Tucson, Ariz. – Today, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords released the following statement regarding the announcement that there will be no cost of living adjustment (“COLA”) for Social Security benefits this year:

“Today’s announcement that there will be no cost of living increase for Social Security benefits this year is bad news for Southern Arizona seniors who depend on them. Under Jesse Kelly’s plan to privatize Social Security in personal accounts with no government guarantee, the news would be even worse. Seniors could face a crushing decrease under the Kelly Privatization Plan. Seniors who worked their entire lives have earned their Social Security benefits, and Jesse Kelly’s plan to gamble them in the stock market might make sense for Wall Street traders, but not for Southern Arizona retirees.”

Gabrielle Giffords is a third generation Southern Arizonan and the only person in Congress with an active duty military spouse. Gabrielle is not like other politicians. She takes an independent view on the issues and was rated Arizona’s most moderate member of Congress by the National Journal in 2009. She’s voted against a Congressional pay raise every time one has come up, and she doesn’t make earmark requests for campaign contributors. Most importantly, Gabrielle stands up for Southern Arizona by working across the aisle to secure the border, protect our military and veterans and create jobs by investing in solar energy.