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Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund I039m putting something here for spacing Home Protecting the Dream of a Secure Retirement for all Americans Drastic stock market fluctuations very low interest rates for savings dramatic inflation in prescription drug costs the loss of pensions and the often crushing costs of disease and crippling illness are threatening the security of retired Americans. The promise of a retirement with dignity is disappearing for many seniors. Most Americans do not know that under a new definition of poverty developed by the Census Bureau and taking into account cost of outofpocket expenses and higher costof livinglocations 15 of all retirees fall below the poverty line. America can only fulfill its obligations to those who have given a lifetime of service and labor to their country if the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have earned are protected and expanded to meet todays challenges.