Nevada seniors present more than 50,000“thank you” notes to Reid for sticking up for them

January 27, 2011

Sen. Reid receives 50,000 “thank you” letters from seniors for protecting Social Security.

Washington, DC — Today, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) presented Nevada Senator Harry Reid with more than 50,000 “Thank You” notes from seniors across Nevada and the country for his promise to protect Social Security in the face of Republican attempts to privatize and eliminate the most successful social safety in American history. Nevadans Larry Fleisher and David Klutts presented Reid with the “thank you” notes for standing up for the program.

“Unfortunately, it’s become the official position of the Republican Party to privatize and dismantle Social Security and Medicare as we know it,” said Reid. “As long as I am Majority Leader of the United States Senate, we will not balance the budget on the backs of America’s seniors. Nevada seniors have earned their benefits, and rely on them to put food on the table, make the rent and pay the bills, especially during these tough economic times.”

“In recent weeks, as Republicans have actively proposed cuts to Social Security, including raising the retirement age, no Democratic leader has stood stronger and vowed to protect Social Security from cuts more than Senator Harry Reid," said Adam Green, PCCC co-founder. "Today, we’re here to thank him. And to let him know that we will be in trenches fighting with him to protect the most popular and successful government program in America.”

“My family would not be able to survive if Social Security were cut -- or if the retirement age was raised," said Fleisher, a 69-year-old veteran from Henderson who sells goods on behalf of manufacturers to Nevada hotels and companies. "We paid into Social Security, we earned it, and at this point in our lives we need it. For Republicans to propose cutting benefits for the seniors of tomorrow is just cruel. So I’m proud to be one of over 50,000 Americans to thank Harry Reid for standing strong against Social Security cuts.”

FACTS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY

FACT 1: If we honor our obligations to seniors, Social Security can pay every penny of promised benefits for several decades.

FACT 2: Social Security benefits average $14,000 per year. Some Republicans may believe that’s too much, but Senator Reid disagrees.

FACT 3: The entire Social Security shortfall over 75 years is less than the cost of extending the Bush tax cuts just for those with incomes over $200,000.

FACT 4: Cracking down on cheaters could help extend solvency: about $50 billion in Social Security taxes are not collected annually.

BACKGROUND ON PCCC

The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (BoldProgressives.org) formed two years ago to advance progressive policy issues. It has 700,000 members nationwide, including over 5,600 in Nevada.

Some of the “Thank You” notes from seniors across Nevada:

Dina Porter of Fernley, NV writes:

“I watched you on Meet the Press, and as a senior I am most relieved and happy that I voted for you. Thanks so much for standing up for Social Security!”

Charles Loomis of Mesquite, NV writes:

“Way to go, Senator. I saw the show and my wife and I almost jumped up and cheered.”
 
Sunny Miller-O'Connor of Reno, NV writes:  

“It breaks my heart how my government treats my Social Security, which I have paid into for many years, as if it is their own personal bank account. Your comments restore my faith that not all politicians are attempting to bleed our retirement accounts dry! I am very proud to have voted for you!”
 
Bruce Talbert of Henderson, NV writes:

“Social Security is a program supported by those who pay into it. If anyone in Congress thinks that Social Security funds are a great way to pay for disasters caused by the millionaires and billionaires of this country, let them think again.”
 
Sherry Noland of Henderson, NV writes:

“Give 'em hell, Harry! Don't let them mess with Social Security.”
 
Susan Nelson of Las Vegas, NV writes: 
 
“As a constituent of yours, and as a volunteer for your recent reelection campaign, I find that when you speak out like this, I am filled with pride that you are my Senator! Thank you.”

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