Steve Gravelle, CR Gazette –
CEDAR RAPIDS — Eric Ash said he is worried generational conflict may pose a threat to Social Security and Medicare.
“We’re seeing the needs of the young for good jobs pitted against the benefits to the seniors,” said Ash, 64, of Cedar Rapids. “These poor-paying jobs do not support the young people to support us.”
Ash was one of about 120 senior citizens who turned out Wednesday afternoon for the state launch of AARP’s “You’ve Earned a Say” campaign, designed to organize seniors’ political clout to protect the government’s health and retirement plans.
After a brief presentation by Kent Sovern, AARP state director, seniors used devices similar to television remote controls to register their responses to a series of questions projected on screens about the room. After being polled on the systems’ finances and future prospects, participants had the chance to add comments that will be compiled for AARP’s lobbying efforts.
Sovern noted Medicare enrollment is projected to double, to 80 million nationwide, by 2030, and program spending should top $1 trillion in 10 years.
“It’s going to be more than a worry, believe me” as boomers retire, said Leta Wall of Cedar Rapids. For her own generation, Medicare and Social Security “have been wonderful to be able to get,” said Wall, 90.
Removing Social Security’s withholding cap — the tax is currently collected on the first $106,800 of income — was a popular suggestion, with a later retirement age and means test favored by fewer commenters.
Walt Loukota said Medicare should be part of universal health care, available to all Americans of all ages.
“Get it out of the health insurance industry that’s just there to make a profit,” said Loukota, 63, of Cedar Rapids.
State AARP President Tony Vola said the group plans to hold “You’ve Earned a Say” events in all 99 Iowa counties during the next 100 days.
