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Welch Pushes for Cost of Living Increases

Burlington, Vermont - September 21, 2009

Congressman Peter Welch wants a cost of living increase for social security recipients.

He told a group of senior citizens in Burlington he plans to sponsor legislation asking the Social Security Administration to re-examine the cost of living index. That index is not expected to give seniors an increase in their checks next year. But Welch says that system does not take into account the cost of medical inflation, which has a significant impact on seniors.

Welch is optimistic the legislation will pass.

"I think they're reasonably good because one here is enormous support, bipartisan support to maintain the solvency of social security. Number two, I think there's a growing recognition that medical inflation is eating into the benefit. So I think there's going to be a good deal of support to do this," said Representative Peter Welch. 

104,000 Vermonters receive social security.