Scorecard Rates Lawmakers On Key Issues

Friday, March 1, 2002

(NAPSA)—A new scorecard grades the performance of lawmakers on more than a dozen votes on critical issues that affect seniors and their families. Beside the creation of a Medicare prescription drug benefit, the scorecard also includes how elected officials voted on increased access to generic prescription drugs, across-the-board tax cuts, the creation of a Social Security “lock box” and the reduction of Social Security fraud. “The midterm elections could have a significant impact on the future of Social Security and Medicare. Seniors and their families need to know who aretheir friends on these issues,” said Barbara B. Kennelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “This scorecard,” she continued, “will help inform a large block of voters in some of the closest races around the country.” According to Kennelly, candidates’ positions on the future of Social Security and the creation of a Medicare prescription drug ben- efit may well decide a number of close races around the country. She believes seniors could account for as much as 30 percent of the vote this fall. The scores of individual lawmakers are based on 13 votes in the House and 15 votes in the Senate. Votes are chosen based on their importance to the National Committee’s legislative agenda that was published in January 2000. Only those votes in which the National Committee publicly announced a position are used as part of the scorecard. Copies of the scorecard can be found at the National Committee’s web site, www.nepssm.org. Copies can also be obtained by calling the National Committee toll free at 1-800-966-1935. The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professionalstaff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better informed citizens and voters. To learn more, visit the Website at www.ncpssm.org.