Keeping a Focus on the Importance of Social Security

The recent survey of 50+ New Jerseyans released at the end of February shows a great focus on the need for Social Security.

A full 90 percent of survey respondents report that Social Security is extremely or very important to them. With almost one out of four current beneficiaries in New Jersey relying on Social Security for 90% or more of their income, this is clearly a paramount issue.

Social Security is more important than ever for retirement security because older Americans are facing high unemployment rates, declining home values, rising health care costs and smaller retirement “nest eggs.” Many older adults are fearful that they are going to outlive their savings or won’t have anything left to provide to their children and their grandchildren.

Social Security keeps millions out of poverty, allowing them to achieve some security in retirement after contributing to these programs throughout their workings lives. Older Americans want to leave future generations a better world than the one they inherited—making sure Social Security remains intact is an essential part of that goal.

Social Security’s long-term funding must be strengthened to make sure it can continue to pay full benefits past 2037. Modest changes can, and will ensure it remains strong for future generations. AARP is urging our membership to stay in touch with your members of Congress and make sure they know how important Social Security is to you. Think about what it would mean to live without that steady check every month. What would you have to do to make ends meet? This is a great time to make your voice heard on this vital issue.

Here are the district numbers and online information for members of Congress in NJ.

Representative Robert E. Andrews (D - 01)

Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (R - 02)

Representative Jon Daniel Runyan (R - 03)

Representative Chris H. Smith (R - 04)

Representative Scott Garrett (R - 05)

Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D - 06)

Representative Leonard Lance (R - 07)

Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D - 08)

Representative Steve Rothman (D - 09)

Representative Donald M. Payne (D - 10)

Representative Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (R - 11)

Representative Rush Holt (D - 12)

Representative Albio Sires (D - 13)