Potential program cuts for seniors, disabled blasted at forum
Youngstown Vindicator – More than $150,000 was spent recently on a traffic light in upstate New York, and government funding was used for a cotton mill in Brazil.
Those are two of what Carolyn Williams says are many examples of wasteful government spending that could be better used to preserve and protect Social Security.
“Social Security is not an entitlement; it is a promise to the American people who have paid into the system,” Williams, of Youngstown, told an audience of about 200 community organizers, senior citizens, residents, elected officials and others who attended Sunday’s town-hall meeting with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown at United Baptist Church, 528 Lincoln Ave.
“Proposed cuts will force recipients to pay higher insurance premiums and co-pays, and deny us money for essentials like prescription drugs and groceries.”
Other elected officials who spoke were U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, and state Sen. Capri Cafaro of Liberty.
Sponsoring the 90-minute gathering were the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative in partnership with the Service Employees International Union’s Fight for a Fair Economy Campaign, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative and Union Baptist.
