All posts by rebecca

Executive Director Fiesta Briefs Machinists on Threats to Retirement Security and How to Fight Back

Alliance Executive Director Richard Fiesta spoke to retirees from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) this week. He provided an overview of the Alliance’s work and updated attendees on key retiree issues, including a rundown of Elon Musk a... Read more

States in the Midwest and the South Are Most Vulnerable to Social Security Cuts

Any disruption or cuts to Social Security benefits will hurt Americans who live in Southern and Midwestern states the most, according to a new report from the Economic Policy Institute. The report reinforced the importance of Social Security to the U.S. economy, with the benefits... Read more

GOP Budget and Tax Plan Advances in the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives moved closer to a final vote on its so-called “big, beautiful bill” tax and spending plan this week. As of today, the plan calls for $715 billion in cuts to Medicaid and $300 billion in cuts to food assistance programs. It also includes $3.7 tr... Read more

Retirees Call on SSA Commissioner to Roll Back DOGE’s Cumbersome Changes at SSA

Internal Documents Reveal Benefit Claims Are Taking 25% Longer to Process; Identified Only 2 Claims Out of 110,000 as Requiring Further Investigation Washington, D.C. — Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, issued the following statement reg... Read more

KFF Health News: Honey, Sweetie, Dearie – The Perils of Elderspeak

A prime example of elderspeak: Cindy Smith was visiting her father in his assisted living apartment in Roseville, California. An aide who was trying to induce him to do something — Smith no longer remembers exactly what — said, “Let me help you, sweetheart.” “He ju... Read more

Alliance Marks Older Americans Month

Thursday, May 1 was the first day of Older Americans Month. Historically, this month commemorates older Americans and provides an opportunity for us to reflect on their contributions. It can also be a time to reflect on the consequences of ageism. Research indicates that older... Read more

Retirees Congratulate Jan Schakowsky on Exceptional Career in Congress

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL) announced on Monday that she will not seek another term in Congress. She has represented Illinois’ 9th congressional district since 1999. Following the announcement, the Alliance thanked her for always fighting for seniors. “Rep. Schakowsky has bee... Read more

Alliance Protects Voting Rights With Key Victory in North Carolina

North Carolina state Supreme Court candidate Jefferson Griffin conceded his loss to Justice Alison Riggs on Wednesday, ending a lengthy fight in which he attempted to void 60,000 ballots with allegedly incomplete registration information as well as thousands of ballots cast by m... Read more

Senate Confirms Frank Bisignano as SSA Commissioner Despite Controversy Over His DOGE Connections, Lack of Relevant Experience

The Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano to head the Social Security Administration (SSA) along party lines on Tuesday, with a 53-47 vote. His term – set to expire in January 2031 – coincides with a tumultuous period for the agency, as Elon Musk and operatives from the Departmen... Read more