AARP has been educating seniors on what politicians are up to with the Chained CPI, which is “a fancy Washington term that means cutting the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for social security and veterans benefits.  The cut would start now and grow larger over time.”  

But it gets worse. Under the new calculations, annual COLA increases will be smaller but “taxes will increase for about 80% of all taxpayers.”  Taxpayers with the smallest incomes ($10,000-$20,000) will see the greatest rise in their taxes over 16 years (7%).  The poor will get poorer.

Using $20,000 as a typical retiree’s income level (age 65) , AARP projects a loss of $14,076 in cuts by age 90.  For a veteran, 62 years, the loss will be $32,000 in total benefits.

To calculate what you might lose, AARP has provided an easy calculator:

https://act.aarp.org/CCPI/index-landing.html

This is a time when an elderly person’s need for money for is at its highest and disposable income is at its lowest!

Democrats, President Obama included, insisted on it in their  most recent budget. Republicans must be leaping for joy over this concept.  I think it’s time to email our Senators because if they vote for this hideous budget proposal, they do not deserve our votes.  This is a fast process if you use the form under the calculator on the AARP website.

If this goes through, there’s always cat food.  Cat food. It’s what’s  for dinner!  A little Fancy Feast tuna or liver anyone? Meow. Purr. Yuck.  

Ed. note. Keidove brings up a valid argument. I shy from politics on this site but I defer to her on this. We risk the frittering away of what is unarguably a financial pittance currently when viewed in perspective. I had a six figure salary in construction over the years I was in business. My remuneration from VA is less than 25% of that. I don’t complain. I merely mention it for comparison purposes. Of course, when measured against Congress’ largesse, it pales in comparison.

And for the record, cat food has too much fish taste. I prefer Ken-L-Ration beef with sweet potatoes for a more balanced and nutritious diet. Keep the floss handy though. There’s a lot of gristle in it. For homeless Vets, I’ve discovered that the dry version (below) requires no refrigeration and stays fresh for weeks. Be sure you insist on this type from VA personnel at standowns.