Gerald Kleczka: “I rise today on behalf of 750 retirees in my district who were betrayed by their employer, and on behalf of retirees…”

“I rise today on behalf of 750 retirees in my district who were betrayed by their employer, and on behalf of retirees across the country who are increasingly victimized by corporate irresponsibility. Last month in Milwaukee, the Pabst Brewing Co. abruptly informed its retirees that it would no longer provide health and death benefits. Just like that. Years of hard work and dedication. Labor agreements. Promises. Out the window. This is a disturbing trend. Last week I introduced the Health Care Assurance for Retired Employees Act, or the CARE Act. It would provide that companies give their retirees 6 months notice of any changes to their benefits. Further, the Labor Department would have to certify that the changes were in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreements. Under the CARE Act, retirees aged 55 to 65 would have expanded access to health insurance under COBRA until they were eligible for Medicare. Medicare's late enrollment penalties would be waived, and a 6-month Medigap open enrollment period would be established. I ask my colleagues to please join me in cosponsoring this bipartisan bill which will provide fair and workable safeguards for your retired constituents.”