AARP members in Pennsylvania realize the time has come to focus on finding bipartisan and workable solutions to help ensure that Social Security remains strong for future generations. Making moderate changes to Social Security now, will provide a strong financial foundation for future retirees. Tough, sensible decisions must be made to ensure that the changes we make to Social Security will benefit all Americans. "While we appreciate the fact that the President has pushed Social Security to the top of the nation's domestic issue agenda, we disagree strongly with his support for private accounts. Private accounts that drain money out of Social Security clearly are not a solvency option. They would cut guaranteed benefits, create a mountain of debt, and pass a huge bill on to future generations," said Desiree Petrus, Associate State Director for Advocacy, AARP Pennsylvania.

AARP believes the so-called "progressive price indexing" of benefits would break the Social Security promise by cutting benefits much too deeply for middle-income Americans, and by undermining the fundamental strength of the system. "We are committed to working with both political parties to help ensure that Social Security remains strong," adds Petrus.

Future generations of Americans deserve a Social Security program that ensures that benefits remain adequate and secure. This means:

    -- 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;
       and
    -- Annual adjustments that keep benefits up with the cost of living.

"With these values as a guide," said Petrus, "AARP is calling on members of Congress to work in a bipartisan fashion toward future retirement security for the American people."

AARP has over 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products and services for our members.

   Contact:  Pennsylvania State Office
             Angela Foreshaw
             215-519-4648
             aforeshaw@aarp.org

Source: AARP Pennsylvania

CONTACT: Angela Foreshaw, AARP, +1-215-519-4648, aforeshaw@aarp.org

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