AARP CEO responds to the State of the Union Address

Danuta Otfinowski

Washington, DC—AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins attended the State of the Union Address and released this statement following the speech:

“The President’s speech comes at the beginning of an historic year for older Americans. This summer Medicare turns 50, and Social Security turns 80. Some in the new Congress have already sought to limit these modest, crucial, earned promises that took shape when too many older Americans faced poverty. As Social Security and Medicare have protected the middle class and kept millions out of poverty for generations, and many families and Americans of all ages continue to struggle, we must seek to strengthen them. 

“As we anticipate new budget proposals from the President and Congress, we urge our elected representatives to fight for responsible solutions to strengthen Medicare and Social Security.  If elected officials truly do want a strong middle class to have real possibilities in their lives, they must demonstrate as much with proposals that reflect the needs and views of the people they represent, instead of generating proposals that could cause irreparable harm. 

“In November, voters sent the message that they want to see our elected officials work together. AARP will continue to raise our voice on behalf of older Americans and the benefits they have earned and need. We’ll continue to work with the President and members of Congress from both parties to bolster health and retirement security for today’s older Americans and for future generations.

“This year AARP will also be an active participant in the White House Conference on Aging and a series of forums to be held around the nation. We hope that elected officials with a diversity of viewpoints join this conversation to have an honest dialogue about aging in America.”