| EDITION 21 | January 2024 |
CONTENTS
- Chair's Corner
- from the Editor
- ELECTION 2024
- WEP - Windfall Elimination Provision
- MEDICARE | SOCIAL SECURITY
- POLITICS & TAXATION
- STORIES
- EVENTS
- VOLUNTEERS
- Final Thoughts
Chair’s Corner
Happy New Year to Everyone!
Members of the Senior Caucus will be busy this year on getting out the vote as well as helping to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision which has been an ongoing campaign for us. Again, we hope for peace in the world. Here are Emily Dickinson`s words on peace in her poem, “I many times thought Peace had come”.
I many times thought Peace had come
When Peace was far away—
As Wrecked Men—deem they sight the Land—
At Centre of the Sea—
And struggle slacker—but to prove
As hopelessly as I—
How many the fictitious Shores—
Before the Harbor be—
— Betsy Ettorre, Chair of the Seniors Caucus
from the Editor
Happy New Year - Welcome to 2024!
We’re going to start “at a pace”. From now until Election Day - Tuesday, 5 November 2024, we must fight with everything within our power to stop the onslaught of GOP/MAGA extremism, from destructive lies to criminal behavior, and hold onto Democracy, or face Fascism. Trump vowed to be a dictator “but only on day one.” Well, that’s all it would take. Hitler was initially elected.
As Liz Cheney says, “There’s no question Trump would refuse to leave office if elected again.” (Today, December 4, 2023)
By the time you receive this the House will have met to discuss the Fiscal Commission Act, a proposed new commission that will have power to meet behind closed doors to recommend how and where to make cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and fast-track those cuts through Congress. According to Alex Lawson of Social Security Works, it is extremely dangerous.
The Century Foundation summed it up in this article.
Our newsletters this year will continue to focus on legislation that adversely affects Seniors, follow state election deadlines, and inform about candidates to support. We will follow the many lawsuits, the insurrectionists, and MAGA lies, and remind voters that “E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one.”
In this edition, the spotlight is on the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) that decreases our monthly Social Security payments. Please look at our Call To Action! There is bipartisan support for passing WEP elimination legislation in both houses of Congress. With a push now, we just might be rid of the WEP forever.
We’re all steeling ourselves for the annual tax filing ordeal. If you’re a first time tax filer, look for our article under POLITICS & TAXATION for guidance.
Our February edition will discuss Social Security & Medicare, and what we plan to do about holding onto not only SS/Medicare, but our Federal Government.
We can only be effective with your help. Democrats Abroad reaches out to its members via Country Committees, Caucuses & Task Forces, State Teams, and Vote from Abroad. Please consider making a sustaining (monthly) donation to Democrats Abroad to help us find more voters abroad.
In closing, Marnie Delaney shared this link for those who may need emotional support. With the election chaos we are facing this year, we may all need to use it.
Two excellent DA events were held last week and must be shared with you:
Global Black Caucus Martin Luther King Celebration and the Global Women's Caucus Discussion on Roe v. Wade
ELECTION 2024
One issue we must push for in all 50 states is Vote-At-Home, especially as we are finding that Vote-At-Home increases the youth vote.
Former Labor Secretary, Robert Reich has this to say:
“The participation of young voters is essential for a vibrant democracy, but there is a stark reality we must confront: Republicans continue to orchestrate efforts to suppress the youth vote.
Through tactics like overly-stringent voter ID laws, slashing polling places in young and diverse communities, and curtailing early and mail-in voting, far-right extremists make barriers that purposely target young voters.
These are calculated moves to undermine the democratic process, silencing the voices of young Americans who are crucial for shaping our nation's future. That’s why it's time to turn our attention to a pivotal reform that has shown remarkable success in increasing youth voter participation: transforming every state into a Vote-At-Home state.”
Prepare for 2024
Here are some links that will help you prepare for the 2024 primary election dates for all States. You can also check for your state deadlines, Register to Vote, and Request your Ballot at Vote from Abroad.
Vote Tripling
MoveOn started this trend: Tell 3 friends. Follow up with them to make sure they cast their ballot in 2024. That’s all it is, and it’s impact is HUGE.
Join a State Group on Facebook
For the past 12+ years, volunteers from Democrats Abroad have run groups for each U.S. State on Facebook where they post anything from state photos and local events, to state-specific voting deadlines and “how to” information on all aspects of voting. Through these groups we’ve attracted new members and leaders to DA. If you’d like to connect with people from “back home” who live abroad, or chat with DA members who also vote where you do, you can read about the groups here , and find your state group here .
State Teams
DA’s State Teams continue to have huge impacts on laws and legislatures back home. More teams are being built which will tackle issues of importance state by state. If you haven’t joined a team already, or if you have questions, email the organizers today.
In 2024 we must keep these critical Senate seats blue.
- Bob Casey (PA)
- Jacky Rosen (NV)
- Jon Tester (MT)
- Sherrod Brown (OH)
- Tammy Baldwin (WI)
By donating to Democrats Abroad (DA) you will help us find more voters overseas through ad buys on our Social Media outlets, and pay for the software used by Vote from Abroad phonebanking experts who help people register to vote, and request and return their ballots. Speaking of reaching voters…..
Phonebankers needed!
Thank you for the enthusiastic response to the Voter Assistance Trainings. So far, nearly 150 people became certified Voter Assistants! We can always use more help. To sign up, please go to: www.democratsabroad.org/voter_assistance_training.
On behalf of the Voter Assistance Training Team,
Heidi, Linda, Randi, Ellie, and Andrew
WEP - Windfall Elimination Provision
This month we will focus on the WEP. For those who may not yet know, those of us who draw Social Security, yet due to the WEP clawback, LOST about one-third of OUR Social Security income - a critical chunk.
There are many Americans back home as well as abroad who are - and will be - hurt by the WEP clawback. We are also fighting for them. Both bills are slowly making their way through Congress to repeal the WEP and the companion Government Pension Offset (GPO).
But you don't have to take it. You can fight back. Here’s how -
Currently there are two pieces of legislation in Congress: HR.82 in the House, and S.597 in the Senate - both titled the “Social Security Fairness Act”. If passed, they will eliminate the WEP!
We're asking you to contact your Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor these bills if they haven't done so already. Please use these draft emails today. Thank you!
If you have been impacted by WEP and want to tell your WEP story let us know. Send it to us at [email protected]. We would then share it on our social media and web pages with your permission.
MEDICARE | SOCIAL SECURITY
“For most retirees, their monthly Social Security income is indispensable. Based on more than two decades of annual surveys from national pollster Gallup, no fewer than 80% of retired respondents have relied on their Social Security check, in some capacity, to make ends meet in a given year.
Given how important Social Security is to the financial well-being of our nation's aging workforce, you'd think maintaining a strong foundation would be a top priority. However, America's top retirement program is facing a long-term funding shortfall that continues to widen with almost every passing year.” Read the article.
New Commissioner announced
“This week, the Senate confirmed Martin O’Malley to be the next Commissioner of Social Security. This is a major achievement: It marks the first time in over 25 years that the Senate has confirmed a Social Security Commissioner nominated by a Democratic president. Indeed, Commissioners nominated by Democratic presidents have headed the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) for only eight years of the last 40.” - Nancy Altman, Social Security Works
It’s a wonder it’s still stands! We’ll have much more on Social Security in our next edition.
JOIN Social Security Works!
Have you joined yet? You’ll receive updates on their work, take direct action, and sign petitions to protect Social Security. Watch our webinar here.
POLITICS & TAXATION
COP28
The Elders are independent global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.
Read their statement post-COP28 - the pledge to transition away from fossil fuels, their disappointment with certain countries that won’t join the pledge to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and their call for action that must be delivered to ensure a livable future.
Billionaire Spending, Pandemic Profits & IRS Funding Cuts
We have heard about “Pandemic Profits”. American for Tax Fairness has broken it down, along with impacts from IRS funding cuts, billionaire spending increases, and the dangerous levels of campaign donations. Read these articles and more here.
“It’s a sad fact: the U.S. tax code worsens inequality.
According to a new report by Americans for Tax Fairness, not only do the handful of American billionaires and ultra-millionaires (those worth over $100 million) hold more unrealized gains than everyone in the country younger than 49 years old, they also hold nearly 3 times as much wealth as ALL Black and Latino households combined.” - American for Tax Fairness
“Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Reps. Barbara Lee and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced the Curtailing Executive Overcompensation (CEO) Act, designed to address this problem by levying an excise tax on companies with a CEO-to-median-worker pay disparity of 50 to 1 or greater. The tax would apply only to big companies, with gross income over $100 million per year and a payroll totaling $10 million or more. The tax rate would be pegged to the degree to which the ratio of CEO’s pay (including salary, bonuses, and stock options) to worker pay is greater than 50-to-1.” - Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
Petition Congress to support this idea - The Action Network created this petition . Sign today!
Tax Filing for Americans Abroad
If you’ve just moved overseas and want to learn about tax filing, Americans Overseas created a FAQ section at the bottom of this page that will walk you through the basic information.
STORIES
First Time Activist Elders
The picture of a stereotypical activist is usually someone young, perhaps a student. But older folks also want to change the world for the better, and many have more time in which to do it. They bring decades of knowledge and lived experience—a boon to many causes. These three activists came to organizing work later in life and are putting their experience to good use in the name of social change.
Lani Ritter Hall’s husband of 40 years passed away in September 2021. The following spring, someone in the Supreme Court leaked the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which would overturn Roe v. Wade. Ritter Hall, whose husband was African American, recognized that constitutional protections for interracial and same-sex marriage were built on the same foundations as the court’s landmark ruling, which had protected abortion rights for nearly 50 years.
“I decided then I couldn’t stand by,” Ritter Hall says. Read on.
Best Places to Retire - 2024
I’d like to end on a pleasant note with this article about retiring overseas - in style!
5 Latin American Havens where couple can live well on $2,000 a month
#1 - Panama! This travel writer has gathered some “best spots” to consider for those looking to retire or to relocate overseas. Read on - it’s a pleasure!
EVENTS
Friday - 26 January - Coffee Chat
Don’t miss our Seniors and Disability Caucus monthly chats from 9 to 10:30 am Eastern Time (US & Canada). Everyone is very welcome!
RSVP to get the Zoom link, and add it to your calendar. Next month: 23 February.
DA Events - Quick Links
VOLUNTEERS
We need you!! Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. You can find the list of positions DA is looking to fill on DA’s Volunteer page.
- The Global Seniors Caucus is always looking for volunteers. Email us for details on our volunteer opportunities.
- The Global Black Caucus is searching to fill more positions. Get in touch here.
- The Global Communications Team is also looking for volunteers as they ramp up for the 2024 election! Do you have a communications background? Are you interested in helping? If so, please fill out the Global Communications Team Interest Form.
Final Thoughts
"I feel the need to explain something to the generation that does not remember, or never saw, a time when one person with a high school education could support a family of four comfortably.
This was real. For millions of families. It was ‘normal'.
It was stolen from you.” - Anon.
If you like our work, please consider making a donation to Democrats Abroad.
It all goes to helping us Get Out The Vote!
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