Arkansas AARP

Since March, You’ve Earned a Say has been taking the conversation about Social Security and Medicare out from behind closed doors in Washington and working to make sure Arkansans have a say in the debate about how to strengthen these programs for future generations.

Today, AARP leaders from Arkansas visited Capitol Hill to bring the voices of Arkansans to our members of Congress. AARP State President Sherry Walker and State Director Maria Reynolds-Diaz are scheduled to meet with all six members of the Arkansas congressional delegation.

“Older Arkansans have been telling us that they are frustrated Washington isn’t listening to them when it comes to Medicare and Social Security,” said Reynolds-Diaz. “They’re making their voices heard online and at community meetings and events across the state, and today we’re bringing their messages to Washington, D.C.”

In their Congressional visits, Walker and Reynolds-Diaz will share the results of the first round of You’ve Earned a Say questionnaires. While not scientific, the responses reflect both an understanding that securing the future of Medicare and Social Security may require some combination of more funding or benefit changes, and an overwhelming desire to be involved in the debate about how best to strengthen the programs.

“Medicare and Social Security provide the foundation of retirement security for hundreds of thousands of Arkansans today, and will be equally important to future generations,” concluded Walker. “They have spent their lives paying into these programs and deserve to have a voice in the discussion about how best to strengthen them.”

Follow today’s action live at www.facebook.com/AARPArkansas  and http://twitter.com/ARAARP