Social Security worries answered; most hope it remains intact
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By JOLEEN FERRIS
Story Created:
Sep 2, 2010 at 11:59 AM EST
Story Updated:
Sep 2, 2010 at 11:59 AM EST
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Congressman Michael Arcuri met with local seniors Thursday at the Parkway Senior Center in Utica to separate fact from fiction regarding the health of social security. The congressman says young people frequently approach him, concerned that the program won't live to their retirement age.
"This is a promise that Americans have come to rely upon and it's a promise that we need to guarantee so and I hear that from young people a lot, they say, 'who knows if Social Security will be there when I'm able to get it?' and, it will be," says Arcuri.
Arcuri was at the senior center with Max Richmond, President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, who came to applaud the congressman for his efforts to preserve Social Security. Arcuri says that if government does nothing, Social Security will remain solvent through 2037. And that after that, there will be enough funds to pay 75% of owed benefits. The congressman says that the 24th district has more seniors receiving Social Security than any other district in the state.
How to preserve Social Security? Arcuri says fighting privatization of the program is crucial.
Arcuri's opponent in this fall's election, Republican Richard Hanna, says the most important part of Social Security is that it remain secure and there when people need it.
"This is not an entitlement program. It is a guaranteed benefit that seniors have paid for. The fundamental problem is spending in Washington. Social Security will always be in jeopardy if our government does not rein in spending."
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