FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 4, 2008

For More Information:  Jamie Bulen, 603 621 1003

AARP to Senators: Low-Income New Hampshire Residents Deserve Role in Economic Stimulus

Manchester – As Senators Gregg and Sununu returned home from Washington last weekend, AARP is urging them to support an economic stimulus package, which includes stimulus support for approximately 20 million Americans that depend primarily on Social Security for retirement income.

“Hundreds of thousands of older New Hampshire residents depend mostly – if not entirely – on Social Security,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark.  “These are people who worked all their lives.  They’re on fixed incomes and face higher prices for health care, food and gas.  These Granite Staters are feeling the economic squeeze and should be included in putting the economy back on track,” added Clark.

According to analysis by AARP’s Public Policy Institute, approximately 155,000 New Hampshire residents age 65 and over would be eligible for stimulus assistance.  AARP also reports that these older Americans spend 92% of their income – a greater proportionate share of income than all other adults.

“A stimulus package is a fair and effective plan that would put money into the hands of people who will more quickly put the money back into the economy and help out those who need it most,” said Clark.  “It’s just common sense.”