Norm Wernet, President of the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed President Joe Biden’s recent State of the Union address and highlighted several aspects of the speech that could positively impact retirees and workers.
Wernet felt Biden listened to the ARA’s call to ensure no cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and was pleased the President doubled-down on this commitment in his speech. Any cuts to these programs would deny retirees the money they invested into the programs, he added.
Despite Biden’s commitment and assurances from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California), the Alliance is wary of future cuts to Social Security and Medicare. Given the history of the debt limit debates, Wernet feels such cuts could be on the table during negotiations. Wernet is hopeful there will be no cuts because in a recent Senate session, a few Republicans said there would be no cuts to either program.
Overall, Wernet called the President’s State of the Union Address a “homerun for retirees and workers.” Biden addressed many of the daily issues faced by retirees and workers. The capping of monthly prescription medication expenses would make a huge impact on retirees, he said. By lowering the cost of diabetes medicine, Biden will help many retirees and workers with diabetes afford to purchase items besides their medication.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.