Senate rejects $250 checks for elderly

[Nagishkaw 510]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A measure to give some 57 million elderly people, veterans and persons with disabilities a $250 check was rejected by the Senate on Wednesday, a setback for the powerful seniors' lobby.

President Barack Obama has called for Congress to approve the payments to make up for their benefits not increasing this year, but the Senate defeated it 50 to 47.

The payments would have added $13 billion to a $108 billion job-creation package pending in the Senate.

Congress approved payments last year as part of the $862 billion stimulus package.

Social Security payments for the elderly and disabled will stay flat this year for the first time since 1975 because they are tied to consumer prices, which decreased amid the worst economic recession in 70 years.

That follows a year in which payments rose by 5.8 percent, largely due to a spike in gasoline prices.

"It is wrong to turn our backs on seniors in this moment of economic difficulty," said Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who sponsored the amendment.

But Republican Senator Judd Gregg pointed out that the bill would defeat the purpose of indexing Social Security payments to inflation.

"The law says it shouldn't be given," Gregg said.

At least 10 Democrats agreed with Gregg and joined 40 Republicans to defeat the proposal.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100304/pl_nm/...ongress_elderly

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Terrible and wrong.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Im feeling the pinch. Gas goes up, food goes up, utility bills, insurance, property taxes.....

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Im feeling the pinch. Gas goes up, food goes up, utility bills, insurance, property taxes.....

Sorry to hear that.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Good.

Time for congress to stop the handouts and start closing the check book.

Now if we could only get them to do this in a few thousand other places.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

That follows a year in which payments rose by 5.8 percent, largely due to a spike in gasoline prices.

But Republican Senator Judd Gregg pointed out that the bill would defeat the purpose of indexing Social Security payments to inflation.

"The law says it shouldn't be given," Gregg said.

I find myself in the odd position of having to agree with Sen Gregg here. Nobody seems to have a problem with a 5.8% increase last year when wages and salaries remained largely flat due to the bad shape the economy is in. Let me see a show of hands from those that have seen a 5.8% increase in their wages / salaries last year. But now that there's no inflation and, hence, no increases, we ought to ignore the formula and increase entitlement payments anyways? You know how it is - you can't have your cake and eat it, too.

[Nagishkaw 510]

Maybe they should hand out more maple leafs and swastikas ....would that work for ya?

[Kevin and 10]

They have no problem giving handouts to their Wall Street buddies without debating.

[Susita 175]

"It is wrong to turn our backs on seniors in this moment of economic difficulty," said Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who sponsored the amendment.

Right on, Bernie Sanders.

[Nina~ 431]

Maybe they should hand out more maple leafs and swastikas ....would that work for ya?

Oh Snap!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Maybe they should hand out more maple leafs and swastikas ....would that work for ya?

Swastikas? #######?

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Maybe they should hand out more maple leafs and swastikas ....would that work for ya?

For those of you who can't definitions correct: ^^ THAT is Trolling.

[Nina~ 431]

For those of you who can't definitions correct: ^^ THAT is Trolling.

No dude.. she is just pwned you

[Nagishkaw 510]

For those of you who can't definitions correct: ^^ THAT is Trolling.

STFU, noob.

[mawilson 2,133]

Tough titties.

I realize that 13 billion dollars sounds like chump change these days, but it's a LOT of money.

Are we overpaying Grandpa?