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Bill Gates Knows Best: Philanthropy Is Power Bill Gates has been getting a lot of press recently about his “green initiatives” PSARA member Michael Righi discusses why these initiatives are far from good environmental solutions. Read

“If anyone here tries to cut Social Security or Medicare… I will stop them!” President Joe Biden, 2024 State of the Union Address, March 7, 2024 (This is a reprint from PSARA’s April 2024 Advocate) By Jeff Johnson Jeff Johnson and Floyd Since 2021, PSARA has launched a full-court press against attacks on Traditional Medicare and now against House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Fiscal Commission to undermine the health and retirement income security of seniors. “Over the past several years there has been a gold rush to privatize Medicare…. If we don’t ‘level the playing field’ between Traditional Medicare and privatized Medicare, healthcare decisions for seniors will be completely at the mercy of corporations…by the end of the decade.” (Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, from the forward to Give Us a Real Choice! Level the Playing Field Between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, PSARA 2024). Congresswoman Jayapal’s warning and President Biden’s declaration could not have come at a more important moment in history for protecting and strengthening the quality of life for seniors. As the leader of the Democratic party, we need President Biden to do everything he can, and by all means necessary, to provide seniors with a level playing field, a fair choice, in choosing between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage/ACO REACH for their healthcare needs. Traditional Medicare is a legacy democratic issue that is being systemically dismantled by private industry. If Trump and MAGA Republicans prevail at the ballot box in November, Traditional Medicare and Social Security as we know it will end. And so too will an important part of our democratic and social justice legacy. To level the playing field, President Biden needs to lead the effort to jettison the need for Medigap insurance policies (which were part of a historically racist policy to keep as many Black people out of the doctors’ offices and hospitals that primarily served white people); place a cap on out-of-pocket expenditures; equalize the benefits between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage (e.g., hearing, dental, vision, transportation, home visits, etc.); and put an end to the overpayments to private industry for managing Medicare claims, and the fraudulent practices private industry uses to bilk the Medicare Trust Fund out of tens of billions of dollars a year. Returning this money to the Medicare Trust Fund will pay for leveling the playing field. How is President Biden supposed to do this? Direct the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to incentivize Traditional Medicare; create pilot programs with cost parity for beneficiaries choosing Traditional Medicare Plans; claw back overpayments to, and fraudulent charges from Medicare Advantage and ACO REACH Programs; and put an end to fraudulent charges going forward. Lead on legislative and budgetary proposals. Use the power of executive orders where possible, in the face of Congressional resistance. Use the courts where necessary (Equal Protection Clause, e.g.). Educate the public through a concerted and strategic communications and organizing campaign. What can PSARA members and allies do? PSARA has drafted a letter to President Biden as well as a Resolution that outlines the need for and the consequences of not “Leveling the Playing Field” between Traditional Medicare and privatized Medicare. We are asking leaders and organizations to sign on to the letter with PSARA as well as to pass the resolution, in the case of organizations. We hope to demonstrate to President Biden the need for, and urgency of, creating a fair choice for seniors over their health care and the quality of their lives. We hope you will sign on to the letter. We hope you will also take the letter and resolution to organizations that you belong to and community leaders that you know for their endorsements. This is a national effort, so please reach out to relatives, friends, and organizations across the country. PSARA has also published a Medicare primer on making the case for “Leveling the Playing Field.” The primer, the letter to President Biden, and the Resolution can all be found on the PSARA website at PSARA.org. In this hyper-political environment we find ourselves in, Democrats need basic issues that will unite the majority of voters. Fulfilling the original promise of Medicare – to provide the health care seniors need when they most need it – is one of those fundamental issues. Jeff Johnson is Co-President of PSARA and a retired President of the WashingtonState Labor Council.

PSARA 2024 Legislative Agenda In preparation for the WA State Legislative Session the PSARA Board has established a set of legislative goals. Read

She Walks Miles in Other People’s Shoes, Part I Interview With Maureen Bo Angie Bartels interviews PSARA member and labor organizer Maureen Bo on her life experiences and work in organized labor Read

Email address, phone, and mailing address for PSARA. Complete this form for general inquiries. Get in Touch Submit Thank you for contacting us! PSARA Directory: PSARA Executive Director Mike Andrew Organizer@psara.org PSARA Co-President s Karen Richter and Jeff Johnson president@psara.org Administrative Vice Presidents Jessica Bonebright Outreach Co-Vice President s Lisa Dekker and Rick Timmins Membership Vice President Angela Bartels Treasurer Tom Lux Government Relations Committee Chair Pam Crone Environmental Committee Co-Chairs Tom Lux, Bob Barnes, Bobby Righi Diversity Committee Co-Chairs Frank Irigon and Anne Watanabe Retiree Advocate Editor Mike Andrew msand76@hotmail.com Retiree Advocate Copy Editor Amy Davis Web Administrator Paul Muldoon Facebook Administrator Ellen Menshew PSARA Education Fund Directory: President Robby Stern Vice President Karen Ric h ter president@psara.org Secretary Barb Flye Treasurer Laila Saliba Board Member Carlos de la Torre Vanetta Molson Advocate Editor Mike Andrew msand76@hotmail.com Copy Editor Amy Davis Photographer Garet Munger Printing Trade Printery Need to reach us? Phone our office in the WSLC at (206) 261-8110. If necessary, leave a message with your phone number. We will call you back.

The Dash Shuttle runs on 10 - 15 minute headways between the Labor Council and the State Capitol. It is a free shuttle service. You should allow at least a half hour to 45 minutes to get to your meetings at the State Capitol.

Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid Are Under Attack Source documents: Overall: FACT SHEET: Senator Murray Outlines How Trump’s Attempt to Shutter Federal Agencies’ Offices Across WA State Will Hurt Taxpayers, Rip Away Services: https://www.murray.senate.gov/fact-sheet-senator-murray-outlines-how-trumps-attempt-to-shutter-federal-agencies-offices-across-wa-state-will-hurt-taxpayers-rip-away-services/ Medicaid: Click here to see what the impacts to Medicaid will be for the State of Washington. Letter to U.S. Senate leadership from The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations outlining the Damage that President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” will do to millions of Medicaid recipients: https://www.lcao.org/article/lcao-june-2025-reconciliation-letter-to-senate/ “Unprecedented” Medicaid Cuts Could Cripple Health Program, BU Experts Warn: https://www.bu.edu/articles/2025/medicaid-cuts-could-cripple-health-program/ House Republican Attacks on Medicaid Expansion Would Threaten Coverage for 20 Million People: https://www.cbpp.org/blog/house-republican-attacks-on-medicaid-expansion-would-threaten-coverage-for-20-million-people Republicans consider cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions: https://apnews.com/article/medicaid-cuts-work-requirements-congress-republicans-90ec1119f1d95de067c76f79eec7fa87 A Cut to Medicaid is a Cut to Medicare: 5 Key Facts About Medicaid Coverage for People with Medicare: https://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/5-key-facts-about-medicaid-coverage-for-people-with-medicare/ Medicare: Threats to the Social Security Administration and to Benefits Continue to Raise Alarm: https://www.medicarerights.org/medicare-watch/2025/03/20/threats-to-the-social-security-administration-and-to-benefits-continue-to-raise-alarm Will the Trump Administration Fast Track the Privatization of Medicare?: https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/will-the-trump-administration-fast-track-the-privatization-of-medicare/ Social Security: Ann Widger, Director, AFSCME Retirees Letter to Retired Federal Employees asking for their experiences with Social Security. Ball Award Recipients Letter concerning alarm over current actions of DOGE that threaten the viability of Social Security benefits for current beneficiaries and workers. Social Security ends phone ID verification, a change opposed by advocates and retirees alike: https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2025-03-21/social-security-ends-phone-id-verification-a-change-opposed-by-advocates-and-retirees-alike Trump and Musk’s Plot to Make It Harder for Americans to Get Their Social Security Benefits: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/fact-sheet-trump-and-musks-plot-to-make-it-harder-for-americans-to-get-their-social-security-benefits#:~:text=SSA%20staff%20ensure%2073%20million,lowest%20level%20in%2050%20years. Donald Trump and Elon Musk Are Making Their Social Security Lies a Reality — By Punishing Maine Families: https://socialsecurityworks.org/2025/03/07/trump-musk-social-security-lies-punish-maine-families/ Regurn to Social Security Page

Read American Medical Association’s (AMA) In Opposition to the Medicare WISeR Program

2025 PSARA Washington State Legislative Agenda (updated 03/13/2025 ) Click here for shareable pdf of PSARA’s 2024 Legislative Agenda Click here for PSARA’s most Current WA Legislative Report Lobby Day Training Page PSARA is a multi-generational grass roots organization advocating for all people and seniors, in particular, being able to live their lives with economic security, dignity, and respect. Healthcare PSARA believes that comprehensive, affordable, accessible, and culturally appropriate health care is a fundamental human right. Promote Leveling the Playing Field in Medicare SJM 8002 Status: Passed Senate 30-19. House Healthcare and Wellness Hearing March 21, 8:00 a.m. Protect against healthcare program cuts and advance immigrant health equity Status: Budget Support efforts to advance universal healthcare SJM 8004 Status: Passed Senate 30-19 House Healthcare and Wellness Hearing March 21, 8:00 a.m. Ensure quality affordable healthcare for nursing home workers (WA Essential Worker Healthcare Program) HB 1523/SB 5344 Status: Dead 2025 Strengthen and protect WA Cares SB 5291 Status: Passed Senate 38-11. Housing and Homelessness PSARA supports keeping people housed, building more low-income housing, and preventing homelessness in the first place. Ensure reasonable and more predictable rent increases by passing rent stabilization HB 1217/SB 5222 Status: HB 1217 Passed House 53-42 Senate Hearing Housing 3-19 1:30 p.m. Invest $500 million in the Housing Trust Fund Status: Budget Preserve supportive services and prevent cuts to homelessness programs Status: Budget Create affordable housing close to transit HB 1491 Status: Passed House 58-39 Senate Hearing Housing 3-14 1:30 p.m. Workers Rights and Economic Justice PSARA supports legislation that promotes healthy families and workplaces. Extend job protection in the Family & Medical Leave Program to ensure low wage earners can return to their jobs after leave to care for themselves or family members HB 1213/SB 5539 Status: HB 1213 Passed House 55-41 . Extend unemployment benefits to striking workers SB 5041 Status: Passed Senate 28-21 House Hearing Labor 3-18 10:30. Extend unemployment benefits to undocumented workers SB 5626 Status: Dead 2025. Build economic security for low-income families by creating the Washington Future Fund Pilot Program (Baby bonds) HB 1661/SB 5541 Status: SB 5541 Dead 2025. Working Families Tax Credit HB 1214/SB 5768 Status: SB 5768 Dead 2025. Climate and Environmental Justice PSARA supports the right of all people to live and work in a clean and healthy environment. Divest Washington State Investment Board (“WSIB”) funds from fossil fuels (No Coal Act) SB 5439 Status: Dead 2025. Add a Green Amendment to the Washington State Constitution Improve solid waste management outcomes by reducing use of plastic wrap and containers HB 1150/SB 5284 Status: SB 5284 Passed the Senate 27-22 House Hearing Energy 3-17 1:30 p.m. Curb Act Increasing environmental justice by improving government decisions HB 1303 Status: Dead 2025 . Fiscal Reform and Revenue PSARA supports a state budget that is transparent, pays a living wage to state workers, and provides services that help our people, economy, and environment thrive. Prevent devastating budget cuts by providing new progressive revenues such as a wealth tax that taxes extraordinary financial assets

Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA) Legislative Priorities List and Status for the Washington State Legislature 25/26 Biennium. Final Status of 2025 PSARA Washington State Legislative Agenda (updated 04/29/2025 ) PSARA is a multi-generational grass roots organization advocating for all people and seniors, in particular, being able to live their lives with economic security, dignity, and respect. With the close of the session we have updated the bill status. For those bills that have passed we have included a link for more information on the bill. We will make one more update later in May to confirm the Governor’s acceptance or rejection of each of the bills passed through the WA State Legislature. All of this work has been carried out by PSARA’s Government Relations Committee, click here for more information on the Committee. Healthcare PSARA believes that comprehensive, affordable, accessible, and culturally appropriate health care is a fundamental human right. Promote Leveling the Playing Field in Medicare SJM 8002 Status: Passed Senate 30-19. Did not pass the House. Will be reintroduced next year. Protect against healthcare program cuts and advance immigrant health equity Status: Budget Support efforts to advance universal healthcare SJM 8004 Status: Passed the House and the Senate and filed with Secretary of State. Ensure quality affordable healthcare for nursing home workers (WA Essential Worker Healthcare Program) HB 1523/SB 5344 Status: Dead 2025 Strengthen and protect WA Cares SB 5291 Status : Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor ’ s signature Housing and Homelessness PSARA supports keeping people housed, building more low-income housing, and preventing homelessness in the first place. Ensure reasonable and more predictable rent increases by passing rent stabilization HB 1217 /SB 5222 Status: 1217 Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor ’ s signature Invest $500 million in the Housing Trust Fund Status: Budget Preserve supportive services and prevent cuts to homelessness programs Status: Budget Create affordable housing close to transit HB 1491 Status: Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor ’ s signature The final rent stabilization bill passed the legislature on Sunday, April 27. The conference budget, unfortunately, did not cap residential rent increases at 7%. That is a disappointment, but housing advocates still count the final bill as a win and are urging Governor Ferguson to sign the bill. Caps rent increases for manufactured homeowners at 5% per year; Caps residential rent increases at 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 10% per year, whichever is lower; Covers apartments and single-family homes; with some exceptions (including subsidized housing owned by nonprofits or public housing authorities; homes developed with low-income Housing Tax Credits regulated by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and duplexes through fourplexes when the owner lives on site); Exempts newly-built homes for the first 12 years; Ends the caps for residential tenants after 15 years. The manufactured housing cap does not expire. The agreed upon capital budget includes $605 million for the Housing Trust Fund. Workers Rights and Economic Justice PSARA supports legislation that promotes healthy families and workplaces. Extend job protection in the Family & Medical Leave Program to ensure low wage earners can return to their jobs after leave to care for themselves or family members HB 1213 /SB 5539 Status: 1213 Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor ’ s signature Extend unemployment benefits to striking workers SB 5041 Status: Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor ’ s signature Extend unemployment benefits to undocumented workers SB 5626 Status: Dead 2025. Build economic security for low-income families by creating the Washington Future Fund Pilot Program (Baby bonds) HB 1661/SB 5541 Status: SB 5541 Dead 2025. Working Families Tax Credit HB 1214/SB 5768 Status: SB 5768 Dead 2025. Climate and Environmental Justice PSARA supports the right of all people to live and work in a clean and healthy environment. Divest Washington State Investment Board (“WSIB”) funds from fossil fuels (No Coal Act) SB 5439 Status: Dead 2025. Add a Green Amendment to the Washington State Constitution Status: No Action Improve solid waste management outcomes by reducing use of plastic wrap and containers HB 1150/SB 5284 Status: 5284 Passed Senate & House awaiting Governor ’ s signature Curb Act Increasing environmental justice by improving government decisions HB 1303 Status: Dead 2025 . Fiscal Reform and Revenue PSARA supports a state budget that is transparent, pays a living wage to state workers, and provides services that help our people, economy, and environment thrive. Prevent devastating budget cuts by providing new progressive revenues such as a wealth tax that taxes extraordinary financial assets Current Status: The final legislative operating budget includes nearly $6 billion in cuts and close to $9 billion in new revenue over the four-year outlook — significantly less revenue than legislative Democrats had initially sought. Governor Ferguson previously rejected each version of the revenue plan, citing concerns that the proposals were “too risky.” Governor Ferguson has partial and line item veto power. The final signed budget must be balanced. The Governor can’t add items or move money around. If his vetos are significant, a special session could be needed to produce a balanced final budget.

PSARA Oral Histories Project: Gary Owens Return to Oral Histories Main Page Gary Owens Interview PSARA Advocate Archives September 2019 Page 5 Members Matter: PSARA’s Oral History Project An Interview with Garry Owens By Karen Richter and Angie Bartels PSARA’s Oral History project is underway. Our second interviewee was Garry Owens, PSARA member and longtime activist. His interview lasted about an hour and a half and is excerpted here. Where were you born? I was born in Seattle on October 31, 1944. My mother’s family was from Ellensburg, and they moved to Seattle during the Depression. Irony about her family -- her grandmother, her mother, as well as she all had their first kid at age 16. They were all young moms, which created closeness between them. My Dad’s family was from Louisiana, and they moved here when he was 19 for work. I never really knew him. The man I knew as my father was Sylvester Owens, who adopted me when I was one, so I have his name. I was an only child until I was 12. So the public library became my best friend. I could access information and books, sometimes 10 to 15 at a time. Words do matter, and it helped me be a critical reader. Where did you live and go to school? I was born in the International District and lived there until we had to move to Stadium Homes in Southeast Seattle, then to Rainier Vista, and I went to school there. My Mom taught me to read before I started school so I would have a head start. We moved to Beacon Hill when I was 12 and I got a new brother. Two years later, a sister. I finished high school and got drafted as soon as I graduated. This was the Vietnam era, and I didn’t want to go. I went to the Coast Guard Center and was inducted into service and was told I was being taken to Fort Ord, so when all the new privates turned left to be shipped out, I went right and went home. I ran into my Mom and told her everything went OK. Then a knock on the door and the military police came looking for Private Garry Wade Owens. I was handcuffed and sent to Fort Lawton. My sense of rebellion was alive and kicking. I got into a fight with a bunkmate who dumped cigarette ashes in my coffee. Monday morning I hitchhiked back to my godmother’s house in Seattle who turned me in. I was sent to Fort Lewis for a week then to Fort Ord. I was given a choice -- spend two years in service and be done with it or spend two years in military prison then do two more in active service. I did the two years in military service. I was sent to Fort Bragg and became a radio operator. During this time my Mom died. She was 37. After a month of bereavement leave, there was not enough time [in my required service] to deploy me to Nam so I always say my Mom saved my life. How did you become an activist? I went to school at Franklin High with Larry Gossett. He asked me to go to the University of Washington. I wasn’t sure. But one day while I was at the Coffee Corral, an English professor read some of my journal. Turned out he was an assistant dean at UW. He gave me his card and asked me to see him. I did, and he sent me to the enrollment office with some paperwork. The person there asked me if I wanted to be a fully matriculated student. I did, and then I was. While I was at UW I helped form the Black Student Union and helped start the Black Panthers with Larry. Crucial issues for us were health, children and poverty, and food. So many kids were going to school hungry. What could we do about it? We started a free breakfast program for kids, and we opened up several community clinics. We were the first Black Panther Party outside California. It wasn’t just about defiance with the police but about people’s needs, empty stomachs, health needs, and shaming larger institutions that caused these conditions. What contributions did the Black Panthers give us? Our clinics and free breakfast programs were some. We were not afraid to resist! That word is big even now. We had compassion for our community, and we still need to work on that, and we still need to talk more about human rights. We are not eachothers' enemies, not combatants. The system pits us against each other and makes money from it. We should be using our resources to make sure no one is left behind. How did you meet your wife, Cindy Domingo? I met Cindy at CAMP, the Central Area Motivation Program, headed by Larry Gossett. We both worked there. Cindy worked in the Minor Home Repair Program, and I was the Treasurer. We dated about four years, then we got married and had two kids. The rest is history. I’ve known her for 31 years. What keeps you involved and active at this point in your life? I believe we are all put here for a special reason. I know what I do well and what I don’t. I don’t want accolades. My grandmother had an apartment building filled with tenants, some who were alone. On holidays she would leave our table and go feed them. She wanted them to know that they were family too, not just tenants. She had a big heart and was kind to others. She knew who needed help. If she could do that I, could too. To be charitable you don’t have to ask permission. You just do it. How did you get involved with PSARA? That’s easy. I went to school with Robby Stern at UW. He was out there pushing it with the Students for a Democratic Society when I was with the Black Panthers. When he was President of PSARA he kept asking me to join the Board. For four years he kept asking me, and I couldn’t commit during those times. I retired after 25 years with the City of Seattle. I was on my way to a funeral when he asked me again, and I finally said yes. Glad I did. PSARA people have passion and a lot of good energy flow. It makes me feel good to go to meetings because it reminds me that age doesn’t matter. It’s not about how old we are, it’s that we care about ourselves. We don’t want to be dissed because we are older. If we don’t stand up, we get placed in a category – that we are obsolete and don’t matter. Age does matter. We are seniors, and we are here and know our contributions to society. Thank you, Garry. You inspire us, and we are very glad you belong to PSARA and serve on our Executive Board. Karen Richter is PSARA's Membership Co-VP. Angie Bartels and Garry Owens are PSARA members.

Lobby Day Training Page The Labor Council is 7 Blocks from the Labor Council at 906 Columbia Street SW Parking is tight around the State Capitol, options include: On street parking throughout Olympia, WA State Capital building Parking @ 1139 Washington St SE Olympia, WA. 4-5 blocks from the Labor Council. The South Diagonal and North Diagonal on the Capitol Campus has on street parking that fills up early in the morning.