Peterborough, NH – This morning, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) invited local seniors to join her at the Peterborough Library to celebrate Social Security’s 79^th birthday, and to discuss how Congress can best protect Social Security and Medicare. Advocates and experts on senior issues also joined the seniors forum, and took questions from event participants about resources available to them through these federal programs.

“Since first taking office, I have pledged to always protect Social Security and Medicare for our Granite State seniors. I hosted this open forum to hear directly from local seniors about what more Congress can do to support these crucial programs that so many of them rely on,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I was also proud to bring together local experts on senior services who were able to take questions from participants about other ways Medicare and Social Security programs could help benefit Granite State seniors.”

Congresswoman Annie Kuster is a strong supporter of Social Security and Medicare, and she has stood up to members of both parties to fight to protect these programs. Today’s forum gave Monadnock seniors a chance to catch up with Congresswoman Kuster, share their concerns about the programs, and hear about federal services available to seniors in the area. During the roundtable, Kuster also discussed a new bill she helped introduce to provide more support for caregivers who are helping take care of their elderly relatives or other individuals who need care.

“I was also pleased to share information with event participants about a new bill I helped introduce, the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act, which will help increase Social Security benefits for individuals who serve in a full-time caretaking role for their elderly relatives or other Granite Staters who need care,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I served as a caregiver for my mother when she suffered from Alzheimer’s. I was lucky to have the support of my family, but I know firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll caretaking duties can have on those providing the care. I was proud to help introduce this bill, which will help ease the burden on the dedicated individuals who provide caretaking services to their loved ones.”

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