Seniors

"Today the American people saw a clear contrast in values," Garamendi said. "I think seniors who toiled for decades to create the America we love deserve to retire with dignity and financial security. My Republican colleagues unfortunately have different priorities."

"This Congress has built on the legacy of Social Security. Because of laws passed this year, we’re closing the prescription drug 'donut hole', offering free preventative care in Medicare, bolstering senior nutrition programs, and creating new employment opportunities for seniors," Garamendi added. "This Senior Resources Fair is a continuation of our commitment to you. I hope you take advantage of the many services available to you today."

"When Democrats in Congress voted for health care reform earlier this year, we did so with the confidence that we were improving health care access for millions of seniors," Congressman Garamendi said. "These $250 rebates, along with the free preventative and primary care available to seniors next year, are early steps in the process. In a few years, we will completely close the donut hole and continue to improve coverage for our seniors."

"With every teacher we lay off, hundreds of students face larger class sizes and less individual attention – and all the studies show that these are among the most important variables in determining the success of our students," Congressman Garamendi said. "Today, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in the House to stand with our teachers and students, because the prosperity of our great nation depends on a well-educated workforce."

"Over the coming months, seniors who fall into the Medicare Part D donut hole will receive $250 rebate checks in the mail," Congressman Garamendi explained. "This first step marks the beginning of the end of the donut hole, which because of our new health care reform laws, will completely close by 2020."

Garamendi added, "Checks are in the mail to provide relief to millions of seniors trapped in the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole. With $250 this year, a 50 percent discount on name brand prescription drugs next year, and the complete closure of the donut hole by 2020, seniors are getting the financial relief they deserve from health care reform. To those who want to repeal health care reform, I have only one question, 'Which senior’s check do you want to take away first?'"