DODD UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE SENIORS POLICY
In Advance of AARP Forum, Presidential Candidate Proposes Plan for Secure, Dignified Retirement for All
WASHINGTON - Presidential candidate Chris Dodd, a longtime advocate for seniors, today unveiled his plan for a secure, dignified retirement for all Americans. Citing the failures of the Bush Administration to deal with the declining quality of care for retirees, Dodd highlighted his commitment to America's seniors in advance of his participation in the AARP Presidential Forum in Davenport, IA.
"Security in retirement is one of our most fundamental values as Americans," said Dodd. "After a lifetime of hard work and paying taxes, seniors deserve the dignity of a secure retirement - reliable health care, affordable housing and prescription drugs, secure pensions, and a strong Social Security and Medicare system. With proven leadership that ensures a promise made is a promise kept, every senior can look forward to their golden years with optimism."
Dodd's plan would ensure that Social Security is strong for generations to come by getting our fiscal house in order, not privatizing the system, and strengthening federal oversight of pension programs. Dodd's plan would also provide every American with access to a universal 401K plan modeled on the Federal government's Thrift Savings Plan to give them additional financial security in retirement. Employees will have the option to contribute through automatic payroll deduction and a mechanism will be in place for employers to contribute to workers' accounts.
Dodd's plan for Secure, Dignified Retirement for All would:
Provide a secure pension to every American worker through a Universal 401K account
Ensure seniors' financial security by protecting them from scams and financial fraud
Commit $1 billion in his first term to expand the supply of affordable senior housing
Provide affordable, quality health care to every American and drive down the cost of prescription drugs
Provide added resources for affordable home and community based care
Strengthen and secure Social Security and Medicare for generations to come
Dodd plans to participate in the AARP/Iowa Public Television forum in Davenport, Iowa at 7:00 p.m. CDT this evening.
