WASHINGTON D.C. - On Wednesday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that there will be no Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2010.

U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) said that the no-COLA announcement doesn't address seniors' need for relief.

"American's are feeling the crunch in every aspect of their daily lives," Brown-Waite said. "Eelectric bills are going up, health care premiums are on the rise - even the price of a gallon of milk can cause sticker shock. I am disappointed in the SSA's assessment that our neediest citizens do not need a COLA for 2010. Clearly, there is a flaw in the formula used to calculate the COLA.

"The flaw in this system needs to be addressed; however, our seniors and veterans cannot afford to shoulder the burden of our struggling economy while they wait for the federal government to fix it: they need relief
now.

"On Tuesday, President Obama urged Congress to approve a one-time payment of $250 for more than 50 million seniors. I've already introduced a similar bill; H.R. 3691; The SAVES Act of 2009, which proposes to use unobligated funds from the failed economic stimulus package to provide seniors and veterans with the assistance they need. I am glad the President recognizes that our seniors and veterans need relief. I welcome the opportunity to work with him and hope we can get these checks in the mail very soon."