Maurie Hill of Standish, Sheryl Lee of Portland and Judy Harris of Lewiston were three of about 100 community activists from around the country who participated in a three-day summit in Washington, DC earlier this week which included meetings with Congressional and White House staff. Sponsored by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the White House Senior Community Leaders Summit provided the opportunity for these concerned citizens to voice their opinions about the future of programs which are critically important lifelines for seniors now and in the future.

Hill, Lee and Harris agreed with the group consensus that "the Summit was tremendous for its access to government officials and for the training in legislative policy, community organizing and grassroots lobbying. We are inspired and well-prepared to return home and work with others to reinforce the importance of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid as vital safety net programs that should be strengthened and not cut."

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare has millions of members and supporters nationwide, including 20,000 in Maine. A national network of grassroots volunteer advocates supports the work of the National Committee through community education and political activism on behalf of seniors. Journalists wishing to speak with the Community Leaders Summit participants may contact Brad Wright at 202-216-8352 or at wrightb@ncpssm.org.