Union Voters Lead the Way to Election Victories Across the Country

Tuesday’s elections resulted in major victories for pro-retiree, pro-worker candidates and initiatives in states across the nation, including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (second from left) in Louisville for GOTV on election day, with Kentucky Alliance president Kirk Gillenwaters and Kentucky Alliance members Kay Tillow and Dale Warren

Kentucky Alliance members have worked to support Governor Andy Beshear’s reelection, with Alliance members appearing in television ads, joining with the Louisville chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute to drive voters to the polls. In Virginia union volunteers knocked on thousands of doors and ensured a pro-worker majority in the House of Delegates and state Senate. And in Pennsylvania, Daniel McCaffery won the vacant seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, once again bringing a 5-2 Democratic majority on the state’s high court.

Kentucky Alliance members and A. Philip Randolph Institute chapter members in Louisville volunteered to drive voters to the polls Tuesday.

In Texas, voters approved Proposition 9, which would allow the state to use about $3.4 billion to fund a cost-of-living adjustment for retired educators with 84% of the vote, the highest yes vote of 14 ballot measures. Texas Alliance members worked all year to ensure the measure passed.

“The labor movement and union retirees are still a force to be reckoned with,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “Tuesday night we were reminded of what we can accomplish by working together and focusing on issues that matter to working people no matter where they live.” 

“Alliance members showed up for these elections, and we must carry that momentum into 2024,” added Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “The senior vote will be key, as it is in every election.”

Republican Presidential Debate Rife With Misinformation on Social Security

Social Security was a topic of much discussion during Wednesday night’s GOP debate, with several candidates offering responses containing lies or deliberate misrepresentations.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley falsely stated that Social Security will be bankrupt in ten years as she defended wanting to raise the retirement age. She has previously said that the U.S. retirement age is “way too low.”

“Nikki Haley is wrong. Social Security will not be bankrupt in ten years, and there are better solutions than raising the retirement age,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance.
“Just by requiring wealthy Americans to pay payroll taxes on wages above $400,000, we could increase benefits and extend the life of the trust fund.” 

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie proposed raising the retirement age for those who are 30-40 years old, not mentioning that every year the Social Security eligibility age is raised translates to about a 7% benefit cut.

Sen. Tim Scott (SC) said he would protect Social Security. However, his actual plan is to cut funding for the Social Security Administration and lower taxes for the wealthy. 

“Former President Donald Trump also supports slashing Social Security. In 2020 he said ‘we’ll be cutting’ entitlement programs,” said Fiesta. “And when he was a Congressman, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis voted to raise the retirement age and privatize Social Security. What you don't hear is the GOP presidential candidates describing any plans to strengthen and expand retirement security.”

YOU’RE INVITED - Watch Your Wallet: Making Housing Decisions, Managing Debt and Avoiding Scams as You Age Webinar 

On Monday, November 27, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time the Alliance will host an educational webinar with Hector Ortiz, Senior Policy Analyst at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans. 

To RSVP, click here.

President Roach Speaks at Maryland/DC Alliance Convention

President Roach spoke on Saturday at the Maryland/DC Alliance’s Biennial Convention, held in Baltimore at the AFSCME MD Council 3 Union Hall. He discussed the Alliance’s recent retirement security symposium and priorities including getting out the senior vote, strengthening Social Security and Medicare and progress in lowering prescription drug prices.

The 70 delegates, guests and speakers included labor and political leaders and community advocates. Officer elections resulted in a diverse representation: Carol Rosenblatt (Metro DC Coalition of Labor Women [CLUW]), President; Dick Bissell (IBEW Local 26 Retired Members Club), 1st Vice President; Daisy Fields (AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1), Treasurer; Josephine Ball (AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1), Trustee; Don Morris (City Union of Baltimore R-800), Trustee; and Pam Parker (IBEW Local 26 RMC), Trustee.

Left to right: Josephine Ball, Carol Rosenblatt, Pam Parker, Daisy Fields, Don Morris, and Robert Roach.

Alliance Celebrates Veterans Day on Saturday

The Alliance wishes all of its members a Happy Veterans Day tomorrow.

“Veterans Day is a time to express our appreciation for the brave men and women who have fought to protect our democracy,” said President Roach. “For months now, developments in the news have provided constant reminders of just how fragile our democracy is. It is important to take this opportunity to remember and thank all Americans who have fought to protect us and the system of government we treasure.”

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