Thousands to Rally in Boston in Protest of Proposed Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security Cuts

Posted by erik devaney

As a congressional Super-Committee prepares to report recommendations for reducing the federal deficit, thousands are expected to rally in Boston to oppose proposed cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

On Wednesday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m., seniors and workers from across Massachusetts — as well as from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and New York — will meet at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre on Tremont Street. These protesters will be joined by leaders of AARP Massachusetts, Mass Senior Action, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare and other organizations representing seniors and workers.

At 1:00 p.m., a rolling convoy of over 30 buses outfitted with signs and music will depart the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre and carry protesters towards the offices of Senator Kerry and Senator Brown.

The thousands of protesters who are expected to participate in the event are angered and frustrated by the possibility that the congressional Super-Committee will support cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. The Super-Committee is a 12-member bipartisan group, which includes Massachusetts’ senior U.S. Senator, John Kerry.

According to the grassroots coalition, MassUniting, “the proposed cuts would include a $112 billion cut to Social Security by changing how the Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) is calculated and reducing benefits; raising the age of Medicare eligibility from 65 to 67; and, increasing out-of-pocket costs for seniors in Medicare.”

Seniors and workers argue that such cuts would not only jeopardize benefits and retirement security for today’s seniors and future seniors, but would also kill jobs and undermine the nation’s economic recovery by thrusting more seniors – and families – into poverty.

According to MassUniting, the November 9 event is expected to draw the largest senior turnout in Boston of any community rally in decades.

Last month, the Massachusetts Senior Action Council organized a rally outside of the Massachusetts Hospital Association to protest a proposed increase in the Medicare eligibility age.

Related posts:

1. Senior Citizens Holding Demonstration in Boston to Protest a Potential Increase in Medicare Eligibility Age
2. RI bus riders protest proposed service cuts
3. Boston Area College Students Plan Wall St. Protest
4. Trying to Make Sense of the Social Security Issue
5. Occupy Boston Turning Heads; An Inside Look at the Protest’s Particpants

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