US Congresswoman Chellile Pingree (D) Says SS Increase for 2017 is Not Enough.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,554)

The Social Security Administration has announced a paltry 0.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in benefits for 2017.  That comes to about $5.00 per month on average.

“This is the fifth year in a row with a COLA increase under 2 % and there was none at all last year  I am worried that rising Medicare premiums for the coming year could eclipse whatever small increase seniors might have seen,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D) in a press release issued by her office yesterday.  “I think any Maize senior would say that their cost of living has gone up more than $5. a month.  As the cost of food, medicine and housing continue to grow, it’s clear that we need to use a fairer model of determine benefit levels.”

The Social Security Administration currently uses the CPI index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to determine annually whether benefits should increase (by law they cannot decrease).  Throughout her time in Congress Chellie Pingree has sponsored multiple pieces of legislation to instead use the CPI for the Elderly (CP_E) which more accurately depicts costs for seniors according to ‘Andrew Colvin, Deputy Director of Communications for Pingree.  (207 774-5019.

Where are US Senators Angus King and Susan Collins  on this issue?  AWOL.