Cicilline to Launch Congressional Series for Seniors

WOONSOCKET, RI – U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) this week launches his Congressional Series for Seniors to explain the effects of the Republican budget on older Rhode Islanders. In addition, Congressman Cicilline will outline the services his congressional office can provide for seniors including Social Security and Medicare benefits, housing help, how to locate meal sites, and more.

Cicilline’s Congressional Series for Seniors will kickoff tomorrow, Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at the Parkview Manor Senior High in Woonsocket at 4:45 P.M. followed by another series event at the St. Germain Manor Senior Highrise in Woonsocket beginning at 6:00 P.M.

Congressman Cicilline will begin his Congressional Seniors Series by discussing the effects of the Republican budget on Medicare and Medicaid. Under the Republican budget, tax breaks for millionaires would be increased while the Medicare guarantee for seniors would end and support for seniors in nursing homes, disabled individuals, and low-income children who depend on Medicaid would be cut.

In addition, the Republican budget extends tax breaks to oil companies and special interests that ship jobs overseas, while slashing vital investments in education, public safety, research into cures and treatments for diseases, clean energy, and critical infrastructure.

The U.S. House passed the Republican budget late last week. Congressman Cicilline voted against this budget.

Upon the passage of this budget proposal, Cicilline said, “I voted against this Republican budget because it does not reflect our values. We must do better for our seniors and the middle class. The alternative budget proposal by the Democratic Caucus actually reduces the deficit by $1.2 trillion more than the President’s budget. It keeps our commitments to America’s seniors instead of dismantling Medicare. And it invests in our nation’s future, helping small businesses create jobs and Make it in America.”

Cicilline’s Congressional Series for Seniors will continue after tomorrow at senior high rises including those in Warren, Pawtucket, North Providence and Central Falls. More details on exact locations will be released throughout the week.