This story originally provided by The Charleston Daily Mail

February 24, 2005

Social Security offset, benefits, among AARP concerns

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia seniors want full unemployment benefits that are not offset by Social Security payments, the state chapter of AARP has said.

Seniors who lose a job while collecting Social Security benefits also lose most, or all, of their unemployment benefits.

"Many older workers end up getting no unemployment benefits because of this discriminatory practice, which is still in place against older workers in West Virginia,'' said Bill Davis, president of the 285,000-member state AARP chapter. "And yet, they have earned both benefits through their participation in the paid labor force.''

State AARP members wore red buttons on Wednesday that said, "Off With the Offset,'' as they released results of a survey of about 2,000 state members that produced a list of legislative priorities.

Survey results showed the following:

--Nearly 80 percent want affordable drugs,

--75 percent want better health care and protection of their pensions and retirement savings,

--54 percent favor helping older people stay in their homes and communities,

--53 percent want affordable utility rates,

--51 percent want more consumer protection against fraud,

--and 49 percent are concerned about quality long-term care costs and availability.

Also Wednesday, the AARP joined several other groups at the state Capitol to speak out about proposed plans to privatize Social Security, which pays out benefits to more than 400,000 West Virginians.

President Bush has endorsed the idea of diverting money from the nation's retirement program into private investment accounts.

"It would do nothing to solve the long-term solvency,'' said Frank Bellinetti, state director of AARP West Virginia. Instead, the AARP supports other steps to strengthen the program in the long term, including raising the cap on wages that are taxed to support the entitlement.

Delegate Michael Caputo, D-Marion, said he planned to introduce a House resolution opposing drastic changes to Social Security.

"The message is very clear,'' Caputo said. "Keep your hands off Social Security and keep your promise to America.''

The AFL-CIO plans to ask federal lawmakers to sign a pledge to strengthen the entitlement, said Kenny Perdue, state president of the labor union.