October 19, 2011

Manchin Statement on 3.6 Percent Cola Increase

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the 3.6 percent cost-of-living increase announced today for Social Security recipients in 2012. 

“Keeping our promises to seniors is one of the most important priorities for our government, and I was pleased today to learn that our seniors who have sacrificed so much for this country will get a fair cost-of-living increase. Especially in this tough economy, when it’s only gotten more expensive to buy food, pay for gas and keep our houses heated, it’s far past time for our seniors to get this adjustment. As I’ve traveled around our great state, I’ve heard from seniors at breakfasts, in nursing homes and at town halls about their fears of Social Security being at risk. As I’ve said to all of them: don’t let anyone scare you, your Social Security will be there for you. 

“Our seniors have gone without a COLA increase for nearly three years, and we can’t continue taking a hit-or-miss approach to their daily needs. It’s time to reevaluate this system, and I support a recalculation of the COLA formula to make sure it reflects the reality of the cost of living today.”

According to the Social Security Administration, nearly 436,000 West Virginians receive Social Security. 

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