AARP Set to Put Idahoans Concerns on the Map With Congress' "Supercommittee"

Fueled by 2 New Reports Showing High Number of State's 65+ Reliant on Social Security, AARP Launches On-Line Tool to Raise Gem Staters' Voice & Urge NO CUTS to Earned Benefits

BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Idaho may not have any members of Congress on the "supercommittee" charged with finding ways to reduce the nation's debt, but that doesn't mean Gem Staters will be left out.  AARP is working to put the concerns of Idahoans on the map for the committee.  

The Association has launched a new on-line effort encouraging its members and the public in Idaho and across the nation to sign onto a letter to the committee urging them to cut waste and fraud and close tax loopholes, not cut Social Security and Medicare benefits.  When someone takes action, they are added to an on-line map of the nation, showing members of the "supercommittee" the widespread opposition to cutting earned benefits.    

"Idahoans stand in strong opposition to having their earned benefits cut to pay the nation's bills. Tens of thousands of Idahoans have already let Congress know that, now we're sending the same message to the supercommittee," said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho.  "Dwindling retirement savings, sinking home values, and disappearing pensions continue to make the make the case for keeping Social Security strong, not cutting benefits."    

The effort is on the heels of two new AARP reports showing Idaho ranks 12^th highest in the nation for people 65 and older who rely on Social Security for the majority of their retirement income.    

According to the new reports:

• 56.6% of Idaho's 65+ rely on Social Security for half or more of their family income, the 12^th highest percentage in the nation.
• 26.1% count on the benefit for 90% or more of their family income, the 14^th highest in the nation.
• Without Social Security about 37.9% of the Gem State's 65+ would fall into poverty.

"Idahoans who have paid into Social Security and Medicare are counting on the supercommittee and Congress to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits – the committee's decisions could well determine how Gem Staters live in retirement," added Wordelman.  "Prices are soaring across the board, from prescriptions to utilities, and many people in Idaho are just getting by – cuts to earned benefits could take a very harsh toll on many."

The map of those opposed to benefit cuts and letter to members of the supercommittee can be found here: www.aarp.org/protectseniors.

The new Social Security reports can be viewed here: http://www.aarp.org/work/social-security/info-09-2011/fs236-ss.html.

AARP is Idaho's largest membership organization with over 180,000 members.

Follow us on Twitter @AARPIdaho and Facebook: AARP Idaho

SOURCE AARP Idaho

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