Buchanan backs SAVES Act

Congressman Vern Buchanan this week co-sponsored legislation intended to help senior citizens who have been denied a cost-of-living increase.

H.R. 3691, known as the SAVES Act, would use unspent money from the economic stimulus package to provide seniors and veterans with relief. Each of the 57 million Social Security recipients would receive about $250 next year.

"Senior citizens living on a fixed income are struggling," Buchanan said in a press release. "This bill would give them money to spend on food, gas and clothing. That will do more to help stimulate the economy."

The Social Security Administration announced Oct. 15 it would not increase the cost of living for recipients in 2010. Social Security benefits are linked to inflation, which has been negative this year.