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Senior voters voice opinions on election year issues
Medicare is shaping up to be one of the biggest issues in the 2012 presidential campaign, and it has already become one of the central sparring points between the Obama and Romney campaigns.
Seniors in Central Nebraska have been watching closely during the last two debates because of those possible cuts to Medicare. Especially since they rely on Medicare to help pay for their medical needs. But they're also looking at another possible impact - social security. It's something these seniors say they survive on. It's Senior Fest 2012 at the city auditorium. Hundreds gather for a day of fun and a chance to catch up. But this year's fest has people talking. "The older people are going to find themselves behind the 8 ball if they start cutting Medicare and social security," said David Parker. A lot of the talk is centered around the upcoming presidential election. "I've changed my mind on a lot of things because of the debates and even the presidents," Nancy Stark said. But for a lot of these seniors, their concerns focus on two key issues. "Let's hope they help the elderly and Medicare and social security. We need a raise back in social security," said Dorothy Klanecky. Social security is something these seniors rely on and many are worried about its future and theirs. "When you get on social security as your income, you're not going to get rich," Parker said. "I have a friend and that's what they depend on, is entirely their social security, they have no other income," said Irma Parks. "I just started on social security so it's real important," said Stark. With only one presidential debate left... "Just listening to all the debates and what all they're for and what they're against," Stark said. ...seniors say it's important to get other seniors out to vote. "It's to their advantage to get out and vote," Parker said. In regards to Medicare, a 2011 Medicare Trustee Report said the Medicare trust fund could be insolvent as early as 2016. However, the $716 billion in cuts President Obama enacted in his health care law could keep the program solvent another 8 years. Mitt Romney has said he wants to repeal those cuts. |
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