[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E56]]



                              THE CARE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, in a cruel display of corporate greed, the 
Pabst Brewing Company last year announced its intention to renege on 
its promise to provide health and death benefits to its retirees. 
Following a court battle, Pabst appears to have succeeded: retirees and 
their families have lost benefits that were promised them in exchange 
for many years of loyal service to the company.
  This outrage demonstrates a lack of corporate responsibility to 
dedicated former employees. This is not an isolated incident, but part 
of a disturbing nationwide trend. Over the past several years, 
thousands of workers and retirees across this country have faced 
similar cancellations and reductions of their health coverage. John 
Morel, Hormel, and General Motors are just a few of the corporations 
who have tried to leave their former workers stranded without health 
care--health care they were promised, and health care their long years 
of service earned. From meatpackers to clerical staff, this is a threat 
to the retirement security of all American workers.
  We must act now. Last Congress, I introduced a bill which I am 
reintroducing today, the Health Care Assurance for Retired Employees 
Act--or the CARE Act--which would protect retiree health benefits and 
help retirees to obtain health insurance if their coverage is canceled.
  The CARE Act would require employers to give 6 months notice to 
retirees and require the Labor Department to certify that the changes 
meet the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement.
  It would also expand retirees' access to health care under COBRA for 
those aged 55 to 65 until they are eligible for Medicare.
  Lastly, it would allow retirees who did not sign up for Medicare or 
Medigap to apply for the programs without late-enrollment penalties.
  This type of atrocity must not be tolerated. We must ensure retiree 
security and prevent loyal former workers from being left out in the 
cold. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to show their support for 
retired workers and their families by cosponsoring this bill.

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