The 60 Plus Association is an American advocacy group founded in 1992 and based in Arlington, Virginia that bills itself as a non-partisan entity. In truth it has set its sights as a conservatives' alternative to the AARP. Over the years, it has sought to offer a privatized option for Social Security, end the federal estate tax, and strengthen gun rights.[1] Current issues include opposing certain health care reform proposals; [2] opposing federal energy standards; [3] opposing the structure of the General Motors bailout; [4] and opposing tax increases.[5] 60 Plus is a member of the Cooler Heads Coalition.
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60 Plus is led by its Chairman James L Martin, a 73-year old veteran of the US Marines. Martin has previously led several conservative advocacy groups, and also was chief of staff for six years for former Republican congressman and senator, the late Edward Gurney of Florida. [6] Martin also served as a member of President George W Bush's health and human services transition team.[7]
In 2010, Amy Noone Frederick (b. 1978) was named president of the 60 Plus Association. Frederick, wife of former Virginia legislator Jeff Frederick, is a former lobbyist and political consultant. For 8 years she served as a senior advisor to Virginia legislative candidates. Frederick graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with a degree in government.[8]
According to the Washington Post, in 2002, 60 Plus received an unrestricted educational grant (which can be used as most needed) from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, also known as PhRMA.[9]Ken Johnson, senior vice president and spokesman for PhRMA said that as of 2009 the association had not provided any funding to 60 Plus for at least five years.[10] In 2009, Carl Forti, a political consultant and spokesman for 60 Plus said, "I don't believe PhRMA has ever given 60 Plus money." He added that 60 Plus is funded by donations from its 5.5 million members.
60 Plus also earns income from sponsoring life insurance and health screening for its members. [11]
The 60 Plus Association is one of the official supporters of the Stop Online Piracy Act bill.[12]
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