"The opposite of poverty is justice." - Bryan Stevenson
How can we be a wealthy nation when so many are poor and mistreated?
Sidenote: My deepest apologies for being out this past week. My home is sick with Covid and flu. We’re on the mend now. - Laurie
How can we be a wealthy nation when so many are poor and mistreated? It is morally reprehensible that two people hold as much wealth in the US as the bottom 40 percent. Congress must stand up to protect the vulnerable and unseen members of our society, not continue to neglect them as has been done for decades.
“My name is Amanda. I have a permanent visual impairment, and Congress's inaction has forced me to live SUB-POVERTY and not MARRY the person I love. I cannot SAVE for emergencies or my family's needs, get a JOB or have the FREEDOM to live independently. Congress, will you not see me?”
Many people like Amanda are not seen by members of our society because they are dependent on SSI. Also known as Supplemental Security Income, the program provides vital assistance to nearly 8 million elderly and people with disabilities (which includes 1 million children).
The limits on assets for SSI beneficiaries are unfair to individuals and families alike. SSI recipients can only have a little of anything in cash, bank accounts, retirement accounts, whole life insurance policies, investments, and certain types of personal property to be eligible for the benefit, which keeps them stuck in poverty. They often prevent family members from seeking promotions, accepting new jobs, or saving money for fear that their loved one will lose their benefits.
It also keeps people with disabilities from getting married because of the punitive SSI rules that disqualify married people if their combined savings exceed $3,000. SSI benefits are so minimal that recipients are below the federal poverty line.
In September of 2023, Senators Brown (D-OH) and Cassidy (R-LA) and Representatives Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Higgins (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which would increase the asset limit from $2,000 to $10,000 for an individual and $3,000 to $20,000 for a couple. Additionally, it would exclude retirement savings from the countable assets.
Will you take one (1) minute to send a message to Congress to support elderly and people with disabilities and co-sponsor the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act?
Thanks so much for taking action!
Everyone deserves to vote and thrive,
Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)
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I believe in the power of the people. People Power United members believe in the possibility of change and work to make it happen. I have seen the love and determination of folks stepping up to write letters and postcards to voters, signing petitions and letter campaigns, making calls, sending texts, hitting doors, and dropping literature. There is no power like that of the people, and People Power United stands ready to protect our communities against any and all injustices. - Laurie Woodward Garcia, People Power United
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