UNION MEMBERS ARE WELL INFORMED and WE VOTE
By Ken Goodfriend
UFT Florida Coordinator of Sections and Services
Two of the most important facts that politicians know about union members is that we are well informed and we vote. Union members and their families vote in higher percentages than most other groups. As Florida residents it is our obligation to cast our ballots in every election and this current election is definitely no exception. The policy differences between the two major-party candidates could not be more striking.
Unions are unique special interest groups, especially for their retired members. A retiree’s quality-of-life is influenced by their monthly Social Security benefit, their health plan benefits, as well as their pension. It is one of the main reasons that the American Federation of Teachers has endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for President of the United States.
Unlike the Republican Party candidate, Hillary has flatly stated that she intends to seek increases in Social Security, funded, in part, by a scrapping of the cap on FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) payroll deductions. Note the word “Insurance.” We paid into the Social Security fund while we were working in order to have the benefits paid to us once we “retired.” For many retirees, their monthly Social Security payment is their sole source of income. Hillary has also stated that she will not privatize Social Security accounts, a plan that the Republican-led Congress has been pushing for years. Remember what happened to stock market portfolios in 2008? No insurance should be subject to the whims of the stock market.
And, unlike the Republican Party candidate, Hillary will not use a “voucher” approach to Medicare. She will defend the Affordable Care Act and seek to improve it where necessary. And she will crack down on drug companies charging excessive prices, slow the growth of out-of-pocket costs, and provide a new credit to those facing high health expenses.
We must also not forget that there are very important local races on the November ballot. We are electing a United States Senator as well as members to the House of Representatives. The American Federation of Teachers, the Florida Education Association, the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, and the Florida AFL-CIO have endorsed Patrick Murphy for the United States Senate. He has demonstrated his commitment to seniors through his votes in the House of Representatives. Patrick is opposed to cuts in Social Security, including privatization and raising the retirement age. He is a strong defender of traditional Medicare, Part-D, and Medicare Advantage, and will continue fighting against cuts that would hurt seniors. His Republican opponent has no such commitment - his record speaks for itself.
So, whether you vote by mail, vote early, or vote of November 8th, it is imperative that you vote. You must decide which issues are most important to your well being and to your financial security and vote accordingly.