Press RELEASE
| For Immediate Release | Contact | Phone |
| August 12, 2010 | Adam Sherman, NJ Citizen Action | 732-246-4772 |
Senator Robert Menendez Joins Advocates and Seniors to Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Social Security
NJ Citizen Action Released a New Study Analyzing How Many New Jersey Residents Benefit from Social Security
Hoboken, NJ — Today, Senator Robert Menendez and Michael Pock, a representative from Senator Lautenberg, joined New Jersey Citizen Action, state advocates and seniors to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Social Security. The event was one of over 100 events taking place across the country during the month of August to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Social Security.
"Social Security has ensured that every generation of seniors for the past 75 years has been able to retire with dignity and has also provided financial security to surviving spouses and the disabled," said Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director for New Jersey Citizen Action. "Social Security has withstood the test of time and we must continue to protect it so that it will be there for future generations."
"Social Security is one of the most successful programs in our nation's history," said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. "For 75 years, it has allowed hundreds of millions of American seniors to prosper and avoid poverty after retirement. I am committed to keeping Social Security strong and stable long into the future. I thank NJ Citizen Action for the good work they do on behalf of New Jersey's seniors and for inviting me to celebrate this important milestone."
Paulette Eberle, a widower from Jersey City receiving benefits, spoke about the loss of her husband and how Social Security helped her and her family put food on the table. "It has been a lifeline for me and my family."
In today's press conference, New Jersey Citizen Action also released a new study that demonstrates how much Social Security has benefited the residents of New Jersey.
According to the study, Social Security Works for New Jersey:
- There are 1,407,600 New Jersey residents receiving Social Security benefits.
- Social Security has helped lift 466,000 New Jersey residents out of poverty
- Social Security payments into New Jersey total over $20 billion a year.
- 969,500 workers receive retirement benefits, the average benefit received is $15,500 per year
- 58.5% of New Jersey's Social Security beneficiaries are women
- 112,700 individuals receive survivors benefits
Visit www.strengthensocialsecurity.org/reports to view the entire report.
There has been growing debate by some in Washington proposing to cut benefits and privatize the program, as a way to reduce the federal deficit. Advocates today emphasized opposition to any such cuts or reduction of benefits.
"Social Security should not be cut or be privatized in whole or in part," said John Glasel, a Social Security recipient and resident of Hoboken, NJ.
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NJ Citizen Action is the State's largest, independent citizen watchdog coalition, representing over 60,000 family members and over 100 affiliated organizations across the State. NJCA works to protect and expand the rights of individuals and families and to ensure that government officials respond to the needs of people rather than the interests of those with money and power.
