(Washington, DC) — Thousands of Americans will gather in communities across the country today and throughout the month to celebrate Social Security’s 78th birthday. Signed into law on August 14, 1935, Social Security continues to receive broad support in national opinion polls from Americans of all political backgrounds. The following are statements from the founding co-directors of Social Security Works and the co-chairs of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition:
“For 78 years today, our Social Security system has secured the dignity of middle class Americans in retirement and grown to protect us when unimaginable disability or death strikes our families. We built this system; we pay for it. It protects our parents, our children, grandchildren and ourselves, this is what America is all about. We will not allow anyone to tear it down, and today it is more clear than ever that we must expand this critical system.”
— Eric Kingson, Co-chair of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition–
“Today is Social Security’s 78th birthday; it has undeniably stood the test of time. Social Security is the most universal, fair, secure, and efficient retirement income arrangement in the country. In addition, it provides America’s workers and their families vital life insurance and disability insurance protection. Social Security’s many strengths together with the many weaknesses of private sector retirement arrangements and the rarity of private long-term disability insurance makes one thing perfectly clear: It is time to expand Social Security.”
–Nancy Altman, founding co-director of Social Security Works–