WHEREAS:

The National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC) is one of the leading senior citizen organizations in the country and the only one endorsed by the AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS:

For over 26 years NCSC has been championing the rights of Older Americans and has been in the forefront of every improvement in Social Security, Medicare, other health care issues and in the protection of our national social insurance system; and

WHEREAS:

NCSC has been credited with playing the major organizational role in the passage of Medicare in 1965 and is a leading advocate for a national health care program for all Americans, both young and old alike; and

WHEREAS:

NCSC, in addition to its advocacy on senior citizens issues, has stood shoulder to shoulder with workers and their unions on scores of issues including many issues vital to AFSCME's working members; and

WHEREAS:

A number of AFSCME Retiree Chapters are active in NCSC and have assumed various leadership positions in their State Councils of Senior Citizens and in their local Area Councils.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 28th International Convention of AFSCME affirm AFSCME's strong support for the National Council of Senior Citizens; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME Retiree Chapters should continue their involvement with NCSC at the state and local level and seek elected leadership positions at the various levels of NCSC's structure; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME Councils and Locals, in accordance with their own customs and traditions, actively support the efforts to build strong state affiliates of NCSC, and work toward an effective partnership in our shared struggle for a life of dignity and economic security for all Americans.

SUBMITTED BY:

Eliot Reif, President, Retirees Association
John Boer, Secretary, Retirees Association
Council 37 Retiree Chapter
New York, New York