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Social Security: Safe and Secure for West Virginia Seniors

Date: March 11, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net


Social Security: Safe and Secure for West Virginia Seniors
By Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito
03/11/05

Rest assured, todays seniors, disabled workers, and dependent children will continue to receive their monthly Social Security check. However, unless action is taken the Social Security program is undeniably in jeopardy for younger workers.

President Franklin Roosevelt created Social Security in 1935 to ensure Americas senior population would never suffer in depression era conditions again. Over the past seventy years Social Security has provided financial support to retired workers, the disabled and dependent children across the country. Today, over 400,000 West Virginians, nearly 1 in 5, receive Social Security benefits averaging between $800 and $900 per month. Social Security is secure for todays retirees and those nearing retirement, guaranteeing a check will continue to arrive for those born before 1950 or age 55 or older.

The reason you are hearing so much discussion about making changes to the Social Security system is because the program is undeniably in trouble for younger workers. Over the next decade the baby boomer generation is set to retire leaving fewer workers available to support the program. In fact, in 1950 there were sixteen workers paying for Social Security for every one beneficiary. Today, that ratio has dropped to three workers for every one person receiving a Social Security check. Fewer workers paying into Social Security puts benefits in jeopardy for younger generations of West Virginians NOT those retired today or near retirement.

To begin to solve this problem requires thoughtful, careful consideration. Social Security is too important to become the topic of a divisive political debate.

I want you to know I am committed to finding ways to strengthen and preserve Social Security. For these reasons, I will continue to listen to West Virginians to find a common sense solution that will guarantee Social Security for future generations.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=20&whichone=column

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