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Social Security remains strong and solvent, but only for the next 17 years. After that, it faces a shortfall, only able to pay 75 percent of its promised benefits. Rather than breaking our promise to our seniors, and forcing retirees to shoulder benefit cuts that some have proposed across the board cuts, inadequate cost of living adjustments, and privatization Congress should instead work together to keep America's word and strengthen Social Security..TSCL encourages its members and supporters to attend these events and to ask questions of their elected officials about important Social Security and Medicare issues, like the following four….One TSCL member Barbara B., 75 of Indiana recently told us: "It's been 36 months since I've had any raise in my net operating Social Security, but my actual household costs continue to go up. This isn't fair to retirees." Barbara, who is now 75, retired 9 years ago. Like many seniors around the country, she feels that her Social Security benefits are not keeping up with inflation..Thus, we are watching to see how this Administration would do things differently this time. In addition, there are concerns on the Canadian side about the timing. Canada is concerned this could cause drug shortages, particularly for drugs used to treat COVID-19 further exacerbating tensions with one of our nation's closest allies and trading partner..CLASS Program Closer to Being Repealed.In the days ahead, The Senior Citizens League will keep a close eye on the evolving budget negotiations, and we will continue to advocate for legislative solutions that would strengthen and protect your Social Security and Medicare benefits. For updates, follow us on Twitter or visit the Legislative News section of our website every Friday morning..Senator David Vitter also reintroduced the Notch Fairness Act in the Senate. The Notch Fairness Act is legislation that would provide Notch Babies born 1917 through 1926, or widows who receive benefits based on their account, a choice of a lump sum of ,000 payable in four annual installments of ,250 or an improved monthly benefit..Beware of a nationwide utilitybill payment scam. Under the scam, a customer may be contacted in person, through fliers, social media or text messages. The scammers claim that President Obama will pay a person's utility bills through a new federal program..Second, Concentrating on High-value Alzheimer's Needs to Get to an End Act of 2018 ​ gained one new cosponsor this week in Senator Chris Van Hollen. The cosponsor total is now up to four. If adopted, S. 2387 would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create programs that would promote early identification of Alzheimer's disease, improve support for family caregivers, and provide continuous care for those battling many forms of dementia.