Rallies in Ohio this week highlight corruption and cost of the wind-lobby’s push for billions in tax subsidies that raise seniors’ electric bills.

(Alexandria, Virginia) – The 60 Plus Association, a non-partisan, seniors advocacy group with 7.2 million senior supporters, including 303,000 in Ohio, will join the Waste in the Wind coalition for two rallies as part of a grassroots effort to stop Congress from renewing the wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC).

Though the credit expired in 2013, organizers are concerned that the upcoming lame-duck Congress plans to re-enact the credits, which are responsible for soaking taxpayers for billions of dollars as well as directly contributing to higher energy costs for consumers.  The rallies will take place on Thursday, October 23rd in Chillicothe and West Chester Township at 9:00 am and 2:30 pm respectively (details below).

60 Plus President Amy Frederick will be speaking at the rally to highlight what she calls the “waste, cost and corruption” of federal wind energy subsidies, and their direct harm to older Americans.

“Ohio seniors, especially those living on fix incomes, have been devastated these last few years by skyrocketing energy bills they must pay each month,” said Frederick. “By far, seniors pay a great proportion of their monthly income to keep the lights on and their homes warm in winter. Across Ohio and across the nation, millions of our greatest generation are scraping to get by, living on fixed incomes that are not keeping pace with inflation. Wind subsidies like the PTC are a major reason why.”

Wind lobbyists want an $18 billion handout that applies retroactively to 2013 and continues through 2017.  Said Frederick, “While Ohio seniors and working families are struggling, lobbyists are cutting backroom deals to dip their hands into our pockets and make our utility bills higher each month. It is cronyism at its worst, and it is crucial Ohio taxpayers know what is going on in Washington with their hard-earned tax dollars.”

TIME & LOCATION OF EVENTS: Thursday, October 23rd

Chillicothe – 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Yoctangee Park (in the Lion Shelter)
Chillicothe, OH 45601

West Chester – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Ronald Reagan Lodge at Voice of America Park (Trophy Room)
7850 VOA Park Drive., West Chester Township, OH 45069

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