ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Fighting to preserve and protect Social Security and Medicare, Congressman Zack Space (OH-18) met with seniors today at the JB Martin Center in St. Clairsville and talked about the need to preserve these crucial programs and never compromise on protections for Ohio’s seniors.

Space joined Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) at the event sponsored by AARP Chapter 2994 in St. Clairsville.

“Social Security and Medicare are two of the most important programs in our nation and their solvency is a high priority for all members of Congress,” Space said. “Millions of seniors nationwide rely on the benefits of these programs and are rightfully concerned about their future.”

“We need a real way to secure Social Security for the future,” Space said, “one that does not leave retiree savings at the mercy of the markets. If Social Security was privatized right now, we would have seen billions of retiree benefits wiped out in a matter of days. We need to shore up Social Security for future generations without sacrificing the safety net it was created to be.”

Congressman Space has worked hard to give the federal government the authority to negotiate prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies on behalf of Medicare Part D beneficiaries. He has also vehemently opposed cuts in payments to doctors who treat Medicare patients in order to keep doctors from turning Medicare patients away.

“Seniors on Medicare ought to be able to afford the prescription drugs they need,” Space said. “The federal government must be able to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to get the best price for prescription drugs and pass the savings onto seniors living on fixed incomes who need the money.”

Congressman Space has represented Ohio's 18th Congressional District since 2007. He is working to restore integrity to the office, expand Ohio's economy, and support renewable energy.