Seniors Protest Medicare Legislation

August 15, 2003
The Alliance for Retired Americans' "Blow the Whistle" campaign intensified this week with major events in Arizona and Pennsylvania.

More than 150 seniors demonstrated outside the Pittsburgh office of Sen. Rick Santorum(R-PA) on Wednesday. Led by Marty Berger, President of the Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans,the protesters demanded that Sen. Santorum "start working for the seniors of Pennsylvania, not the drug companies."

Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, issued a statement denouncing Sen. Santorum for working with the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) to defeat legislation that would allow the reimportation of less expensive prescription medications from other countries such as Canada.

In Tucson, Arizona, about 125 seniors participated in an event targeting Sen. Jon Kyl (R). Two seniors were arrested for trespassing while attempting to walk across a parking lot to deliver a letter to the Senator's office.

In Phoenix, more than 100 retirees and other activists picketed the Senator'soffice. Three seniors were allowed to present a letter to members of the Senator's staff but only after lengthy negotiations to get the staff to open the door.

"Now, while they are home for the August recess, is the time to tell your Senators and Representatives how you feel about the two Medicare bills (S. 1 and H.R. 1) passed by the House and Senate," Coyle said. "Make them understand that the real winners of these bills are the drug companies and the insurance industry. Tell them that you want a real prescription drug benefit under Medicare that is available to all seniors."

For a list of upcoming grassroots events, visit the Alliance website.