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Newsmakers

CALIFORNIA: California Chapter 36 Pres. Michael Schaeffer represented AFSCME and the state AFL-CIO at the recent "Public Forum on Social Security" in Los Angeles. Schaeffer was joined by a stellar panel of experts and advocates, including four of California's U.S. Reprepresentatives — Xavier Becerra, Robert Matsui, Juanita Millender-McDonald and Brad Sherman. In his remarks, Schaeffer said privatizing Social Security would be like watching "a disaster film. Real people by the millions will be affected. Real poverty will increase dramatically. Survivor benefits for children and spouses will be less, disability benefits will be reduced, and the very viability of Social Security will face severe challenges." Noting that Social Security isn't just a retirement program, Schaeffer said that his son, who is autistic, is a disability beneficiary and receives income, home health services and health insurance through the Social Security system. "Do we really want to upset this delicate balance?" he asked the participants.

ILLINOIS: Political and community activist Elvia Steward, a longtime leader in Illinois Retiree Chapter 31, was recently named Honorary Chair of the Kankakee County Branch of the NAACP Freedom Fund. The award was presented at the group's annual fundraising banquet in October. Steward has been a member of the NAACP's Kankakee County branch since 1938. She's also a charter member of the Pembroke Health Department; a member of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council; a three-term Pembroke Township clerk; and a Pembroke Township Committee member. She's also Secretary of the Chapter 31 Executive Board. Congratulations Elvia!

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