Click, Learn and Stay Informed
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-11-15 14:58:00-05:00
Play the Flash game (opens a new window) and explore for yourself the pros and cons of the various proposed solutions for keeping Social Security strong and solvent. Requires free Macromedia Flash Player.
For 70 years, America's families have come to rely upon the values embodied in Social Security. The program's guaranteed, risk-free benefit has provided security from outliving one's additional savings and assets. Ongoing family protection has been assured through a system of retirement, disability and survivors' benefits. And we have all benefited by the shared responsibility of providing for today's beneficiaries, knowing that same responsibility will be met by future generations.
Private accounts that drain money out of Social Security do little to assure the continued values we have come to expect from the program. In fact, private accounts make the problem worse, cutting guaranteed benefits, creating a mountain of debt, and passing the bill to future generations.
As the debate over securing Social Security moves forward, AARP is committed to assuring the values provided by Social Security are reflected in any measure approved by Congress. Accordingly, any legislation must, at a minimum, be measured against a basic checklist.
- Risk-free benefits that you can't outlive for all who contribute.
- Annual adjustments that keep up with inflation.
- Protection for working families with retirement, disability and survivor benefits.
- Everyone participates and the solution is fair to everyone.
- Balanced contributions from both employees and employers, and benefits based on those contributions.
- An early retirement benefit that meets the needs of American workers.
These values and checklist items leave more than enough room for sensible ideas and needed changes that can go a long way towards eliminating the solvency shortfall. Finding consensus will not be easy, but it is something lawmakers must do. Getting to solvency will bring all Americans closer to a secure retirement.
Play the Flash game and explore for yourself the pros and cons of the various proposed solutions for keeping Social Security strong and solvent. Requires free Macromedia Flash Player.
p>For more information about Flash and other essential browser plug-ins, read Sandy Berger's article in our Learning and Technology channel.
AARP is committed to keeping the Social Security debate focused on real solutions that keep the system strong for everyone, now and in the future. Here are additional ways you can stay informed and get involved to make your voice heard:
- Encourage your family and friends to play this game - tell them to visit www.aarp.org/socialsecurity.
- Become an AARP Citizen Advocate and receive free email updates and alerts about Social Security and other important issues.
- Stay current on AARP's legislative advocacy and voter education efforts by signing up to receive our free Advocate Newsletter, emailed monthly.
- Visit AARP's Legislative Action Center and get the tools you need to make your voice heard on the issues you care about most.
- Bookmark AARP's Issues Blog and keep up with the latest developments on Social Security, Medicare, pensions, livable communities and other important issues.
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