Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Statement on the 85th Anniversary of Social Security
Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement regarding the 85th anniversary of Social Security. It was established on August 14, 1935, to protect seniors and other vulnerable Americans from economic hardship and homelessness after the Great Depression.
"Social Security is a great example of American compassion," said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. "The best measure of a country is how it cares for its most vulnerable citizens. Social Security helps more than 64 million people and 80 percent of them are seniors. Also, it has lifted 1.5 million children out of poverty. This program shows that America understands the importance of aiding children and the disabled as well as helping our elderly thrive in their retirement.
"That is why Social Security must be protected from attacks to defund or privatize it. I am a strong supporter of bills to improve Social Security and increase payments to beneficiaries. I have co-sponsored three bills that would protect Social Security payments from decreasing during this global pandemic, expand benefits and account for cost of living increases in payments, and increase the amount that can be paid into the Social Security Trust Funds so it can continue to pay benefits into the future. This critical program must be protected so future generations can enjoy the same social safety net as past generations."
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