BCTGM-Alliance for Retired Americans

[Omaha Steve]

Friday, December 19

Auto Industry to Receive $17.4 Billion in Government Loans

On Friday, the White House announced a $17.4 billion loan package for the Detroit automakers that allows them to avoid bankruptcy and leaves many of the big decisions for the Obama administration. President Bush said his administration decided against forcing a bankruptcy to compel cost-cutting. The deal would extend $13.4 billion in loans to General Motors and Chrysler in December and January, with another $4 billion likely available in February. According to The Wall Street Journal, the deal is contingent on the companies' showing that they are "financially viable" by March 31, 2009. If they cannot, the loans will be called and all funds must be returned.

LCAO Makes Recommendations on Obama Executive Order for Seniors

The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) recently sent its recommendations to the Obama Administration regarding legislative policies that will improve the lives of America’s seniors. The LCAO is a consortium of prominent national aging advocacy organizations that represents millions of older Americans, and the Alliance has been and will be the chair of the organization for the twelve-month period that began on July 1, 2008. In documents available at http://www.lcao.org/docs/121008letter.pdf and http://www.lcao.org/docs/121508letter.pdf , LCAO lays out the top issues facing America’s seniors and provides specific recommendations on how to best tackle these tough challenges through a proposed Executive Order. "As the first wave of 79 million baby boomers heads to retirement with less economic security than previous generations, we face the alarming prospect that many of our seniors will not have enough income to retire securely--if they can even retire at all," said Edward F. Coyle, Chair of LCAO and Executive Director of the Alliance.

Among LCAO's recommendations is that the Obama Administration create a White House Office on Older Adults (or the position of Domestic Policy Council Advisor on Older Adults) to develop, lead and coordinate the Administration's policy agenda on crosscutting issues that assist and empower older Americans. LCAO also recommends giving the Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to use Medicare’s bulk purchasing power to negotiate prescription drug prices, and halting the so-called "premium support" demonstration project in 2010 that would require traditional fee-for-service Medicare to compete, based on cost, with heavily subsidized private plans in certain areas. The coalition also wishes to allow early retirees to buy into Medicare, along with several other steps.

Part D Reminder: Twelve More Days to Choose Your Plan for 2009

Seniors have until December 31 to change their Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Senior advocates suggest that beneficiaries use Medicare's Plan Finder, the most comprehensive tool for choosing a plan, by logging on to www.medicare.gov . Medicare analysts recommend seniors gather a list of their prescriptions, as well as the dosages, and use Plan Finder to compare plans based on out-of-pocket costs, the drugs they cover, and the pharmacies with which they contract.

Bob Kortkamp Ends His Tenure as Missouri Alliance President

Bob Kortkamp, President of the Missouri Alliance, has decided to end his stint as President, and is passing the torch on to new President Dave Meinell. Mr. Kortkamp, a retiree from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), has been the Missouri Alliance President since its inception in September of 2002. Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-MO) officially honored Mr. Kortkamp in the Congressional Record when he retired from the IAMAW in 1995. Incoming Missouri President Meinell is also a retired Machinist. "My good friend Bob has done a wonderful job getting the Missouri Alliance going in the right direction, and we are all proud of him for his selfless contribution of time and energy," said George J. Kourpias, President of the national Alliance. "After six years, he has certainly earned a break. I thank him for his service, knowing that the Missouri Alliance will be in good hands with Dave Meinell."

"Retirees with the Write Stuff" to Continue in New Year

"Retirees with the Write Stuff" is continuing through 2009! The Letters to the Editor page is often the most widely read section of a local newspaper, and December is a good time to share your retiree perspective on the events of 2008 and what you hope to see in the coming year. If your letter runs, send us a copy at [e-mail] or fax to 202/637-5398, and we will send you a "Retiree with the Write Stuff" pen, plus print your name here and on our website, www.RetiredAmericans.org.

Alliance Mourns the Loss of Larry Spitz

The Alliance sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Larry Spitz, who passed away on December 5, 2008. Mr. Spitz was influential in helping to establish the Committee of Industrial Organizations (CIO.) In addition, Mr. Spitz spent 20 years working for the United Steelworkers of America as Director of the Wage Division. After he retired, Mr. Spitz continued to work for the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees. "Long after most people might have slowed down, Larry continued to work to ensure the rights of not only retired steelworkers, but all seniors. He will be greatly missed," said Alliance Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks.

Save the Date: Alliance Legislative Conference June 15-18, 2009

In the wake of last month's historic elections, the Alliance has moved up its 2009 Legislative Conference to June 15-18 in Washington DC. The Alliance urges you to come and see your congressional representatives and share ideas with new Administration officials who are friendly on retiree issues. In seminars, sessions, and one-on-one meetings, you will be key in ensuring that seniors get the change we fought for in 2008. More details will be available in January.

THE NEXT FRIDAY ALERT WILL BE PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 9, 2009. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR READERS AND MEMBERS FROM THE ALLIANCE!

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