Social Security

To the Editor:

When I think about Social Security turning 77 on August 14, I am reminded that life for many older Americans was very different before 1935. Many worked until they could work no longer.

At that time, almost half of older Americans nationwide lived in poverty. Retirement for these working poor was an impossible dream.

Today, there are more than 55 million beneficiaries on Social Security. In Maine alone, there are almost 300,000. Of those who are 65 and older, more than one third have nothing but their Social Security benefit to live on.

Social Security is a lifeline for so many in our state and the average monthly benefit for a Maine senior is under $1,100.

In this election year and beyond, the discussion about Social Security needs to take place in communities in Maine and across the country where people know first-hand how much this program means to them and their families.

The conversation also needs to be driven by facts. The Social Security Trustees project that the program can pay full benefits for the next 20 years, and then about 75 percent of promised benefits after that.

The sooner we take modest steps needed to shore up the program, the sooner we provide peace of mind to those who count on the program both now and in the future.

Don’t let Washington decide the future of Social Security without you. Go to earnedasay.org and make your voice part of the discussion. Here’s to 77 more years.

Roberta Downey

AARP Executive Council Volunteer

Bangor