Senior stimulus generates debate

Those from both sides of the political fence agree seniors will likely see at least some government stimulus in 2010 to make up for a 0 percent cost of living increase from the Social Security Administration.
However, it's still too early to determine where the funding will come from, and some believe it won't be enough to make a difference anyway.
In the wake of President Barack Obama's support last week of a one-time $250 stimulus for about 57 million senior citizens, veterans, retired railroad workers and people with disabilities, U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, has already voiced support of a stimulus that comes from bailout funds from earlier this year.
In a press release, she said her proposed H.R. 3691, the Seniors and Veterans Economic Stimulus Act, would provide more than $13 billion from the stimulus package approved earlier this year
Obama didn't say how the payments should be financed, leaving that up to Congress. The president is open to borrowing the money and increasing the federal deficit, just as Congress did with the first round of stimulus payments.
"I've already introduced a similar bill - which proposes to use unobligated funds from the failed economic stimulus package," Brown-Waite said. "The flaw in this system needs to be addressed; however, our seniors and veterans cannot afford to shoulder the burden of our struggling economy while they wait for the federal government to fix it: They need relief now."
However, Jerry Lambert, president of the board of directors for Timber Pines Community, said $250, while appreciated, won't go far to help seniors. At least not as long as costs stay the same or increase.
"Last year was an anomaly when we all received about a 5.8 percent increase, which made a significant impact," Lambert said. "But going from 5.8 to zero, that's a huge difference and unless costs go down, a one-time payment of $250 isn't going to offset that."
Bob Williams, president of the Hernando County AARP chapter, said he personally would appreciate $250 to help pay for bills and other things. He added that every little bit helps.
Cy Wingrove, chairman of the Hernando County Democratic Executive Committee, said he believes most will agree that something should be done to help seniors - especially those who really need it, such as those on fixed incomes.
"In this case, we're talking about a stimulus that would help people who really need it, not bailing out bankers," Wingrove said. "And $250 is better than nothing."
Blaise Ingoglia, chairman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee, said he hadn't fully researched the topic yet, but added it was in the early stages and that proposals would also likely change.
Brown-Waite's proposal is currently in the early stages of seeking co-sponsors from Democrats and Republicans. Revisions could also be made before it moves forward.