Cuts to the poorest among us
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Feb 25, 2010 Posted by Adam Swope
Friends,
Below is a copy of my letter to Governor Rendell, members of his administration and several legislative leaders on the critical issue of cuts to the State Supplement to SSI benefits. It was sent to:
Governor Ed Rendell
Edward J. Zogby, Director of Public Policy at Dept. of Public Welfare
Acting Secretary Harriet Dichter, Dept of Public Welfare
Sen. Joseph Scarnati, Senate President
Sen. Dominic Pileggi, Majority Leader
Sen. Robert Mellow, Minority Leader
Sen. Jake Corman, Chair, Appropriations Comm.
Sen. Jay Costa, Jr., Ranking Minority Member, Appropriations Comm.
Rep. Keith McCall, Speaker of the House
Rep. Todd Eachus, Majority Leader
Rep. Samuel Smith, Minority Leader
Rep. Dwight Evans, Chair, Appropriations Comm.
Rep. William Adolph, Jr., Ranking Minority Member, Appropriations Comm.
RE: Opposing SSP Cuts to Low Income Elderly, Blind and Disabled (40 Pa. B. 479)
Dear Gov. Rendell:
The Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans would like to voice our strong opposition to the SSP cuts going into effect this month to over 345,000 low income elderly, disabled and blind adults and children across Pennsylvania. It is our understanding that DPW is reducing the state supplement payment to the federal SSI benefit by $5.30/month (down 19%) and by $10.40/month for a couple (down 24%). As an advocacy organization representing 300,000 seniors across the commonwealth, we are appalled by these cuts and ask that full benefits be restored.
Individuals living on SSI are among the most vulnerable citizens in Pennsylvania. They are either too disabled or too elderly to work. They survive on only 77.7% of the federal poverty level. These are not people who could work but are too lazy. SSI recipients have no means to help themselves, and it is our responsibility as a society to take care of them. A reduction of $5.30 per month is a missed meal, a doctor’s co-pay that cannot be met, or a para-transit ride that cannot be taken.
We understand that the State has severe budget problems in this tough economy. However, truly needy and defenseless individuals receiving SSI benefits should be the last in line to receive budget cuts. Instead, due to their lack of political influence or expensive lobbyists, they are right up front. This cannot stand. We request that these ill-conceived and immoral cuts be rescinded immediately.
Sincerely,
Jean Friday
President, PA Alliance for Retired Americans