Email Alert: July 17, 2010 _______________________
Subject: Retirement Challenges
Dear GM Retiree,
As you may have read in a recent email from the National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN), the NRLN will be holding its 2nd Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In on September 13-14. This annual event is designed to have NRLN Grassroots Network members meet with their U.S. Representatives and Senators to urge them to pass legislation that will protect pensions and Social Security; address rising health care costs, and safeguard the interests of retirees in bankruptcy court with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and in situations involving mergers and acquisitions.
What GM retirees are facing now was unthinkable just a few years ago. Many GM retirees who are under 65 accepted reduced pensions based on retirement estimates provided to them by GM that included health care and other benefits. They now face rising health care and other costs with little hope for pension cost-of-living increases or the benefit of Social Security and Medicare. Members of Congress need to fully understand the impact this is having on the lives of retirees and their spouses.
NRLN Grassroots Network members -- including GMRA representatives -- will meet with members of Congress while in Washington, D.C. and will provide them with a briefing packet that includes the NRLN's legislative agenda, executive summaries of white papers on key retirement issues, and personal stories from retirees.
We would like to include personal stories from GMRA members about hardships they are experiencing and/or their retirement security concerns. Often, the emotions caused by a real life story will motivate a member of Congress to take action when facts and figures do not. It also demonstrates the need to pass laws that put pensions and benefits at the top of the list of items that cannot be shed when a company files for bankruptcy. To add credibility with Senators and Representatives, we ask that you allow us to include with your story/comments your name, age, and city and state where you reside.
Some GM retirees responded to the NRLN's request for this information a year ago. Those stories will again be included in the packet presented to the lawmakers.
If you have a story or comments to share, send it by email directly to [email protected] by July 31st. We will be happy to assist in writing a compelling account if you are willing to provide the pertinent facts.
