On April 27, the newspaper reprinted an editorial from the Los Angeles Times (“Time to fix Social Security is now, not later”) noting that Social Security trustees recently reported that the program can pay full benefits until 2033, and roughly three-quarters of promised benefits beyond that time.
The Times opined that the longer Congress waits to act, the harder the problem will be to solve.
AARP agrees. It’s past time for Washington politicians to listen to their constituents about Social Security. The trustees’ report is a call to action. The longer Washington waits to address the challenges ahead for Social Security, the more difficult it becomes for workers trying to plan their futures.
That’s why AARP has launched You’ve Earned a Say, a national conversation focused on strengthening health and retirement security so today’s seniors and future generations receive the benefits they have earned. Over the next year, AARP is hosting local town halls and informational forums not only throughout Maine, but across the country.
Social Security is particularly vital to Maine residents. One-quarter of recipients in the Pine Tree State rely on Social Security for 90 percent or more of their income, while 55 percent rely on it for at least half their income.
Mainers can make their voices heard about the importance of Social Security and Medicare to their retirement security by visiting www.earnedasay.org. Thousands of Maine people already have shared their feedback with us.
Politicians need to hear from us to know that the future of Social Security isn’t just a debate about budget numbers, it’s about the impact it will have on our lives and the lives of our families.
Lori K. Parham
State director
AARP Maine, Portland
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