RICHARD CORDRAY FIGHTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES

By Richard Cordray

USE BUDGET SURPLUSES TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY. COVER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR SENIORS. TOUGH LAWS ON CRIMES AGAINST SENIORS.

USE BUDGET SURPLUSES TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY

Richard Cordray believes that any budget surpluses in the near future should be used to shore up Social Security and Medicare as our first priority. The Republicans instead want to spend the surplus (and more) on a tax cut skewed to the wealthy, and do nothing to strengthen Medicare or extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund. "There is something wrong with a Congress that will not make it the first priority to keep our promises to our senior citizens, whose hard work has given us all the opportunities we have for the future," Richard Cordray says. "We cannot risk their financial security for another gamble on discredited theories of supply-side economics and soaring deficits."

COVER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR SENIORS

Richard Cordray supports the current proposal to cover prescription drugs for senior citizens, which the Republicans oppose. Rising prices threaten seniors who live on a fixed income and must choose between eating, paying the rent, and getting the prescription drugs they need. The proposal would have Medicare cover prescription drugs and make this option available to everyone in Medicare. "Two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries do not have adequate prescription drug coverage right now," Richard Cordray says, "even though prescription drugs are crucial to their health care. We can do better."

TOUGH LAWS ON CRIMES AGAINST SENIORS

Richard Cordray supports efforts to strengthen federal laws dealing with the most widespread crimes against seniors, such as telemarketing fraud, sweepstakes mailing abuses, and insurance fraud. "Those who prey upon the elderly to take their hard-earned savings deserve severe and certain punishment," Richard Cordray says.