Social Security, Medicare Under Attack

Republicans in Washington are out to gut Social Security and Medicare, but Michigan residents aren't about to stand by and let it happen.

The Michigan Alliance to Strengthen Social Security and Medicare will shine a light on Republican plans with a special forum on Sept. 16 in Detroit. Called "Are You Really Covered?" the event will feature Janet E. Witt, Grassroots Manager of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

The forum will examine how safe Social Security and Medeicare benefits are in the face of Republican attacks on the program. It will look into options of the "Super Committee" created by the debt-ceiling compromise and how those might threaten Social Security and Medicare. The central question of the forum is "Will Congress balance the budget on the backs of retirees and workers and give more tax breaks to the wealthy?"

Invited speakers include Sen. Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Reps. John Conyers and Hansen Clarke of Michigan, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, and Max Richtman, executive director of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

The event, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will be at the Sacred Heart Church activities building, 3451 Rivard St., in Detroit, located at the Mack Avenue exit of I-75, across from McDonalds.

Suggested donation to cover expenses is $5.