Washington, D.C. – On Friday, the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans (RI ARA) presented U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse with their Social Security and Medicare Hero Award for his advocacy on behalf of Rhode Island seniors. Whitehouse received the award from RI ARA President John A. Pernorio during a ceremony at the Salvatore Mancini Resource and Activity Center in North Providence.
“Medicare and Social Security must be protected as the bedrock of retirement security for our seniors,” said Whitehouse. “I am honored to be called a ‘Social Security and Medicare Champion’ and will continue to stand up for Rhode Island seniors.”
“The goal of the RI ARA is to become a voice for all older Americans. Senator Whitehouse has consistently been that voice, not only for the RI ARA members, but for seniors, women, children, minorities and people with disabilities across the nation. That’s why he is our Social Security & Medicare Hero,” said Pernorio.
Whitehouse, a founding member of the Senate’s Defending Social Security Caucus, has built a strong record of advocacy for Rhode Island seniors. In 2008, he successfully fought for a $300 rebate for seniors and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients in that year’s Economic Stimulus Act; in 2009 he worked to make sure the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a one-time $250 payment to seniors and SSDI recipients; and in 2010, he worked to ensure the health care reform law included a provision to end the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole.”
Last month Whitehouse held a hearing at the Johnston Senior Center to examine how Medicare, Social Security, and the Older Americans Act have helped Rhode Island seniors enjoy a stable, dignified retirement and pledged to make sure seniors can continue to receive the benefits they deserve.
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