Proposal To Supplement SS Payments Picks Up Support

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration is finding some
support for its plans to give Social Security recipients extra
spending money, after word that their checks will flat line from
this year to next.

The government has announced there'll be no cost of living
increase in the 2010 checks because of negative inflation.

Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue says his agency is
"doing its job" to maintain recipients' standard of living. But,
he says "In light of the human need," Social Security needs to
support President Barack Obama's efforts to offer an extra $250 to seniors, veterans and other Americans.

Obama's proposal has also picked up support from a bipartisan
mix of key members of Congress and seniors groups.

Republican Sen. Judd Gregg, however, calls the payments
"inappropriate."

Some argue that the payments are needed because seniors spend a large chunk of money on health care costs, which rise faster than consumer prices.