60 Plus Association
Background
The 60 Plus Association was founded in 1992 as a โnon-partisan seniors advocacy group with a free enterprise, less government, less taxes approach to seniors issues.โ The 60 Plus Association describes itself as โthe conservative alternative to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).โ1โAbout 60 Plus,โ 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.2โ’The Rachel Maddow Show’ for Monday, August 10, 2009,โ (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.3โBig Pharma Front Group 60 Plus Scaring Seniors with $2M Ad Buy,โ 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. โThe 60 Plus Association: A Corporate Assault in ‘Good-for-Seniors’ Clothing,โ PRWatch, September 15, 2010. Archived November 6, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/BwUdh
According to the Conservative Transparency Project, โDespite its claims of nonpartisanship, the Koch-funded group โ founded in 1992 by long-time conservative operative Jim Martin โ 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.โ5โ60 Plus,โ 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.6โ60 Plus Association,โ 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 2002:7โ60 Plus Assn,โ OpenSecrets.org Centre for Responsive Politics. Accessed October 14, 2015.
Year | Lobbying 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.8โ60 Plus Assn,โ 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 โpermabannedโ President Trump.
Later that same day, the 60 Plus Association tweeted a message with the hashtags #thoughtpolice and #Orwell1984.
Stance on Climate Change
2014
โThe 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 shouldnโt 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?โ9Jim Martin. โAffordable energy is key,โ Daily Press, September 24, 2015. Republished by the 60 Plus Association. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/yMuVl
2006
โThe 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.โ10โStatement on Global Warmingโ (PDF), The 60 Plus Association. Retrieved from Greenpeace Research Documents. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
2004
โAlthough global warming alarmists believe carbon dioxide and other man-made greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, theyโve 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.โ11Roger Zion. โUltra Liberal Scientists on the Environment,โ 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.12โ60 Plus,โ 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.13โHigh Drug Prices Return as Issue That Stirs Voters,โ Washington Post, October 15, 2002. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Wn8q9
Republican strategist and consultant Carl Forti said โI don’t believe PhRMA has ever given 60 Plus money,โ and that the organization โis funded by individual private donors/members; they are not funded by corporations or interest groups.โ14Jonathan Tilove. โNational health care debate complicates Louisiana politics,โ 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:15โKnown Funders of: 60 Plus Association,โ Public Citizen. Archived February 26, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/7ZTmp
- Citizens for Better Medicare โ $275,000 in 2001.
- Merck โ $275,000 in 2001.
- Pfizer โ $275,000 in 2001.
- Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) โ $275,000 in 2001.
- Wyeth-Ayerst โ $275,000 to 60 Plus in 2001.
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
Name | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Title |
Amy Noone-Frederick | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | President | ||||||
Bill Card | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | ||||||||||
Bob Coakley | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||||||||||
Gary Hoitsma | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | ||||||
Greg Casey | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||||||||||
James L Martin | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Chairman |
Jim Minarik | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | ||||||
Jon Minarik (Deceased 2007) | Y | Y | Director | ||||||||||||
L Prather McKinnon | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Treasurer |
Matthew Kandrach | Y | Y | Y | Vice-President | |||||||||||
Randy Randol | Y | Y | Y | Director | |||||||||||
Robert Martin | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director | ||||||||||
Saul Anuzis | Y | President | |||||||||||||
William Shaker | Y | Y | Y | Director |
60 Plus Foundation
Name | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Title |
Del Wilson | Y | Y | Director | ||
James L Martin | Y | Y | Y | Y | Chairman |
John Dunagan | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director |
Ken Lynch | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director |
Manny Rosales | Y | Y | Y | Y | Treasurer |
Matt Schlapp | Y | Director | |||
Regina Siler Truslow | Y | Y | Executive Director | ||
Robert Coakley | Y | Y | Y | Y | Secretary |
Ron Warren | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director |
Tim Hyde | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director |
William Fay | Y | Y | Y | Y | Director |
Other
Also listed on 60 Plus Association’s website (as of October 2015):16โAbout 60 Plus,โ 60 Plus Association. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mVD3z
- Pat Boone โ National Spokesman
Actions
March 23, 2020
As reported at DeSmog,17Dana Drugmand. โUnder Cover of Pandemic, Fossil Fuel Interests Unleash Lobbying Frenzy,โ DeSmog, April 2, 2020. Life:Powered sent a letter to Congress critical of the COVID-19 stimulus package for including โtax incentives and spending for unreliable ‘green’ energy
programs.โ18“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.
โThis 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.โ
The full list of signatories is below:20“Dear Members of Congress” (PDF), Life:Powered, March 23, 2020. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
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. โSEC Chairman Cites Fishy Letters in Support of Policy Change,โ Bloomberg, November 19, 2019.
โ[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 โ and laughably clumsy โ public relations campaign by corporate interests,โ 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.
โThey wrote it, and I allowed them to use my name after I read it,โ public servant Marie Reed said. โI didnโt go digging into all of this,โ 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 โ 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,โ he said at a commission meeting in Washington.
Bloomberg summarized: โThat retired teacher? Pauline Yee said she never wrote a letter, although the signature was hers. Those military vets? It turns out theyโre 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.โ
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.
โWe donโt get paid for specific projects,โ he said in an interview. โWe get contributions from members who are part of the coalition. Weโre not getting paid for a specific letter.โ
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.22โ41 Conservative Groups Support Scalise/McKinley Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,โ Americans for Tax Reform, July 18, 2018. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
โWe oppose any carbon tax. We oppose a carbon tax because it would lead to less income and fewer jobs for American families,โ the letter read. โWe support the House Concurrent Resolution in opposition to a job-killing carbon tax and urge members to co-sponsor and support this effort.โ23โ41 Conservative Groups Support Scalise/McKinley Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,โ Americans for Tax Reform, July 18, 2018. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
The resolution would call a carbon tax โdetrimental to the United States economy.โE&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. โHouse voting on anti-carbon-tax measure: ‘Pass the popcorn’,โ E&E News, July 16, 2018. Archived Aug 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/aTP8h
โProtecting our environment and economic growth are not mutually exclusive,โ he said in a statement. โThe resolution presents a false choice.โ25Nick Sobczyk. โHouse voting on anti-carbon-tax measure: ‘Pass the popcorn’,โ 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.26โTeaching opportunities from House Concurrent Resolution 119 (H.Con.Res.119)โ (PDF), Citizens’ Climate Lobby, April 30, 2018.
April 23, 2018
The 60 Plus Association, represented by Saulius โSaulโ Anuzis was among 22 groups signed on to an open letter asking President Trump to ignore recent criticism of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.27โDear Mr. Presidentโ (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 โWeb of Deceit.โ The senators outlined how, in addition to funding from the Koch network, many of the groups use untraceable โdark moneyโ 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 โa web of deceit conceived and bankrolled by the Koch brothers and other self-interested billionaires to advocate for very selfish and unpatriotic policies.โ Whitehouse added: โThis web of deceit has infiltrated and populated the Trump administration, and it is swamping the interests of everyday Americans.28Senator Whitehouse. โTime to wake up: Web of Deceit,โ 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:
- Saulius โSaulโ Anuzius – 60 Plus Association
- Fred Birnbaum – Idaho Freedom Foundation
- L. Brent Bozell III – Media Research Center
- Amy Oliver Cooke – Independence Institute
- Wesley Denton – Conservative Partnership Institute
- Viv Forbes – The Carbon Sense Coalition
- Frank J Gaffney – Center for Security Policy
- Steve Goreham – Climate Science Coalition of America
- Phil Kerpen – American Commitment
- Andrew Langer – Institute for Liberty
- Lisa B. Nelson – American Legislative Exchange Council
- Rick Manning – Americans for Limited Government
- Jenny Beth Martin – Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund
- William Perry Pendley – Mountain States Legal Foundation
- Thomas Pyle – American Energy Alliance
- George Rasley – ConservativeHQ.com
- Sandy Rios – American Family Association
- Craig Richardson – Energy & Environment Legal Institute
- Craig Rucker – Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT)
- Dr Jameson Taylor – Missisippi Center for Public Policy
- Kyle Wingfield – Georgia Public Policy Foundation
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 โto withdraw fully from the Paris Climate Treaty and to stop all taxpayer funding of UN global warming programs.โ29โDear Mr. Presidentโ (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. โConservative Groups Pushing Trump To Exit Paris Climate Deal Have Taken Millions From Koch Brothers, Exxon,โ 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. โConservative groups spend up to $1bn a year to fight action on climate change,โ 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 Institute, American Energy Alliance (AEA), and others, declared that the Senate should โswiftly approve his nominationโ for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Other signatories of the letter included:32โDear Senators,โ (PDF), Competitive Enterprise Institute, January 12, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- Thomas Pyle, American Energy Alliance
- Michael Needham, Heritage Action for America
- Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform
- Kent Lassman, Competitive Enterprise Institute
- Adam Brandon, FreedomWorks
- David McIntosh, Club for Growth
- Phil Kerpen, American Commitment
- Craig Richardson, Energy and Environment Action Team
- David Williams, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
- Harry Alford, National Black Chamber of Commerce
- Andrew Langer, Institute for Liberty
- Heather Higgins,ย Independentย Womenโsย Voice
- Independence Institute
- Richard Martin, Americans for Limited Government
- Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes (COAST)
- Brett Healy, MacIver Institute
- Joseph Bast, Heartland Institute
- George Landrith, Frontiers of Freedom
- Randy Eminger, Energy Policy Network
- Paul Gessing, Rio Grande Foundation
- Mike Nasi, Balanced Energy for Texas
- Brent Mead, Montana Policy Institute
- Forest Thigpen, Mississippi Center for Public Policy
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. โPeabody Coal Bankruptcy Reveals Climate Denial Network Funding,โ 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.34โIn re: Peabody Energy Corporation, et al. Debtors,โ 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 Soon, Richard Lindzen, Roy Spencer and Richard Berman. The long list of organizations also includes groups such as Americans for Prosperity, American Legislative Exchange Council, CFACT, Institute for Energy Research, State Policy Network, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and dozens more.35Farron Cousins. โCourt Documents Show Coal Giant Peabody Energy Funded Dozens Of Climate Denial Groups,โ DeSmog, June 13, 2016.
The Guardian also analysed and reported on the Peabody bankruptcy findings:36Suzanne Goldenberg and Helena Bengtsson. โBiggest US coal company funded dozens of groups questioning climate change,โ The Guardian, June 13, 2016. Archived June 20, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pw7On
โThese groups collectively are the heart and soul of climate denial,โ said Kert Davies, founder of the Climate Investigation Center, who has spent 20 years tracking funding for climate denial. โItโs the broadest list I have seen of one company funding so many nodes in the denial machine.โ
The companyโs filings reveal funding for a range of organisations which have fought Barack Obamaโs plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and denied the very existence of climate change. [โฆ]
Among Peabodyโs beneficiaries, the Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change has insisted โ wrongly โ that carbon emissions are not a threat but โthe elixir of lifeโ 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. [โฆ]
โThe 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,โ said Nick Surgey, director of research for the Center for Media and Democracy.
โWe expected to see some denial money, but it looks like Peabody is the treasury for a very substantial part of the climate denial movement.โ
Notable organizations listed in the initial documents include:
- 60 Plus Association
- The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity
- American Energy Alliance
- Alliance For Energy And Economic Growth
- American Energy Alliance
- American Legislative Exchange Council
- Americans For Prosperity Oklahoma
- Atlas Economic Research Foundation
- Berman And Company, Inc
- Consumer Energy Alliance
- Center For Clean Air Policy
- Center for Energy and Economic Development
- Center For The Study Of Carbon Dioxide And Global Change
- Coalition for Responsible Regulation
- Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow
- Council on State Taxation
- DCI Group AZ, LLC
- Ducks Unlimited
- Energy & Environment Legal Institute
- Edison Electric Institute
- Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity
- Free Market Environmental Law Clinic
- Frontiers Of Freedom Institute
- George C. Marshall Institute
- Hill Knowlton Strategies
- Hill Knowlton, Inc
- Hudson Institute
- Hunton & Williams
- Independence Institute
- Institute For Energy Research
- Institute for Liberty
- National Association of Manufacturers
- National Black Chamber of Commerce
- National Conference of State Legislatures
- National Mining Association
- National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
- National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
- NextGen Energy Council
- PACE (May refer to Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy)
- Science & Public Policy Institute
- Sidley Austin LLP
- State Policy Network
- Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute
- Texas Public Policy Foundation
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Western Business Roundtable
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.37โEPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,โ AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho 38โAmerican Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity,โ SourceWatch. Accessed June 14, 2016.
Kandrach concluded that cleaner energy would have an โundue burden on seniorsโ while โRadical environmental ideology simply cannot be allowed to shape our energy policy.โ39โEPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,โ AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho
โInstead 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,โ 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 โa wolf in sheep’s clothesโ while the Department of the Interior’s proposed moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands is โequally as dangerous.โ40โEPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,โ 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, โdeeply concernedโ about his decision to implement President Obama’s Clean Power Plan.41John Siciliano. โRepublican governor faces pressure not to submit to Obama’s climate plan,โ Washington Examiner, September 15,2015. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/whPGI
According to the letter (PDF),โ[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.โ42โDear Governor Snyderโ (PDF), American Energy Alliance, September 14, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
Organizations who signed the letter included:
- American Energy Alliance
- Mackinac Center for Public Policy
- Competitive Enterprise Institute
- Americans for Prosperity
- FreedomWorks
- Texas Public Policy Foundation
- Americans for Tax Reform
- Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce
- MacIver Institute
- Montana Policy Institute
- Pelican Institute
- Buckeye Institute
- Mississippi Center for Public Policy
- James Madison Institute
- Palmetto Promise Institute
- Commonwealth Foundation
- Hispanic Leadership Fund
- Taxpayers Protection Alliance
- American Commitment
- National Black Chamber of Commerce
- 60 Plus Association
- Energy and Environmental Legal Institute
- Platte Institute for Economic Research
- Tea Party Patriots
- Federalism in Action
- State Budget Solutions
- Energy Makes America Great
- Campaign to Free America
- Americans for Limited Government
- Institute for Liberty
- Frontiers of Freedom
- National Center for Public Policy Research
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. โFlorida Courts Now Set to Weigh Two Competing Solar Ballots,โ 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.44โCoalition to Congress: Support PTC Elimination Actโ (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. โAmerican Energy Alliance Leads Front Group Attack on Wind PTC,โ 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 โObama Climate Change Report Causes Seniors, Poorer Americans to Sweat Over Their Healthโ that describes Coal as โthe answer to greater life-expectancy, not a threat to it.46โObama Climate Change Report Causes Seniors, Poorer Americans to Sweat Over Their Health,โ 60 Plus Association, April 9, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/DqduQ
โThe 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 Obamaโs plan, they will suffer the most. He can distort the facts all he wants, but the inconvenient truth remains: coal saves lives!โ 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. โStudy: EPA regulations are harmful to seniors,โ WDBJ7, October 2, 2014. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/HARxC often48โ60 Plus Tells EPA to Abandon CPP, AKA ‘Cruel Power Plan’ for Americaโs Elderly,โ 60 Plus Association, December 3, 2014. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pgac7 calling it the โCruel Power Plan.โ49โObama, EPA Still Wrong on Energy, Still Hurting Americaโs Elderly,โ 60 Plus Association, January 21, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/T6NFW
May 21โ23, 2012
60 Plus was a Co-sponsor of the Heartland Institute’s Seventh International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC7).50โSeventh International Conference on Climate Change: Sponsored by the Heartland Instituteโ (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.
โ60 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,โ said Martin.51โSeniors Group Protests Activists Demonstrating Against Keystone XL Pipeline,โ 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 โto pay for a plan that could lead to a government takeover of health care.โ52โBig Pharma Front Group 60 Plus Scaring Seniors with $2M Ad Buy,โ 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 8โ10, 2009
The 60 Plus Association was a sponsor of the Heartland Institute’s Second International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC2) in New York.53โCo-Sponsors,โ 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.54โHeartland Institute’s 2009 Climate Conference in New York: funding history of the sponsors,โ DeSmog.
May 19, 2005
The 60 Plus Association submitted testimony to the House Energy and Mineral Subcommittee to discuss โEnergy Supply, Energy Costs and the American Consumer.โ55โStatement By 60 Plus Association President Jim Martin Submitted To The House Energy and Mineral Subcommittee,โ 60 Plus Association, May 19, 2005. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/oEH4p
According to 60 Plus, โthose who would impede the important work of this Committee and this Nation [โฆ] 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, theyโve done it all with smoke and mirrors! Under the guise of something called ‘global warming’ [โฆ]
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.โ
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, โThe US must increase its domestic production of natural gasโ and โCongress 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.โ56โStatement Of Roger Zion, Honorary Chairman, 60 Plus Association, To Senate Energy And Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senate,โ 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.57โPulling Strings from Afar: Drug Industry Finances Nonprofit Groups That Claim to Speak for Older Americans,โ 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]
Related Organizations
- Main Street Investors Coalition โ Member.59Zachary Mider and Ben Elgin. โSEC Chairman Cites Fishy Letters in Support of Policy Change,โ Bloomberg, November 19, 2019.
- Cooler Heads Coalition (CHC) โ Member.60โAbout,โ Cooler Heads Coalition. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/WkBuX
- Consumers Alliance for Affordable Natural Gas โ Said to be โincreasingly involved in the coalition.โ61Jonathan E. Kaplan. โIndustry shifts strategy on natural gas,โ The Hill, November 16, 2004. Archived January 3, 2006. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/GrMzr
- Senior Power Campaign Committee (also called โGray PACโ) โ Last reported activity in 2004.62โSenior Power Campaign Cmte,โ OpenSecrets.org Centre for Responsive Politics. Accessed October 14, 2015.
- Richard Viguerie โ R. Viguerie’s direct mail firm helped 60 Plus raise $1.3 Million in 1994, and also helped initially launch 60 Plus in the mid 1990s.63โ60 Plus Association,โ SourceWatch. Accessed October 14, 2015.
Social Media
- โ60 Plus Associationโ on Facebook.
- โ60 Plus Associationโ on LinkedIn.
Other Resources
- โ60 Plus Association,โ Wikipedia.
- ExxonSecrets Factsheet: 60/Sixty Plus Association.
- โDeniers:Organisations:60/Sixty Plus Association,โ ExxonSecrets Wiki.
- โ60 Plus Association,โ FactCheck.org, October 12, 2010.
Resources
- 1โAbout 60 Plus,โ 60 Plus Association. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mVD3z
- 2โ’The Rachel Maddow Show’ for Monday, August 10, 2009,โ (Transcript), MSNBC TV. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/QJCvH
- 3โBig Pharma Front Group 60 Plus Scaring Seniors with $2M Ad Buy,โ ShadowProof, November 1, 2009. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/wjA9O
- 4Anne Landman. โThe 60 Plus Association: A Corporate Assault in ‘Good-for-Seniors’ Clothing,โ PRWatch, September 15, 2010. Archived November 6, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/BwUdh
- 5โ60 Plus,โ Conservative Transparency. Search performed May 22, 2017.
- 6โ60 Plus Association,โ SourceWatch. Accessed October 14, 2015.
- 7โ60 Plus Assn,โ OpenSecrets.org Centre for Responsive Politics. Accessed October 14, 2015.
- 8โ60 Plus Assn,โ OpenSecrets.org Centre for Responsive Politics. Accessed October 14, 2015.
- 9Jim Martin. โAffordable energy is key,โ Daily Press, September 24, 2015. Republished by the 60 Plus Association. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/yMuVl
- 10โStatement on Global Warmingโ (PDF), The 60 Plus Association. Retrieved from Greenpeace Research Documents. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 11Roger Zion. โUltra Liberal Scientists on the Environment,โ 60 Plus Association, September 9, 2004. Archived February 5, 2010. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/FoPbH
- 12โ60 Plus,โ Conservative Transparency. Search performed May 22, 2017.
- 13โHigh Drug Prices Return as Issue That Stirs Voters,โ Washington Post, October 15, 2002. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Wn8q9
- 14Jonathan Tilove. โNational health care debate complicates Louisiana politics,โ The Times-Picayune, November 16, 2009. Accessed at nola.com. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/9D0vO
- 15โKnown Funders of: 60 Plus Association,โ Public Citizen. Archived February 26, 2012. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/7ZTmp
- 16โAbout 60 Plus,โ 60 Plus Association. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/mVD3z
- 17Dana Drugmand. โUnder Cover of Pandemic, Fossil Fuel Interests Unleash Lobbying Frenzy,โ DeSmog, April 2, 2020.
- 18“Dear Members of Congress” (PDF), Life:Powered, March 23, 2020. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 19“Dear Members of Congress” (PDF), Life:Powered, March 23, 2020. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 20“Dear Members of Congress” (PDF), Life:Powered, March 23, 2020. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 21Zachary Mider and Ben Elgin. โSEC Chairman Cites Fishy Letters in Support of Policy Change,โ Bloomberg, November 19, 2019.
- 22โ41 Conservative Groups Support Scalise/McKinley Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,โ Americans for Tax Reform, July 18, 2018. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 23โ41 Conservative Groups Support Scalise/McKinley Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,โ Americans for Tax Reform, July 18, 2018. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 24Nick Sobczyk. โHouse voting on anti-carbon-tax measure: ‘Pass the popcorn’,โ E&E News, July 16, 2018. Archived Aug 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/aTP8h
- 25Nick Sobczyk. โHouse voting on anti-carbon-tax measure: ‘Pass the popcorn’,โ E&E News, July 16, 2018. Archived Aug 2, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/aTP8h
- 26โTeaching opportunities from House Concurrent Resolution 119 (H.Con.Res.119)โ (PDF), Citizens’ Climate Lobby, April 30, 2018.
- 27โDear Mr. Presidentโ (PDF) retrieved from the Heartland Institute. Archived .pdf file at DeSmog.
- 28Senator Whitehouse. โTime to wake up: Web of Deceit,โ WhiteHouse.Senate.gov. April 23, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.li/HzIsa
- 29โDear Mr. Presidentโ (PDF), retrieved from Competitive Enterprise Institute. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 30Graham Readfearn. โConservative Groups Pushing Trump To Exit Paris Climate Deal Have Taken Millions From Koch Brothers, Exxon,โ DeSmog, May 10, 2017.
- 31Susanne Goldberg. โConservative groups spend up to $1bn a year to fight action on climate change,โ The Guardian, December 20, 2013. Archived May 12, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/TB2yy
- 32โDear Senators,โ (PDF), Competitive Enterprise Institute, January 12, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 33Nick Surgey. โPeabody Coal Bankruptcy Reveals Climate Denial Network Funding,โ PRWatch, June 13, 2016. Archived June 20, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/a73wj
- 34โIn re: Peabody Energy Corporation, et al. Debtors,โ United States Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Missouri Eastern Division, Case 16-42529, May 27, 2016. Retrieved from DocumentCloud.
- 35Farron Cousins. โCourt Documents Show Coal Giant Peabody Energy Funded Dozens Of Climate Denial Groups,โ DeSmog, June 13, 2016.
- 36Suzanne Goldenberg and Helena Bengtsson. โBiggest US coal company funded dozens of groups questioning climate change,โ The Guardian, June 13, 2016. Archived June 20, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pw7On
- 37โEPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,โ AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho
- 38โAmerican Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity,โ SourceWatch. Accessed June 14, 2016.
- 39โEPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,โ AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho
- 40โEPA’s Clean Power Plan could cost Alabama seniors,โ AL.com, June 9, 2016. Archived June 14, 2016. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/Oqwho
- 41John Siciliano. โRepublican governor faces pressure not to submit to Obama’s climate plan,โ Washington Examiner, September 15,2015. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/whPGI
- 42โDear Governor Snyderโ (PDF), American Energy Alliance, September 14, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 43Julia Pyper. โFlorida Courts Now Set to Weigh Two Competing Solar Ballots,โ Green Tech Media, September 15, 2015. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/PmsXy
- 44โCoalition to Congress: Support PTC Elimination Actโ (PDF), American Energy Alliance, July 27, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.
- 45Gabe Elsner. โAmerican Energy Alliance Leads Front Group Attack on Wind PTC,โ Huffington Post, September 3, 2015. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/LC1ML
- 46โObama Climate Change Report Causes Seniors, Poorer Americans to Sweat Over Their Health,โ 60 Plus Association, April 9, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/DqduQ
- 47Justin Ward. โStudy: EPA regulations are harmful to seniors,โ WDBJ7, October 2, 2014. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/HARxC
- 48โ60 Plus Tells EPA to Abandon CPP, AKA ‘Cruel Power Plan’ for Americaโs Elderly,โ 60 Plus Association, December 3, 2014. Archived October 15, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/pgac7
- 49โObama, EPA Still Wrong on Energy, Still Hurting Americaโs Elderly,โ 60 Plus Association, January 21, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/T6NFW
- 50โSeventh International Conference on Climate Change: Sponsored by the Heartland Instituteโ (PDF), the Heartland Institute. Archived August 15, 2015.
- 51โSeniors Group Protests Activists Demonstrating Against Keystone XL Pipeline,โ 60 Plus, November 4, 2011. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/OALx7
- 52โBig Pharma Front Group 60 Plus Scaring Seniors with $2M Ad Buy,โ ShadowProof, November 1, 2009. Archived October 13, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/wjA9O
- 53โCo-Sponsors,โ The 2009 International Conference on Climate Change. Archived April 28, 2011. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/8pEf7
- 54
- 55โStatement By 60 Plus Association President Jim Martin Submitted To The House Energy and Mineral Subcommittee,โ 60 Plus Association, May 19, 2005. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/oEH4p
- 56โStatement Of Roger Zion, Honorary Chairman, 60 Plus Association, To Senate Energy And Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senate,โ 60 Plus Association, February 26, 2003. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/WDkzj
- 57โPulling Strings from Afar: Drug Industry Finances Nonprofit Groups That Claim to Speak for Older Americans,โ AARP Bulletin, February, 2003. Archived June 5, 2003. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/eFiPs
- 58Homepage, 60 Plus Association. Archived June 27, 2016. Archived .png on file at DeSmog.
- 59Zachary Mider and Ben Elgin. โSEC Chairman Cites Fishy Letters in Support of Policy Change,โ Bloomberg, November 19, 2019.
- 60โAbout,โ Cooler Heads Coalition. Archived October 14, 2015. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/WkBuX
- 61Jonathan E. Kaplan. โIndustry shifts strategy on natural gas,โ The Hill, November 16, 2004. Archived January 3, 2006. Archive URL: https://archive.ph/GrMzr
- 62โSenior Power Campaign Cmte,โ OpenSecrets.org Centre for Responsive Politics. Accessed October 14, 2015.
- 63โ60 Plus Association,โ SourceWatch. Accessed October 14, 2015.