Congressional Response: Representative Heather Wilson (R-1st, NM) Responds to Your COLA Petition

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Congressional Response: Representative Heather Wilson (R-1st, NM) Responds to Your COLA Petition

Thank you for signing the TREA Senior Citizens League petition on the Social Security COLA.

The Social Security COLA for 2005 will be 2.7%. This increase will equal about a $25 increase each month in the benefit check of the average senior. The $11.60 per month increase in Medicare Part B premiums will consume about one-half of the Social Security COLA increase.

Bernie Sanders' bill, H.R. 2262, would require the establishment of a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers to more accurately compute cost-of-living increases for Social Security and Medicare benefits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics would be responsible for preparing and publishing this monthly Consumer Price Index.

I understand your support for this bill. Your desire to have a cost of living formula that more accurately reflects your expenses is well taken.

This legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. While I do not serve on this committee that has direct influence on this bill, I appreciate you bringing the specifics of it to my attention. Please be assured I will keep your thoughts in mind should this bill come to the House floor for a vote.

Again, thank you letting me know your thoughts by signing the petition.

Sincerely,
Heather Wilson
Member of Congress

January 2005