Texans Rally in Defense of Social Security

Did you know that Social Security is the only source of income for almost one-third of Texans of retirement age? Or that one in eight Texas residents receives Social Security? Or that the program lifts nearly half of all retirees from poverty?

On its 75th anniversary, Social Security deserves to be celebrated. Social Security is arguably the most successful program in the history of the nation – the bedrock of economic security for countless working Americans and their families.

It’s surprising that this wonderful program has become the victim of widespread misunderstanding and unwarranted gloom. Most young people, for example, don’t believe Social Security will be there for them, and some older folks question whether they will receive the benefits they have earned.

There is ample reason for optimism. Social Security has a surplus of over $2.5 trillion, and it’s still growing. With no changes at all it can pay full benefits until 2037 and 75% of promised benefits for decades more. That isn’t good enough.

Certainly, Social Security needs to be strengthened and its long-term solvency issues addressed. But the program’s challenges can be overcome with modest changes, as part of a bipartisan, civil conversation about retirement security for all Americans and how best to achieve it.

To highlight the need to preserve Social Security for future generations, AARP Texas started a photo collection campaign. Folks from all walks of life were asked to take photos with signs reading “Keep Social Security Strong because…” and their personal reason for why the program shouldn't be gutted to solve the budget deficit.

AARP Texas took the campaign to the Web, and asked our Facebook fans to get involved. Our goal was to get 75 photos to commemorate the landmark anniversary, but we ended up with about twice that many.

We turned the collected photos into large collages that went with volunteers to elected officials’ offices along with birthday cards.

Social Security is the difference between a dignified old age and one of financial desperation. Keeping it strong should be something we all can agree on. It’s not too late for your voice to be heard, please submit your photos.