have to shop for a plan and then enroll on their own rather than the government doing it for them.  To afford the benefit, many will also need to apply for a low-income subsidy.  Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance, said, "I am concerned that many could fall through the cracks by missing the letter informing them of the change, and then not know they don't have coverage until they show up at their local pharmacy in January."  During the first year of the drug benefit, the so-called "dual eligibles" were automatically enrolled because they participated in both Medicaid and Medicare and represented the sickest and most vulnerable among the elderly and disabled.  The federal government wanted to ensure that they did not lose access to prescription drugs.  But states have informed the federal government that some of those beneficiaries no longer are enrolled in their Medicaid programs, thus they will no longer be automatically enrolled in a drug plan.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recognizes that some in the group may miss signing up for a drug plan during the next open enrollment period, November 15 though December 31.  It has granted the group an extra three months to enroll in a plan without the prospect of a penalty for late enrollment. 

Specific Voting Rights Questions Answered
Election Protection, the nation's largest non-partisan voter protection coalition, provides voter assistance and voter problem reporting through a toll-free hotline, 866-OUR-VOTE, and through legal field programs in targeted states.  Please call that number for information on early voting, absentee ballots, where to vote, or to confirm whether you are registered.  On Election Day, if you encounter problems voting at the polls, call Election Protection for help and to report trouble.  In addition, on Tuesday, November 7, legal teams will be in states to address problems as they arise at the polls.  Please pass the number on to others.  The Alliance website Voter Rights section includes rules for voting, as well as listings of AFL-CIO Voter Protection Program contacts in key states for any problems at the polls.  Please consider volunteering to be a poll monitor on Election Day - guidelines are posted on the same Voter Rights section of the Alliance website.  

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Steps up Contributions
According to the Wall Street Journal, drug companies are pouring millions of dollars into close races, giving some Republicans a financial edge.  "The pharmaceutical companies know that Congressional Democrats, if they win control, will mandate that Medicare negotiate for lower Part D prices, allow the re-importation of drugs from Canada, and could hold hearings into conflicts of interest among Republicans now working for the industry," said George J. Kourpias, President of the Alliance.  Through early September, drug-company political action committees had given about $8.7 million to campaigns, compared with $7 million for all of 2002, the last midterm election, according to the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP).  About 69% of the industry's campaign contributions are going to the Republican Party.  Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) has been the biggest recipient of pharmaceutical money for the 2006 elections, according to CRP; he was 15th when he ran in 2000.  He has collected $454,500 from the pharmaceutical industry for 2006.

Alliance Activities and Leadership Travel
Alliance members in states including Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington worked on Election Day turnout this week, and many showed dissatisfaction with current elected officials.  In Allison Park, Pennsylvania, the staff of Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA) called the police on 40 Alliance members protesting the congresswoman's vote for the Medicare prescription drug plan that includes the doughnut hole gap in coverage.  Three armed officers of the Hampton Township police department quickly arrived on the scene, helping carry out the Hart staff's request that the senior citizens leave the office.  A camera crew with KDKA-TV in nearby Pittsburgh caught the incident on film.  "Melissa Hart would rather listen to the big drug companies than to seniors in her district who are struggling to afford the prescription drugs they need," said Jean Friday, president of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans. 

George Kourpias attended an event in Seattle on Tuesday with Sen. Maria Cantwell and congressional candidate Darcy Burner.  Ruben Burks attended an event on Wednesday in South Bend, Indiana with congressional candidate Joe Donnelly.  Alliance Executive Board member Charlie Averill is appearing with Rep. Julia Carson in Indianapolis on Friday.  Richard Fiesta, Director of Government and Political Affairs at the Alliance, was in Florida on Tuesday for an event with House candidate Christine Jennings; on Thursday, Mr. Fiesta was in Connecticut for an event with House candidate Chris Murphy.  Edward Coyle attended the California Alliance convention, which began on Thursday and goes through Saturday, in San Jose.  Mr. Coyle will be in Asheville, North Carolina for an event with congressional candidate/former National Football League quarterback Heath Shuler this Monday, and will be in Concord, North Carolina for an event with House candidate Larry Kissell this Tuesday.  Many other events are planned all across the country as Alliance members gear up for the elections.

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