In Texas, AARP volunteers will be contacting and visiting members of Congress over Memorial Day Recess to help ensure that Social Security remains strong for all Americans and encourage a bi-partisan process that leads to practical solutions.

An open letter from National AARP President Marie Smith and CEO Bill Novelli is also being sent to 2 million AARP members in Texas through the upcoming June issue of the AARP Bulletin. AARP is advocating for a Social Security program that is based on adequate and secure benefits including:

   *  A predictable and stable foundation that provides a risk-free
   retirement benefit that can't be outlived -- for all who contribute

   *  Disability and survivor benefits to protect workers and their
   families.

   *  Full participation -- so the solution is fair to everyone.

   *  Adequate benefits for low-wage retirees -- to assure at least a
   minimum standard in retirement.

   *  Benefits based on contributions for all who pay into Social Security.

   *  Annual adjustments that keep up with the cost of living.

"With these values as a guide, we call on our representatives to work toward retirement security for all Americans, including making Social Security strong and solvent for our children and grandchildren," explained Gus Cardenas, AARP Texas State President.

AARP is opposed to private accounts that divert money from Social Security payroll obligations. Such private accounts won't help Social Security's long-term financial security and they won't help the future retirement security of today's younger workers.

The congressional visits are a part of a series of events in Texas and across the country on the importance of Social Security to all Americans and their families.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, http://www.aarp.org/ . AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Source: AARP Texas

CONTACT: Carole Barasch of AARP Texas, +1-512-480-2436

Web site: http://www.aarp.org/