Alliance of Retired Americans Endorses Jay Chen for Congress

 Rowland Heights, CA – This week the Alliance for Retired Americans endorsed Jay Chen’s candidacy for Congress in the 39^th District, stating that Chen’s election to the House of Representatives “will enhance the quality of life for older Americans.”

The Alliance is an advocacy organization representing more than four million retirees, older Americans, and activists nationwide, with over 300,000 members in California.  The group stands behind Chen’s candidacy because of his commitment to providing affordable health care for seniors, retirement and pension security, and quality long-term care.  They cited Chen's leadership on issues such as preserving and protecting Social Security and Medicare from privatization and benefit cuts as evidence of his commitment.

In contrast, the Alliance gave Chen’s opponent Ed Royce an 11% rating on senior issues, based on Royce’s voting record in Congress.  Royce voted twice for the Ryan budget, which would cut benefits for seniors while giving tax breaks to wealthy individuals.  In recent weeks, Royce sent ads to voters touting the support of organizations that seemingly stand behind seniors’ rights, such as the 60 Plus Association.  However, the largest contributions made to 60 Plus and other organizations behind Royce, like the United Seniors Association, are by large pharmaceutical companies, not seniors or retirees. 

While Royce’s record shows a commitment to the pharmaceutical industry and corporate interests, this endorsement by the Alliance affirms Chen’s commitment to protecting health care and interests of seniors.

 Chen said, “Our seniors can’t afford to have members of Congress like Ed Royce in the pockets of big pharma instead of advocating on their behalf.  Corporations already throw enough weight around in Washington.  Older Americans deserve to be heard and have their interests represented.  If elected to Congress in our district, I will ensure that they are.” 

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About Jay Chen:

As a Hacienda La Puente School Board Member, Jay oversees a budget of $360 million and the education of more than 20,000 students. A strong advocate of college accessibility, Jay introduced free SAT classes and college application workshops to help students achieve their college goals, and organized a foreclosure prevention workshop and naturalization seminar to help residents protect and pursue their American dreams. A graduate of public schools and Harvard University, Jay is also a small business owner and proudly serves his country as an officer in the United States Navy Reserves.

The 39^th Congressional District includes Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. It is one of the most diverse districts in Southern California; 30% of the district is of Asian descent and 29% is Latino.  The politically moderate district includes the communities of Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, Walnut, Diamond Bar, Chino Hills, Fullerton, Brea, La Hara, La Habra Heights, Buena Park, Placentia, Yorba Linda and northern Anaheim.