Democrats to push for $250 Social Security payment

[cal04]

Source: CNN

When House Democrats return to Washington on Monday, a top priority will be putting a $250 dollar check in the mail to 58 million Social Security recipients.

Democrats plan to vote early in the lame-duck session on a bill that would provide Social Security recipients with a one-time payment, according to the office of Earl Pomeroy, a Democrat from North Dakota who authored the legislation.

The bill -- with a total cost of roughly $14 billion -- is designed to make up for another year without an increase in Social Security benefits.

In October, the federal government announced that Social Security beneficiaries will see no increase in their benefit checks in 2011. That will mark the second year in a row with no increase.

Read more: http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/13/news/economy/social_security_payment/index.htm

[Scurrilous]

1. Good for them.

K & R :thumbsup:

[BlueCaliDem]

17. Yep. And the majority of Senior Citizens will turn around and vote Republican

as thanks to the Democrats helping them out again.

Mind boggling.

[silver10]

52. Nice thank you present.

[Hatchling]

63. The M$M and poverty assures that.

Without the money to pay for more than the most basic of cable channels (no access to Keith, Rachel or Ed, nor for internet access other than some simple email access to their grandkids. They are going to believe what they hear on the "broadcast news". They (we) grew up on the notion of a candidates equal access to the news channels. Very few of them know that convention no longer exists. The notion that candidates are able to buy unequal access to their channels is foreign to them

They grew up with the legacy of Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite who told them the truth about McCarthy and Vietnam. They still believe in the integrity of their nightly newscaster, not knowing that the corporate casting couch has replaced their trusted newsmen with pretty actors who can read their corporate teleprompters without blanching. They taught their kids to trust the nightly 'news" as well.

The Corporations have bought complete access to information: magazines, newspapers, networks and a portion of the internet.

They are in the process of buying complete access to what education their draconian measures of NCLB haven't already destroyed. So even if their grandkids do have access to the internet, they are not necessarily able to communicate to their elders what they learn on that media in a manner that grandparents can understand, thus leading to the widening generation gap. Younger people believe that older ones are racist, stupid and naive, and older people believe the younger ones are rude, stupid and naive.

Fox News (Fair and Balanced!) is broadcast in some of the places they feel most vulnerable: doctors and dental offices and the places where they take their aging vehicle for repairs they hope they can afford (If they can't afford it, they are consigned to the beleaguered public transit systems that only confirm their opinion that life surly sucks under Democrats).

These senior citizens are not stupid, they are merely unaware that they are ignorant. They are ignorant because they are lied to daily by sources they trust.

Poverty instigated by the Corporations assures that.

Until Progressives gain significant control of information sources so that people in poverty have access to information, until Corporations are reined in so they don't control every aspect of an Americans life, The American Dream is lost to a Corporate version of 1984.

[BlueCaliDem]

74. Thank you so very much for this explanation. It makes 100% sense!

At least now I understand why. I always say that times change, and history has shown us that, but when it came to understanding why senior citizens would vote against their best interests, I was baffled beyond belief.

Now I see it. Now I understand, thanks to you, *Hatchling.:pals:

*Edited to replace having mistakenly thought M$M was Hatchling's sn.

[lunasun]

73. exactly have they looked at voting records for 2010?????

Voters over 65 supported Republicans over Democrats in this month 's election by a resounding 21-percentage-point margin!
They aren't going to leave the tea party for 250$

[BlueCaliDem]

75. Hatchling here above has an excellent analysis why this is the case

Finally! Finally! I can understand why our seniors vote Republican, how they come to that dangerous choice, and how they're being victimized by the American propaganda machine that replaced our hard-hitting Fourth Estate.

It's very informative, and it's the best explanation I've received to date!

Edit to correct misspelling of Hatchling.

[Creative]

59. SOS...

Surely, this is an insult most folks on SS.

[sarcasmo]

2. In the next breath they will extend the retirement age to 70. Tired of this, no back bone

no guts in the party I constantly vote for. 250 doesn't make things better you A$$hats.

[pnorman]

7. "No guts"? You must be right! I see the same opinion all over the intertubes!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4612741&mesg_id=4613097
and
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7268146

[defendandprotect]

71. dupe

[somone]

3. Just in time for seniors to give that money to Wal-Mart and Big Oil

to offset their rising food prices and oil prices

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[somone]

10. You complaining?

[Donnachaidh]

14. didn't hear the bell for the purity patrol this morning

:eyes:

[Scurrilous]

20. Team Piss & Moan & Dump on any and all Positive News certainly heard their bell. n/t

[savalez]

32. +1

"Team Piss & Moan & Dump" I like that. How about the "NegaTEAve Party". LOL :)

[sarcasmo]

22. Purity Patrol, funny stuff. Is that a right wing religious group?

[silver10]

6. I agree with you

[MineralMan]

15. Or, as in my case with the last check, it replaced four tires on

my car. The other one paid the right-of-way assessment from the city. It was very useful, and represents about a $20 per month increase in my SS. It's money that seniors can use, and they do use it.

[Scurrilous]

18. I just talked to my 91 year old mother on the phone.

She welcomed the news and said she'd use any extra cash to send $$ to her granddaughters in college.

The horror!:scared:

[MineralMan]

19. Grandmothers are so great! They always seem to know just

what to do. I guess she won't be disappointed, then, if this goes through. :applause:

[AlbertCat]

27. to offset their rising food prices and oil prices

So this is just what they need now. Good! This is great!

I hope Obama's picture is on the check.

[glinda]

36. Ever notice how everything goes up when the Government gives any breaks?

The Insurance Companies, Grocery stores, oil barons, etc..... must think that "people then have extra income" when in fact, the same people are already under water or barely making it and those breaks would really actually help them to a small degree. But noooooooooooo... extra money? Tax break? Check in the mail? "We are coming for it!".

[Inchworm]

4. I bet it will get garnished for me - student loans

Another thing to piss me off.

:grr:

[MineralMan]

21. You're getting Social Security and still paying off student loans?

[CountAllVotes]

30. some people that never paid their loans back

are having their Social Security checks garnished, yes. I know of someone that this is happening to - she borrowed about $30,000.00 and cannot pay it back. That was about 20 years ago and now she owes about $60,000.00++ on the student loans due to interest accruing with no end in sight. She just turned 70 years old and is a grandmother.

Her Social Security checks began being garnished not too long ago btw.

:kick:

[Sadie5]

69. Another hand out

Which the Repubs will kill this bill because in their eyes the Seniors need to just die off. The last time I received one of the famous $250 rebate checks from SS I had to file it on my tax return so it wasn't free after all. I have also heard that refund checks which I depend on to help pay off winter fuel bills are going to be delayed this year. I can't win for losing.

[eShirl]

34. 1) older people go to college, too

2) younger, disabled people get Social Security

[MineralMan]

39. That's true. I wasn't considering all the possibilities.

[Inchworm]

58. I was on it when they gave them to me

Disability, that is.

Something came up where I couldn't finish in time and BAM.

It is what will kill me.

:grr:

[aquart]

64. Me, too.

[pattmarty]

8. This is fucking stupid on the Dems part. Basically bribing the older.........

....folks on SS. Passing an extension on unemployment would be more productive and compassionate. This is why the Dems get slammed a lot by the Republicans for "wasteful give aways". A $250 one shot that will cost 14 billion, is pretty fucking stupid in my opinion.


Oh, and before "we" get all pissed off and start piling on, I and my wife are ON SS.

[dkf]

24. $14 billion? Yikes.

How does that compare to the earmark budget?

[ProudDad]

55. One month of the wars

that we know about...

Not much money...

[AlbertCat]

29. A $250 one shot that will cost 14 billion, is pretty fucking stupid in my opinion.

It made everyone love Bush....but of course his was $300.

[pattmarty]

44. And, it's senseless. That's the "old" Dem way of paying people to........

...........vote, the Chicago style of politics if you will. I guess it works with the voters, but in this case it could have been "targeted" a lot better.

[eridani]

77. What about just for the bottom 25%?

I'm on SocSec too--$250 would be nice, but we could live without it. DH is in the bottom quartile, but I'm in the top quartile.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

9. Well we're one of those who have not recieved a COLA in 2 years...

and we certainly need it to help towards our kids next semesters ...it will pay for 1 or 2 text books.

Thank you Dems

[FreeStateDemocrat]

11. Bull shit, the bastards said the same thing last year and did nothing.

This is called trick the suckers with the same old lies and then do nothing that might offend the corporate, special interest and wealthy campaign contributers. This is why the OBAMA tax cuts for the wealthy will be "extended" as long as it takes to get through the 2012 elections and then with the pukes in power they will be made permanent and cuts will be made to SS and Medicare to offset the deficient." All politicians are interested in one thing and that is perpetuating their power in office until they have to become lobbyist's and it is the contributions special interests, corporations, and the wealthy that drive that effort. Watch the smoke and mirrors circus while BO caves to the money people "for the sake of the middle class." I need to stop reading about this crap and spend my time on more constructive enjoyable behaviors that are productive.

[silver10]

12. Most seniors are unfortunately getting what they deserve...

Democrats are too socialist for them, and evidently so's Social Security, Medicare, and repealing the tax cuts for the wealthiest.

Here is an Associated Press article, and I quote...


"Voters over 65 were also the likeliest age group to consider themselves tea party supporters, with almost half — 49 percent — saying they back the conservative movement. Nine in 10 of them voted Republican on Tuesday."



http://dailycaller.com/2010/11/04/vote-shows-independents-seniors-upset-with-dems/

[Donnachaidh]

16. broadbrush much?

*getting what they deserve"?

How very big tent we've become! :wow:

[MineralMan]

23. Yeah? Well, I'm a freaking senior. I'm on Social Security.

I vote for Democrats and work on getting Democrats to vote for Democrats as a precinct chair in my community. What do you do?

Enough with the ageist elder-bashing, OK?

[silver10]

40. We are a democracy, and most seniors voted Repuke, sorry.

That is how a democracy works.

[MineralMan]

41. That's true, and a big chunk of the young voters didn't bother

to vote at all. Ageism sucks.

[silver10]

42. But a lot more older voters did vote.

[MineralMan]

43. They always do. How they vote is a little unpredictable.

The young folks don't bother to vote a lot of the time, and then they get pissed if they don't get what they didn't bother to vote for.

I vote. Every election - even the local ones with just one thing to vote for. I vote on the Democratic side each time and every time. Some other old people don't vote for Democrats, for whatever reasons they have, but they go and they vote. This year, my parents, who are both 86 and long-time Republicans, voted for Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer. Imagine that.

How do your friends vote, if you're younger than, say, 45? Did they vote. Did you?

[silver10]

45. For whatever reason

The age group that always wins the majority of more conservative voters (repugs) is the senior citizen group - McCain won the 65+ group - look it up. That is not ageism, it is fact. Look up the majority of elections and you will see.

I think it is because they feel that if any changes are to be made to SS, it will be to future generations. Kinda bit them in the ass this time.

And I did vote, and always vote Dem -so do my parents, sister and brother.

And from the bottom of my heart, not all seniors deserve this - not my parents and not the ones who vote with the Dems - just the majority who always vote repug.

Believe me, I will also suffer because of the other age groups who voted with the teabaggers as well.

[bitchkitty]

48. Fuck that.

If people who don't pay attention voted for the wrong side, then the Democrats deserve some of the blame for not getting their attention. Way to blame the victim, because the disabled and elderly are usually the most victimized by society.

I find your attitude very offensive. If you were talking about blacks or women you'd likely be banned or shunned, but since you're talking about old people it's okay?

[silver10]

50. how are the seniors victimized if they voted against themselves?

When the majority of them voted repuke (again a statistical fact), were they under the impression that the repukes are the guardians and bastion of social security?

[kiranon]

49. Over 65, never voted for a Republican, campaigned for Democratic

candidates starting with President Kennedy (before he was President) and every Democratic nominee since. Veteran - served in the Army and worked all my life paying into Social Security. My generation has worked hard and long and do not need to be painted with a broad brush. Support gay rights - always have. Marched for civil rights and lived through some "hairy" times. Been tear gassed a number of times supporting different rights. Still progressive after all these years.

[silver10]

51. then for the last few years you have been in the minority

[kiranon]

53. Too many friends died before they hit 62. Perhaps those with more

resources and better health care, also live longer and result in more voters who vote Republican in the later years. But, there are plenty of older progressive voters out here who support Democratic candidates. Feet on the ground can beat money any time. It's just our feet are tired from working all our lives.

[silver10]

57. Agreed

And I am sorry that you didn't get your COLA. Thank you for all your service to this country.

[ProudDad]

56. 49 percent is not most

:shrug:

[Hatchling]

65. See my post #63. NT.

[Hatchling]

66. Dupe post nt

[MineralMan]

13. Well, if they do, that will amount to over a 2% increase in my

annual SS payments. When looked at that way, it does make a difference, doesn't it. It's in lieu of a cost of living increase. I've welcomed those payments each time they have come.

[dkf]

25. Does this come out of the social security funds or the general budget?

[PoliticAverse]

62. The Government will have to borrow the money

Since the government runs at a deficit, the government will have to borrow the money for the payment.
(Even if it 'redeems' trust fund securities to cover the payment).

[dkf]

70. But is it even trying to use the surplus of the funds from the social security receipts?

If it is from the General Budget why do only Seniors get the funds when hardly anyone got a raise.

[Thor_MN]

26. The old "Bonus instead of Raise"

Too bad inflation can't be handled the same way, with a one time payment that leaves base prices where they are.

[Javaman]

28. Yup...

they could just raise the cap but alas that would take insight, integrity and logic. Something that seems in very short supply these days in washington.

hush money to our seniors. We have stooped very low.

[madamesilverspurs]

31. Speaking as a recipient of Social Security

I can attest to the barely adequate amount of that monthly check. For that matter, the amount was barely adequate before we knew there'd be no COLA. With price increases in things not factored into inflation (like oil), and with annual increases in Med D premiums and the price of meds under that program -- heck, yeah, that $250 would be very welcome. It would, indeed, buy a wee bit of much needed breathing space.

And I'd trade it in a split second for a guarantee that the tax cuts for the top 2% would be terminated.

[Hawkeye-X]

33. Wife and I are on disability

and the $250 each would be a great boost to our dwindling supplies.

We have done:

- Eliminated credit cards from our bills (went to debt settlement period for 3 years)
- Cut back our "lavish" spending - we go out maybe once a week if we're lucky - dinner and a flick
- Set aside tuition money - all with no financial assistance so far.
- Figured out how to pay $800 in deductible to fix the car door. (Wife just told me she wants to lower the deductible and raise our monthly payment.)

[Historic NY]

35. Up or down vote no wavering seniors will then see who has their interests....I

collect SS disability which took 4yrs to get. The extra money would allow me to pay off home equity loan which kept me above water. It was touch & go during 07-08 paying bills and taxes with a less than a half pay NY pension. I just started with a 3% COLa from the state its not much but it helps to keep up. My municipal taxes are going up 14%, gas & electric up $50. the little extra does help pay at least one bill.

[glinda]

37. Husband fell in doughnut hole this month but will not see the $250 check until March.

[BadgerKid]

38. Payments subject to income tax, yes? n/t

[sarcasmo]

47. I think the last payments were so this would be the same, yes?

[boppers]

46. More Palin Inflation.

Claims of inflation, "defeated" by cash injections into the economy....

Which is what causes inflation.

[cutlassmama]

54. Only send the $250 checks to those who voted Dem. n/t

[bobbolink]

60. Please, everyone, Do Your Part and push the Dems on this!

Toll-free Capitol Hill Numbers:
1-800-828-0498 1-866-388-1015 1-866-220-0044 1-877-851-6437

This is vitally important to so many of us!

Unlike the rich cats, WE *spend* this money, so it goes back into the local economy!

Push for the $250!

[w4rma]

61. So are they doing anything permanent? I don't even care about this news. (nt)

[unkachuck]

67. K&R....$250 will certainly help my extremely tight budget....n/t

[Politicub]

68. Awesome. Good to hear this.

It will mean a lot to many people.

[Imagevision]

72. Good Move, I applaud you Mr. President - now pleeze no tax cuts for millionaire/billionaires...

[eridani]

76. Good, but it should be second priority. First priority should be

--shutting down the catfood commission recommendations for good.

[KillCapitalism]

78. Whoop dee doo

How about a fucking COLA instead of a $250 one-time payment? $250 per month should be more like it.