Fighting back against a zero COLA increase come 2016 in Social Security benefits, top Democratic senators including Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced legislation Thursday to boost Social Security and other benefits for seniors and the disabled.
The bill, the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act, would give about 70 million seniors, veterans, the disabled and others an emergency payment equal to 3.9% of the average annual Social Security benefit, about $581 – the same percentage raise as the top CEOs, the senators stated in a joint statement.
"If we do nothing, on January 1st, more than 70 million seniors, veterans, and other Americans won't get an extra dime in much-needed Social Security and other benefits," Warren said. "And while Congress sits on its hands and pretends that there's nothing we can do, taxpayers will keep right on subsidizing billions of dollars' worth of bonuses for highly paid CEOs."
Added Warren: "Giving seniors a little help with their Social Security and stitching up corporate tax write-offs isn't just about economics; it's about our values."
