ALBANY, N.Y. August 10, 2011 - Hundreds of people will rally Thursday in Albany to protect Medicare from those in Washington who want to dismantle one of the nation's most successful federal programs.
The hour-long event - aimed at coinciding with Medicare's 46th anniversary - will start at 1 p.m. in the community center of St. Sophia's Church, 440 Whitehall Road.
NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta will be the featured speaker, along with Carolyn McLaughlin, Albany Common Council President; Michael Burgess, from the StateWide Senior Action Council, and Dennis Tracey, NYS Alliance for Retired Americans president.
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. The program also serves younger Americans and families that are coping with disabilities and other medical conditions.
"Medicare allows families to worry less about their health, to live independently and to age with dignity," said Dennis Tracey of the NYSARA. "In recognizing and celebrating it, we also pledge to stand together to support Medicare against the budget cutters."
NYSUT, the state's largest union, represents more than 600,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
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