Printable Version
August 4, 2005
Thursday, August 4, 2005
For Immediate Release |
NATIONWIDE SOCIAL SECURITY 70TH ANNIVERSARY EDUCATIONAL FORUMS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST CONGRESSIONAL RECESS - Alliance for Retired Americans Sponsors Forums to Brief Retirees on Perils of Privatization Plans
Washington, DC—The Alliance for Retired Americans will host 15 Social Security Anniversary Educational Forums in 8 states beginning August 8 in LaCrosse, WI. The forums are designed as interactive opportunities to educate the public about Social Security's 70- year success, the legislation aimed at changing Social Security currently being debated in Congress and the perils of privatization.
The Social Security Anniversary Educational Forums are timed to coincide with the Congressional August recess and the 70th anniversary of Social Security on August 14. The Forums will feature retiree activists, senior organizers, academics, and local Alliance and labor leaders who will share information and generate ideas for action.
"Our local elected officials owe it to their constituents to let them know where they stand on privatizing Social Security," said George Kourpias, president of the Alliance for Retired Americans. "We expect our seniors to use the Educational Forums as an opportunity to take a stand and be heard."
The Alliance-sponsored Anniversary Educational Forums are the latest attack the organization has launched against privatization. From March to July 2005, the Alliance Social Security Petition Truth Truck, carrying more than 1 million petitions to protect Social Security, made 39 stops in 19 states and held events in the home districts of more than 70 members of Congress. The Alliance also released, in May, a widely viewed educational video, "Saving Social Security," narrated by Olympia Dukakis, that explains the importance of Social Security in the lives of seniors, the disabled, and younger workers.
In addition, the Alliance has participated in a multitude of anti-privatization events and rallies organized by groups united to protect Social Security across the country.
"America's seniors will not give up the fight to make sure Social Security's guaranteed benefits are there in full for future generations," said Kourpias. "We have so much at stake in this fight because we do not trust this president or the GOP-controlled Congress to protect and preserve retirement security."
A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll found 71% of seniors oppose President Bush's plan to divert Social Security contributions into private accounts. These numbers are particularly worrisome for lawmakers who face midterm elections in 2006 and realize the senior vote is among the most mobilized and powerful.
Itinerary for the Social Security 70th Anniversary Educational Forums:
Mon., Aug 8: LaCrosse, WI
Tue., Aug 9: Bethlehem, PA; Eau Claire, WI; Janesville, WI
Wed., Aug 10: Concord, NH
Thu., Aug 11: Delray Beach, FL; Presque Isle, ME; Aliquippa, PA
Fri., Aug 12: Sarasota, FL
Sat., Aug 13: Spring Hill, FL
Sun., Aug 14: Grant's Pass, OR
Mon., Aug 15: Seattle, WA; Tallahassee, FL; Chicago, IL
Sun, Aug 21: Issaquah, WA
Details for each stop are available upon request.