60 Plus Association

60 Plus Association

Background

The 60 Plus Association was founded in 1992 as a “non-partisan seniors advocacy group with a free enterprise, less government, less taxes approach to seniors issues.”  The 60 Plus Association describes itself as “the conservative alternative to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).”1About 60 Plus,” 60 Plus Association. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mVD3z

60 Plus has sought to privatize social security, end the federal estate tax, and strengthen gun rights. They oppose aspects of health care reform, federal energy standards, and tax increases.

The president of 60 Plus, Jim Martin, did advocacy work for the Public Service Research Council also known as Americans Against Union Control of Government, and was also involved with the National Conservative Political Action Committee.2“’The Rachel Maddow Show’ for Monday, August 10, 2009,” (Transcript), MSNBC TV. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/QJCvH

60 Plus has actively opposed government health care; in 2009 they spent $2 million into ads airing in eight states that declared seniors would lose access to doctors, treatments, and life-saving drugs if the Democratic health care plan is adopted.3Big Pharma Front Group 60 Plus Scaring Seniors with $2M Ad Buy,” ShadowProof, November 1, 2009. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/wjA9O

PRWatch reports that the 60 Plus Association regularly advocates positions on issues that benefit big corporations and stakes out positions that explicitly favor the pharmaceutical industry.4Anne Landman. “The 60 Plus Association: A Corporate Assault in ‘Good-for-Seniors’ Clothing,” PRWatch, September 15, 2010. Archived November 6, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/BwUdh

According to the Conservative Transparency Project, “Despite its claims of nonpartisanship, the Koch-funded group – founded in 1992 by long-time conservative operative Jim Martin – is almost exclusively engaged in partisan politics, spending tens of millions of dollars on electioneering, particularly in crucial swing states. It has even backed decidedly anti-senior legislation that benefits its corporate backers or advances the Republican agenda.”560 Plus,” Conservative Transparency. Search performed May 22, 2017.

Between 2010 and 2012, the 60 Plus Association received more than $42 million from organizations, many of which are affiliated with the Koch brothers.

60 Plus Association and Lobbying

SourceWatch reports that as of July 7, 2014, the political action committee associated with 60 Plus had donated $8,500 to congressional campaigns for the 2014 midterms, entirely to Republican candidates or organizations.660 Plus Association,” SourceWatch. Accessed October 14, 2015.

It had also spent $247,723 on independent expenditures, most of it against Republican candidates.

During the 2012 election cycle, it made $26,000 in campaign contributions, all to Republicans and spent $4,615,892 on outside spending, with about 70% going toward Republicans and the remainder attacking Democrats.

They spent $4.4 million in the 2012 election cycle. More than half of that, $2.7 million, went to support Mitt Romney.

According to OpenSecrets.org’s Center for Responsive Politics, the 60 Plus Association spent a total of over $21 million on lobbying between 1998 and 2017, with the majority of spending between 1999 and 2002:760 Plus Assn,” OpenSecrets.org Centre for Responsive Politics. Accessed October 14, 2015.

YearLobbying Expenditures
2017$0
2016$92,000
2015$113,118
2014$293,681
2013$126,800
2012$142,500
2011$88,637
2010$108,000
2009$254,000
2008$400,000
2007$200,000
2006$200,000
2005$175,381
2004$130,338
2003$320,000
2002$11,440,000
2001$1,107,000
2000$1,297,500
1999$2,300,000
1998$3,000,000
Grand Total$21,788,955

Their in-house lobbyists have included Amy Noone Frederick, James L. Martin, President, Hugh C. Newton, and Roger H. Zion. They also retain two lobbying firms: Beau Boulter LLC and Greener and Hook, LLC.860 Plus Assn,” OpenSecrets.org Centre for Responsive Politics. Accessed October 14, 2015.

Comments Surrounding 2021 Capitol Insurrection

The 60 Plus Association was among dozens of the individuals and organizations profiled in DeSmog’s Disinformation Database who posted online or gave interviews about the events surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Some posted claims of election fraud, similar to those that drove the Stop the Steal rally on Jan. 6. Some circulated dubious information about the insurrection itself. DeSmog has preserved a selection of notable posts related to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, including some that were later deleted or removed.

On Jan. 7, 2021, one day after the Capitol insurrection, the 60-Plus Association posted reports that Facebook and Instagram had “permabanned” President Trump.

Later that same day, the 60 Plus Association tweeted a message with the hashtags #thoughtpolice and #Orwell1984. 
 

Stance on Climate Change

2014

“The bottom line is this: Global warming, by its very nature, requires global action. Action in one country, focused squarely on one energy source, is not the answer. Sound policy shouldn’t rest on the hope that other nations might follow our climate lead. Unless major emitting countries agree to sacrifice economic growth or energy security to reduce emissions, why should Americans?”9Jim Martin. “Affordable energy is key,” Daily Press, September 24, 2015. Republished by the 60 Plus Association. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/yMuVl

2006

“The global warming threat is the latest science fiction adventure. Senior citizens especially need to be diligent and concerned with the current efforts of politicians and bureaucrats seeking greater regulatory power by scare tactics over so-called global warming. The alarmists are using faulty science to reach untenable conclusions. If we allow the government to enact restrictive measures, whether by law or by a treaty agreed to by the U.S., we will face an energy crisis which will make the energy/oil crisis of the 1970s look like a minor league event.”10“Statement on Global Warming” (PDF), The 60 Plus Association. Retrieved from Greenpeace Research Documents. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

2004

“Although global warming alarmists believe carbon dioxide and other man-made greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, they’ve never documented that case with hard science. In fact, CO2 is a vital component in the air we breathe and a life-necessity for every plant and animal on Planet Earth.”11Roger Zion. “Ultra Liberal Scientists on the Environment,” 60 Plus Association, September 9, 2004. Archived February 5, 2010. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/FoPbH

Funding

As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, the 60 Plus Association is not required to disclose its donors, however based on available information compiled by the Conservative Transparency Project, they received over $44 million from organizations as of 2014 data.1260 Plus,” Conservative Transparency. Search performed May 22, 2017.

Summary below, based on data archived at the Conservative Transparency’s (CT) combined with DeSmog’s original research of publicly-available 990 tax returns.

PhRMA Funding

According to the Washington Post, in 2002, 60 Plus received an unrestricted educational grant from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, also known as PhRMA.13“High Drug Prices Return as Issue That Stirs Voters,” Washington Post, October 15, 2002. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Wn8q9

Republican strategist and consultant Carl Forti said “I don’t believe PhRMA has ever given 60 Plus money,” and that the organization “is funded by individual private donors/members; they are not funded by corporations or interest groups.”14Jonathan Tilove. “National health care debate complicates Louisiana politics,” The Times-Picayune, November 16, 2009. Accessed at nola.com. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/9D0vO

Other Funders

According to StealthPACs, known funders of the 60 Plus Association included:15Known Funders of: 60 Plus Association,” Public Citizen. Archived February 26, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/7ZTmp

990 Forms

60 Plus Association

60 Plus Foundation

Key People

The following are based on publicly available 990 tax forms for the 60 Plus Association and the 60 Plus Foundation:

60 Plus Association

Name20062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019Title
Amy Noone-FrederickYYYYYYYYPresident
Bill CardYYYYDirector
Bob CoakleyYYYDirector
Gary HoitsmaYYYYYYYYDirector
Greg CaseyYYYDirector
James L MartinYYYYYYYYYYYYYYChairman
Jim MinarikYYYYYYYYDirector
Jon Minarik (Deceased 2007)YYDirector
L Prather McKinnonYYYYYYYYYYYYYYTreasurer
Matthew KandrachYYYVice-President
Randy RandolYYYDirector
Robert MartinYYYYDirector
Saul AnuzisYPresident
William ShakerYYYDirector

60 Plus Foundation

Name2016201720182019Title
Del WilsonYYDirector
James L MartinYYYYChairman
John DunaganYYYYDirector
Ken LynchYYYYDirector
Manny RosalesYYYYTreasurer
Matt SchlappYDirector
Regina Siler TruslowYYExecutive Director
Robert CoakleyYYYYSecretary
Ron WarrenYYYYDirector
Tim HydeYYYYDirector
William FayYYYYDirector

Other

Also listed on 60 Plus Association’s website (as of October 2015):16About 60 Plus,” 60 Plus Association. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mVD3z

  • Pat Boone — National Spokesman

Actions

March 23, 2020

As reported at DeSmog,17Dana Drugmand. “Under Cover of Pandemic, Fossil Fuel Interests Unleash Lobbying Frenzy,” DeSmog, April 2, 2020. Life:Powered sent a letter to Congress critical of the COVID-19 stimulus package for including “tax incentives and spending for unreliable ‘green’ energy
programs.”18“Dear Members of Congress” (PDF), Life:Powered, March 23, 2020. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

The letter, to which the 60 Plus Association is a signatory, concludes: 19“Dear Members of Congress” (PDF), Life:Powered, March 23, 2020. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“This is no time for political games. Climate change is not an immediate threat to humanity. Climate-related deaths have declined 98.9% in the last century, and humanity is growing more and more resilient thanks to the availability of affordable, reliable energy. On behalf of all Americans, we urge you to oppose any stimulus proposals that carve out special treatment for or bail out any energy companies and focus instead on stopping COVID-19.”

The full list of signatories is below:20“Dear Members of Congress” (PDF), Life:Powered, March 23, 2020. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

NameTitleOrganization
Jason IsaacSenior Manager & Distinguished FellowLife:Powered/Texas Public Policy Foundation
Myron EbellDirector, Center for Energy and EnvironmentCompetitive Enterprise Institute
Bette GrandeCEORoughrider Policy Center
Ellen WeaverPresident & CEOPalmetto Promise Institute
Isaac OrrPolicy FellowCenter of the American Experiment
Bethany MarcumExecutive DirectorAlaska Policy Forum
David T. StevensonDirector, Center for Energy and EnvironmentCaesar Rodney Institute
Donald van der VaartSenior FellowJohn Locke Foundation
Jason HayesDirector of Environmental PolicyMackinac Center for Public Policy
John Droz, Jr.FounderAlliance for Wise Energy Decisions
George K. Rasley, Jr.Managing EditorConservativeHQ.com
Becky Norton DunlopFormer Secretary of Natural ResourcesCommonwealth of Virginia
James L. MartinFounder/Chairman60 Plus Association
Saulius “Saul” AnuzisPresident60 Plus Association
Ken BlackwellSenior FellowFamily Research Council
Eunie SmithPresidentEagle Forum
Jenny Beth MartinHonorary ChairmanTea Party Patriots Action
Jon CaldaraPresidentIndependence Institute
L. Brent Bozell, IIIFounder and PresidentMedia Research Center
Jason PyeVice President of Legislative AffairsFreedomWorks
Jameson TaylorVice President for PolicyMississippi Center for Public Policy
Carol Platt LiebauPresidentYankee Institute
Mike StenhouseCEORhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity
Daniel ErspamerCEOPelican Institute for Public Policy
Christian N. BraunlichPresidentThomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy
Todd MyersEnvironmental DirectorWashington Policy Center

November 2019

Bloomberg reported the 60 Plus Association was involved in organizing letters to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that pushed for limited the power of dissenting shareholders in the corporate voting process. Recently, environmental and social issues including climate change have been key issues for smaller shareholders and silencing such dissenting voices can be valuable for companies, especially those involved in the fossil fuel industry.21Zachary Mider and Ben Elgin. “SEC Chairman Cites Fishy Letters in Support of Policy Change,” Bloomberg, November 19, 2019.

“[A] close look at the seven letters Clayton highlighted, and about two dozen others submitted to the SEC by supposedly regular people, shows they are the product of a misleading – and laughably clumsy – public relations campaign by corporate interests,” Bloomberg reported

One of the errors that gave away the campaign had been organized by corporate interests was the insertion of an out-of-context error in the SEC‘s mailing address. That error occurred in at least 20 letters purported to be submitted by ordinary Americans. 

Some of those contacted by Bloomberg said they had been contacted by a public affairs firm and had not written the letters themselves.

They wrote it, and I allowed them to use my name after I read it,” public servant Marie Reed said. “I didn’t go digging into all of this,” referring to her letter’s criticism of proxy advisers, a term she said she wasn’t familiar with when contacted.

Some of the letters cited by SEC Chairman Jay Clayton included “ long-term Main Street investors, including an Army veteran and a Marine veteran, a police officer, a retired teacher, a public servant, a single mom, a couple of retirees who saved for retirement,” he said at a commission meeting in Washington.

Bloomberg summarized: “That retired teacher? Pauline Yee said she never wrote a letter, although the signature was hers. Those military vets? It turns out they’re the brother and cousin of the chairman of 60 Plus Association, a Virginia-based advocacy group paid by corporate supporters of the SEC initiative. That single mom? Data embedded in the electronically submitted letter says someone at 60 Plus wrote it. That retired couple? Their son-in-law runs 60 Plus.”

Others with their names on the letters included a woman who previously worked at 60 Plus’s accounting firm, a former secretary of 60 Plus, and a number of friends and relatives of 60 Plus president Saul Anuzis. None mentioned their affiliation with 60 plus.

Anuzis acknowledged that 60 Plus had recruited submitters, provided drafts, and in two examples sent letters on members’ behalf. He also said he had received money from coalition members.

We don’t get paid for specific projects,” he said in an interview. “We get contributions from members who are part of the coalition. We’re not getting paid for a specific letter.”

The letters revealed potential ties to other groups working with the 60 Plus Association. Marie Reed, one of the names who had been cited by Clayton, said that the man who provided her letter said he worked at FSB Core Strategies, a California-based public relations firm. He said he was working on behalf of a group called Protect Our Pensions.

July 18, 2018

The 60 Plus Association, represented by both James L. Martin and Saulius Anuzis, was among signatories of a letter supporting an anti-carbon tax resolution from House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. David McKinley (R-W.Va.2241 Conservative Groups Support Scalise/McKinley Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,” Americans for Tax Reform, July 18, 2018. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

“We oppose any carbon tax. We oppose a carbon tax because it would lead to less income and fewer jobs for American families,” the letter read. “We support the House Concurrent Resolution in opposition to a job-killing carbon tax and urge members to co-sponsor and support this effort.”2341 Conservative Groups Support Scalise/McKinley Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,” Americans for Tax Reform, July 18, 2018. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

The resolution would call a carbon tax “detrimental to the United States economy.”E&E News reported it was similar to a measure that passed the House in 2016. Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Florida, co-chairman of the Climate Solutions Caucus, said he would not vote for the resolution.24Nick Sobczyk. “House voting on anti-carbon-tax measure: ‘Pass the popcorn’,” E&E News, July 16, 2018. Archived Aug 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/aTP8h

“Protecting our environment and economic growth are not mutually exclusive,” he said in a statement. “The resolution presents a false choice.”25Nick Sobczyk. “House voting on anti-carbon-tax measure: ‘Pass the popcorn’,” E&E News, July 16, 2018. Archived Aug 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/aTP8h

The Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) issued a point-by-point rebuttal of the measure when it was first introduced.26Teaching opportunities from House Concurrent Resolution 119 (H.Con.Res.119)” (PDF), Citizens’ Climate Lobby, April 30, 2018.

April 23, 2018

The 60 Plus Association, represented by Saulius “Saul” Anuzis was among 22 groups signed on to an open letter asking President Trump to ignore recent criticism of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.27“Dear Mr. President” (PDF) retrieved from the Heartland Institute. Archived .pdf file at DeSmog.

In a speech to the U.S. Senate, a group of Democratic senators identified the organizations as front groups for the Koch Brothers and other wealthy donors, nicknamed the “Web of Deceit.” The senators outlined how, in addition to funding from the Koch network, many of the groups use untraceable “dark money” funneled through groups like Donors Capital Fund and Donors Trust to influence legislation, particularly with regards to climate and pollution.

Senator Whitehouse outlined it as “a web of deceit conceived and bankrolled by the Koch brothers and other self-interested billionaires to advocate for very selfish and unpatriotic policies.” Whitehouse added: “This web of deceit has infiltrated and populated the Trump administration, and it is swamping the interests of everyday Americans.28Senator Whitehouse. “Time to wake up: Web of Deceit,” WhiteHouse.Senate.gov. April 23, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/HzIsa

The full list of pro-Pruitt signatories and their respective organizations is as follows:

May 8, 2017

The 60 Plus Association, represented by James L. Martin, is listed on an open letter to President Donald J. Trump urging him “to withdraw fully from the Paris Climate Treaty and to stop all taxpayer funding of UN global warming programs.”29“Dear Mr. President” (PDF), retrieved from Competitive Enterprise Institute. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

DeSmog reported that the 40 groups represented in the letter, including the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), The Heartland Institute, and the Heritage Foundation, have received a combined total of millions of dollars from the Koch Brothers, ExxonMobil, and other industry groups.30Graham Readfearn. “Conservative Groups Pushing Trump To Exit Paris Climate Deal Have Taken Millions From Koch Brothers, Exxon,” DeSmog, May 10, 2017.

Analysis also showed that the groups accepted about $80 million through Donors Capital Fund and Donors Trust, two groups that have been confirmed is a key financial source for key U.S-based climate change denial groups.31Susanne Goldberg. “Conservative groups spend up to $1bn a year to fight action on climate change,” The Guardian, December 20, 2013. Archived May 12, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/TB2yy

January 12, 2017

The 60 Plus Association’s President, Jim Martin, was a signatory to a January 12, 2017 official letter of support (PDF) for Scott Pruitt, in which numerous groups, including The Heartland InstituteAmerican Energy Alliance (AEA), and others, declared that the Senate should “swiftly approve his nomination” for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

 Other signatories of the letter included:32“Dear Senators,” (PDF)Competitive Enterprise Institute, January 12, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

June 13, 2016

The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD/PRWatch) reports the 60 Plus Association was named as a creditor in Peabody Energy’s recent bankruptcy filings.33Nick Surgey. “Peabody Coal Bankruptcy Reveals Climate Denial Network Funding,” PRWatch, June 13, 2016. Archived June 20, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/a73wj

While the available bankruptcy documents do not list the scale or dates of funding, they outline Peabody Energy’s financial ties to a large network of groups promoting climate change denial.34In re: Peabody Energy Corporation, et al. Debtors,” United States Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Missouri Eastern Division,  Case 16-42529, May 27, 2016. Retrieved from DocumentCloud.

Prominent individuals appearing in the documents include climate deniers Willie SoonRichard LindzenRoy Spencer and Richard Berman. The long list of organizations also includes groups such as Americans for ProsperityAmerican Legislative Exchange CouncilCFACTInstitute for Energy ResearchState Policy Network, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and dozens more.35Farron Cousins. “Court Documents Show Coal Giant Peabody Energy Funded Dozens Of Climate Denial Groups,” DeSmog, June 13, 2016.

The Guardian also analysed and reported on the Peabody bankruptcy findings:36Suzanne Goldenberg and Helena Bengtsson. “Biggest US coal company funded dozens of groups questioning climate change,” The Guardian, June 13, 2016. Archived June 20, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pw7On

These groups collectively are the heart and soul of climate denial,” said Kert Davies, founder of the Climate Investigation Center, who has spent 20 years tracking funding for climate denial. “It’s the broadest list I have seen of one company funding so many nodes in the denial machine.”

The company’s filings reveal funding for a range of organisations which have fought Barack Obama’s plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and denied the very existence of climate change. […]

Among Peabody’s beneficiaries, the Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change has insisted – wrongly – that carbon emissions are not a threat but “the elixir of life” while the American Legislative Exchange Council is trying to overturn Environmental Protection Agency rules cutting emissions from power plants. Meanwhile, Americans for Prosperity campaigns against carbon pricing. The Oklahoma chapter was on the list. […]

The breadth of the groups with financial ties to Peabody is extraordinary. Thinktanks, litigation groups, climate scientists, political organisations, dozens of organisations blocking action on climate all receiving funding from the coal industry,” said Nick Surgey, director of research for the Center for Media and Democracy.

We expected to see some denial money, but it looks like Peabody is the treasury for a very substantial part of the climate denial movement.”

Notable organizations listed in the initial documents include:

Notable individuals named in the initial documents include the following:

June 9, 2016

Matthew Kandrach, executive vice president of the 60 Plus Association, promoted a report by the coal industry front group American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity suggesting that the EPA‘s Clean Power Plan could cause a 16 percent increase in electricity prices.37EPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,” AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho 38American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity,” SourceWatch. Accessed June 14, 2016.

Kandrach concluded that cleaner energy would have an “undue burden on seniors” while “Radical environmental ideology simply cannot be allowed to shape our energy policy.”39EPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,” AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho

“Instead of cutting U.S. energy production and driving up the cost of the domestic energy sources we rely on, we need to put affordable energy first,” Kandrach said.

The affordable energy Kandrach referred to includes coal power. He says that the Stream Protection Rule (SPR) which would protect streams from coal mining is “a wolf in sheep’s clothes” while the Department of the Interior’s proposed moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands is “equally as dangerous.”40EPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,” AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho

September 14, 2015

The 60 Plus Association was one of a group of organizations who undersigned an open letter to the Governor Rick Snyder, “deeply concerned” about his decision to implement President Obama’s Clean Power Plan.41John Siciliano. “Republican governor faces pressure not to submit to Obama’s climate plan,” Washington Examiner, September 15,2015. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/whPGI

According to the letter (PDF),”[W]e believe the best approach is for states to reject state plans until the courts decide whether Obama even has the authority to impose his national energy takeover.”42“Dear Governor Snyder” (PDF), American Energy Alliance, September 14, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Organizations who signed the letter included:

September 1, 2015

The 60 Plus Association, along with the Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the National Black Chamber of Commerce put forward a ballot championed by Consumers for Smart Solar, a group supported by Florida’s electric utilities, to oppose another ballot that would open up Florida’s solar m market to more consumer choices.43Julia Pyper. “Florida Courts Now Set to Weigh Two Competing Solar Ballots,” Green Tech Media, September 15, 2015. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/PmsXy

July 27, 2015

Matthew Kendrick, representing the 60 Plus Association, was a signatory to a letter to Congress to Support the PTC Elimination Act (PDF) which would reduce subsidies to wind energy production.44“Coalition to Congress: Support PTC Elimination Act” (PDF), American Energy Alliance, July 27, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

The Huffington Post reports that the letter uses misinformation to claim that wind energy is bad for the economy and is more expensive than traditional fossil fuel energy production, and that 14 of the signatories have ties to fossil fuel funders, and 18 have ties to the Koch Brothers.45Gabe Elsner. “American Energy Alliance Leads Front Group Attack on Wind PTC,” Huffington Post, September 3, 2015. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/LC1ML

April 9, 2015

The 60 Plus Association issued a press release titled “Obama Climate Change Report Causes Seniors, Poorer Americans to Sweat Over Their Health” that describes Coal as “the answer to greater life-expectancy, not a threat to it.46Obama Climate Change Report Causes Seniors, Poorer Americans to Sweat Over Their Health,” 60 Plus Association, April 9, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/DqduQ

“The evidence is overwhelming and conclusive that coal is the last best hope for the poor and destitute in the world and in our nation. Seniors, the working poor, and average Americans  struggling every day to get by are the targeted victims of Obama’s plan, they will suffer the most.  He can distort the facts all he wants, but the inconvenient truth remains: coal saves lives!” The 60 Plus Association’s President, Jim Martin, says in the release.

This isn’t the first time that the 60 Plus Association has criticized the Clean Power Plan, and the EPA in general. In 2014, they claimed that the Clean Power Plan would harm seniors,47Justin Ward. “Study: EPA regulations are harmful to seniors,” WDBJ7, October 2, 2014. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/HARxC often4860 Plus Tells EPA to Abandon CPP, AKA ‘Cruel Power Plan’ for America’s Elderly,” 60 Plus Association, December 3, 2014. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pgac7 calling it the “Cruel Power Plan.”49Obama, EPA Still Wrong on Energy, Still Hurting America’s Elderly,” 60 Plus Association, January 21, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/T6NFW

May 21–23, 2012

60 Plus was a Co-sponsor of the Heartland Institute’s Seventh International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC7).50“Seventh International Conference on Climate Change: Sponsored by the Heartland Institute” (PDF), the Heartland Institute. Archived August 15, 2015.

November 4, 2011

Chairman James L. Martin came out ahead of demonstrators at the White House protesting the Keystone XL pipeline.

“60 Plus urges the Obama administration not to appease the environmental activists scheduled to descend on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this Sunday and avoid delaying further the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline. We simply cannot afford to leave our future energy and economic prosperity in the balance any longer,” said Martin.51Seniors Group Protests Activists Demonstrating Against Keystone XL Pipeline,” 60 Plus, November 4, 2011. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/OALx7

November 2009

The 60 Plus Association spent over $2 million on an advertisement that described proposed cuts to Medicare being “to pay for a plan that could lead to a government takeover of health care.”52Big Pharma Front Group 60 Plus Scaring Seniors with $2M Ad Buy,” ShadowProof, November 1, 2009. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/wjA9O

The television ad asserted that seniors would lose access to doctors, drugs, and treatment if the Democratic health care plan was adopted. The Ad aired in eight states including Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

March 8–10, 2009

The 60 Plus Association was a sponsor of the Heartland Institute’s Second International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC2) in New York.53Co-Sponsors,” The 2009 International Conference on Climate Change. Archived April 28, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/8pEf7

DeSmogBlog investigated sponsors of the conference and found they had collectively received over $47 million in funding from energy companies and right-wing foundations, with 78% of that total coming from Scaife Family foundations.54Heartland Institute’s 2009 Climate Conference in New York: funding history of the sponsors,” DeSmog.

May 19, 2005

The 60 Plus Association submitted testimony to the House Energy and Mineral Subcommittee to discuss “Energy Supply, Energy Costs and the American Consumer.”55Statement By 60 Plus Association President Jim Martin Submitted To The House Energy and Mineral Subcommittee,” 60 Plus Association, May 19, 2005. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/oEH4p

According to 60 Plus, “those who would impede the important work of this Committee and this Nation […] go under the names of groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Friends of The Earth with the help of organizations like MoveOn.org. These feel-good activists, both nationally and internationally, have done a simply marvelous job at swaying public opinion and building walls and roadblocks that stymie the vitality of the energy industry. And by and large, they’ve done it all with smoke and mirrors! Under the guise of something called ‘global warming’ […] 

This sort of anti-supply bias has to stop for the good of seniors and consumers of all ages. This wonderful country of ours has abundant energy wherewithal, much of it renewable, some of it biodegradable.”

February 26, 2003

Roger Zion, Honorary Chairman of the 60 Plus Association testified to the U.S. Senate Energy And Natural Resources Committee.

According to Zion, “The US must increase its domestic production of natural gas” and “Congress should also enact legislation to streamline natural gas pipeline construction to enable gas to enter the mid-continent and Northeastern markets, enhance gas supply and distribution capabilities, and relieve system constraints.”56Statement Of Roger Zion, Honorary Chairman, 60 Plus Association, To Senate Energy And Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senate,” 60 Plus Association, February 26, 2003. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/WDkzj

2003

According to an article in the AARP Bulletin, Members of Bonner & Associates, a Washington-based lobbying firm, paid callers who identified themselves as representatives of 60 Plus to urge residents to ask their governors to veto legislation that would defeat prescription drug legislation at the state level.

Bonner & Associates admitted that they had been paid by Pfizer Inc. to make the calls.57Pulling Strings from Afar: Drug Industry Finances Nonprofit Groups That Claim to Speak for Older Americans,” AARP Bulletin, February, 2003. Archived June 5, 2003. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/eFiPs

60 Plus Association Contact & Location

As of June 2016, the 60 Plus Association listed the following contact information on its website:58Homepage, 60 Plus Association. Archived June 27, 2016. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.

60 Plus Association
515 King Street | Suite 315 | Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.807.2070 | 703.807.2073 (fax)
[email protected]

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Alfred (Al) Pekarek Credentials Ph.D., University of Wyoming (1974).“Faculty/Staff,” St. Cloud State University. Archived May 28, 2010. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dA53K ...
Benny Josef Peiser Credentials Ph.D. , University of Frankfurt (1993). Peiser studied political science, English, and sports science. “Benny Peiser,” Wikipedia (German)Entry. Peiser, ...