CPI for Seniors Act of 2019

To mandate the monthly formulation and publication of a consumer price index specifically for senior citizens for the purpose of establishing an accurate Social Security COLA for such citizens. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the CPI for Seniors Act of 2019 2. Findings The Congress finds the following: (1) Each year the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor prepares and publishes consumer price indices (the most notable being the Consumer Price Index or CPI (2) A derivative of the CPI is used to determine an annual cost-of-living adjustment (hereinafter referred to as COLA (3) The Social Security COLA is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (hereinafter referred to as CPI–W CPI–U (4) While the experimental Consumer Price Index for Americans 62 Years of Age and Older (hereinafter referred to as CPI–E (5) According to numerous credible authorities, the present methods (CPI–U, CPI–W, and CPI–E to a lesser extent) used to measure inflation are flawed and deficient in measuring the average price of consumer goods and services purchased by senior citizens, and the overall impact of inflation on such citizens. (6) The present sampling regarding senior citizens is too small under the methods referred to in paragraph (5), creating an opportunity for sampling error. (7) Prices used under the methods referred to in paragraph (5) are based on geographic areas, retail outlets, and sample items used and purchased by younger consumers and are not necessarily representative of the geographic areas, retail outlets, and sample items used and purchased by senior citizens. (8) The locations used under the methods referred to in paragraph (5) are urban locations that do not reflect the economic challenges faced in rural communities, which often have a far larger demographic segment of senior citizens. (9) Senior citizens neither have the flexibility or the ability that younger consumers have to substitute necessary purchases in response to changes in prices, nor the same options as younger consumers have to supplement their income. (10) Premium increases for part B of Medicare, part D of Medicare, and other health care costs affecting senior citizens are not adequately considered under the methods referred to in paragraph (5). (11) The cost of taxes on Social Security income is not considered under the methods referred to in paragraph (5), thus putting senior citizens at a greater economic disadvantage each year. 3. Mandate the monthly formulation and publication of a consumer price index for seniors (a) Establishment of new CPI The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall prepare and publish an index monthly to be known as the Consumer Price Index for Seniors CPI–S (b) Submission to Congress The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor shall submit to the Joint Economic Committee a description of the actions taken by such Bureau to meet the requirements of this section not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and semi-annually thereafter. (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Summary: CPI for Seniors Act of 2019 This bill directs the Bureau of Labor Statistics to prepare and publish a monthly Consumer Price Index for Seniors that indicates changes in expenditures typical for U.S. consumers aged 62 or older.