AARP lobbying lawmakers against cuts

The debt ceiling debate has finally trickled down to Louisiana in a major way. Officials from AARP’s local chapter will be traveling the state this week to meet with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation and deliver some 12,7000 signed petitions. Those who signed are calling upon the delegation to not cut Social Security or Medicare benefits as part of any deal to reduce the nation’s deficit. “These petitions represent Democrats, Republicans and Independents who have earned their benefits over a lifetime of hard work. A lifetime of paying taxes,” says Nancy McPherson, AARP state director. “Washington shouldn’t just change the rules on people who played by the rules their entire lives.” AARP also launched a new direct-message television ad in Louisiana last week, which can be seen at aarp.org/protectseniors, urging elected officials to adopt their platform. Nearly 800,000 Louisiana residents rely on Social Security, and for many it is their only means of support, McPherson says. Additionally, 677,000 Louisiana residents are Medicare beneficiaries. “Social Security did not cause the deficit. It shouldn’t be cut to reduce it. We should not target Medicare for cuts but instead look for ways to reduce health care costs throughout the system,” says McPherson. To date, nearly 4.5 million petitions have been signed across the country and will be delivered to Congress over the next week. —Jeremy Alford