ARA Retirees Gear up to Get Out the Vote and protect Worker Rights

 

Leading up to Labor Day, the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) gathered to endorse worker rights champion Rep. Jahana Hayes for re-election in the 5th Congressional District, a battleground targeted by the national Republican Party and corporate funding sources re-take control of the House of Representatives.

Representing more than 59,000 members from many unions, the CT ARA also endorsed US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Rep. John Larson and Rep. Joe Courtney for their 100% voting records on senior issues and commitment to oppose privatization of Social Security at the top of the Republican agenda..

“Rep. Hayes has earned a perfect lifetime score of 100% in the Alliance’s annual Congressional Voting Record,” said ARA president Bette Marafino. “She knows that thousands of seniors in her district rely on the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have earned, and she's working to protect all of our retirement security.”

Rep. Hayes, a former teacher and state worker expressed appreciation saying, "Our seniors have done the hard work of helping to build this country, that’s why I will work just as hard to protect and expand Social Security, fight for affordable healthcare and make sure our retirees are never left behind.”.

Hayes has been a leader in the fight to protect earned pension benefits and lower drug prices. She voted to require Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors, cap out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year and cap insulin co-pays at $35 a month. She also voted to provide hearing benefits under Medicare and $150 billion for Medicaid home care services.

Accepting the endorsement from ARA, Sen. Blumenthal emphasized the clear choice in this election.

 

While Blumenthal helped lead passage of gun control legislation and passage of the Inflation Reduction Act which includes lowering prescription drug costs and measures to stem climate change and create jobs, his opponent,Trump-endorsed Leora Levy, “considers the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol legitimate political discourse. Her program includes privatizing Social Security, banning abortions, and opposing gun control measures.”

The Connecticut AFL-CIO is kicking off its voter education and turnout program on Labor Day weekend, with plans to visit union members and their families at their homes across the state, listen to the issues they are concerned about, and win support for labor endorsed candidates.