Daniel Lander is running for the state senate to fight energetically to ensure everyone can build a good life in Massachusetts. And for seniors, that means aggressively attacking the frightening increases in health care, housing, and food costs.
The first step to helping seniors make ends meet is ensuring that the cost of living adjustments (COLAs) to Social Security benefits are sufficient to retain their buying power in the face of fast-rising expenses. That’s why Daniel steadfastly opposes any proposals to tie Social Security COLAs to a Chained CPI measure of inflation that would reduce them below the rate of inflation.
In 2013, when Sen. Brownsberger unsuccessfully opposed Katherine Clark for Congress, he was the only candidate in the five-person race who argued that applying Chained CPI to Social Security benefits wouldn’t constitute a cut. He stated, “I don’t consider Chained CPI a cut in benefits. I want to be clear on that.” Many experts say that Chained CPI would, in fact, cut the buying power of Social Security recipients because seniors spend relatively more of their income on health care, and it is difficult to find cheaper but still good health care when prices jump.
While President Trump supports using Chained CPI to measure the increase in the poverty line to reduce Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and other benefits, even he hasn’t supported applying it to Social Security.
Seniors deserve a state senator who will recognize the affordability challenges they confront and battle for them every day.
Daniel Lander has earned the endorsement of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, the Working Families Party and Progressive Massachusetts because he is committed to protecting seniors, workers and the rest of the 99%.
Please support Daniel in the Sept. 1 Democratic Primary!
Anne Mahon, Livermore Road