Idaho AARP Leaders Hit Capitol Hill to Discuss Future of Social Security and Medicare with Congressional Delegation

Idahoans Frustrated Washington Isn't Listening, "You've Earned a Say" Aims to Raise Their Voices on Retirement Security Issues

BOISE, Idaho, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Idahoans have got a lot to say about the future of Social Security and Medicare, and AARP leaders from across the nation, including Idaho, are working to make sure Washington is listening.  Since March, You've Earned a Say has been taking the conversation the programs out from behind closed doors in Washington and ensuring Idahoans have a say in the debate about how to strengthen these programs for future generations.

Today, AARP leaders from Idaho visited Capitol Hill, bringing the voices of Idahoans to the state's members of Congress. AARP State President Peggy Munson and State Director, Mark Estess were scheduled to meet with Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Representatives Raul Labrador and Mike Simpson.

"Older Idahoans have been telling us that they are frustrated Washington isn't listening to them when it comes to Medicare and Social Security," said Munson. "They're making their voices heard online and at community meetings and events across the state, and today we're bringing their messages to Washington, DC."

In their Congressional visits, Munson and Estess will share the results of the first round of You've Earned a Say questionnaires – gathered from people across Idaho and the nation. While not scientific, the responses reflect both an understanding that securing the future of Medicare and Social Security may require some combination of more funding or benefit changes, and an overwhelming desire to be involved in the debate about how best to strengthen the programs.

"Medicare and Social Security provide the foundation of retirement security for hundreds of thousands of Idahoans today, and will be equally important to future generations," concluded Munson. "They have spent their lives paying into these programs and deserve to have a voice in the discussion about how best to strengthen them."

Follow today's action live on Twitter @AARPIdaho and Facebook: AARP Idaho

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, our bilingual multimedia platform for Hispanic members; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP Idaho

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED