What You Need to Know about Social Security

Have you ever heard someone say Social Security is going bankrupt? Or that Social Security won’t be there for your children and grandchildren? Unfortunately, some politicians have used these lies during debt ceiling debates to frighten the public and further their political agenda. The truth is, as Social Security celebrates its 76th anniversary, it remains one of the nation’s most successful, effective, and popular intergenerational programs.

To help arm intergenerational advocates with the truth about this issue, we’ve highlighted some facts everyone should know about this important program.

1. Social Security is NOT going bankrupt. Social Security has a $2.6 trillion surplus and can pay full benefits through 2036 without any changes. Furthermore, relatively modest changes could be made and would place the program on a sound financial footing for 75 years and beyond. To read more about these recommendations, check out the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) publication: Strengthening Social Security for the Long Run.

2. Social Security did not cause the deficit. Social Security has its own funding stream and did not contribute to the deficit. It should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Because Social Security operates from a dedicated self-funding stream, it is projected to be fully solvent until 2036.

3. Social Security will be there for you. Social Security has never missed a payment in 75 years. It is 100% solvent for the next 25 years and, in the highly unlikely case that Congress did not act before 2036, Social Security could still pay about three-fourths of benefits thereafter. With minor changes, Social Security can be solvent for years to come.

4. Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides essential protections for people of all ages. Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program, protecting 98 percent of the children in the U.S. in the event that they lose a parent. More than 6.5 million children receive part of their family income from Social Security.

5. Social Security benefits are modest. As politicians continue to discuss Social Security reform, it’s important to note that cuts to Social Security would dramatically affect an individual’s benefits. Social Security benefits are much more modest than many people realize. In June 2010, the average Social Security retirement benefit is about $14,000 a year. (The average disabled worker and aged widow received slightly less.)

6. Americans would rather pay more than see benefits cut. 87 percent of all Americans agree that they don’t mind paying for Social Security because of the security and stability it provides to millions of Americans. (Survey sponsored by NASI and Rockefeller Foundation in Fall 2009).

7. Almost half of all seniors would be poor without Social Security. Social Security lifts 13 million older adults age 65 and older out of poverty.

8. For many grandfamilies, Social Security is essential to their families’ survival. Social Security is a safeguard for families when tragedy strikes. The vast majority of grandparent caregivers did not plan to raise another family and unexpectedly find themselves caring for their grandchildren. Many of these grandparents live on fixed incomes and find themselves forced to make decisions between paying for diapers and formula for the children or prescription drugs for themselves. Even with Social Security benefits, 22 percent of grandparent-headed families are poor. Without Social Security benefits, the group’s poverty rate would be 59 percent or more. Read more about what’s at stake for grandfamilies in our publication: What’s at Stake for Children, Youth, and Grandfamilies.

9. Changes already enacted will cut Social Security benefits by 19 percent for future retirees. In the 1980s, Congress enacted changes to ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security. Those changes cut retirement benefits by 19 percent for workers born in 1960 and later, and more cuts could undermine the basic economic security of future retirees. To help educate the public and Members of Congress on this complex issue, NASI recently released a report on the effects of this piece of legislation.

10. Social Security should be strengthened, not cut.

Generations United believes the best way to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. Social Security plays a critical role in providing economic security and indispensable protections for children, families, and retirees. Social Security provides vital support for children, in addition to older adults, covering 98 percent of all children in the event of the death or disability of a caregiver.

In order to improve Social Security for future generations, Generations United continues to advocate for one low-cost recommendation that would strengthen Social Security for future generations: reinstating the student benefit. Restoring the Social Security student benefit would offer students whose parents are deceased and disabled the support they need to become the educated workforce our country’s economy needs. To read more about our recommendation, download our publication Social Security: What's at Stake for Children, Youth, and Grandfamilies.


This article is the final installment in Generations United’s Budget Blog Series.

The House Budget: What’s In Ryan’s “Path to Prosperity”, & How Would It Affect Me?

The Path to Prosperity, introduced by Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has been at the epicenter of the 2012 budget debate. After passing the U.S. House of Representatives, this House Budget Resolution was struck down in the Senate. However, the plan remains very relevant today, as portions of the plan, particularly deep cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, are still being considered.

According to a recent poll by Kaiser, a majority of Americans say they are opposed to cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs that provide critical support to older adults and children. Cuts proposed by the House Budget Resolution would impact services for older adults and children dramatically. If the plan was enacted, federal spending would shrink to about 20 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2015 – this is the lowest level since 1951, a time when federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid didn’t even exist.

Generations United opposes these harmful cuts and urges Congress to balance the budget in a responsible way that doesn't do so on the backs of our nation's children, older adults, and other vulnerable groups.  For these reasons, it is important for individuals of all ages to learn about the spending cuts proposed by the House Budget and advocate for shared sacrifice in any upcoming budget proposal.

Among others, the budget plan calls for the following cuts:

·         $2.17 trillion in reductions from Medicaid and related health care programs.

·         $350 billion from other mandatory programs serving low-income Americans. For  instance, The Ryan Plan implies that federal funding for SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as the food stamp program) would be substantially reduced.

·         $400 billion in cuts in low-income discretionary programs. For example, The Ryan Plan identifies Pell Grants and low-income housing assistance as prime targets for substantial cuts.  

In addition, the budget plan calls for the following harmful reforms:

 

Repealing the Affordable Care Act

Repealing the new health care law would remove access to affordable, high-quality, comprehensive health care coverage for children, youth, people with disabilities, families and older adults.  Without this historic piece of legislation, insurance companies will go back to denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions.  Women may be charged more than men for insurance, simply because of their gender.  And, families may continue to go without the affordable, quality care they deserved. Moreover, repealing the ACA would not lower health care costs. In fact, a recent report estimates that state governments will actually save $90 billion from 2014 to 2019 because of implementation of the ACA’s major reforms.

Converting Medicaid into a Block Grant 

This proposal would cut Medicaid funding by $771 billion over the next ten years and convert it to a block grant. As a result, states would receive less money from the federal government to assist low-income individuals who are eligible, leaving states with inadequate funding. With less federal dollars to provide the same services, the block grant would ultimately force states to shift these costs onto the backs of providers and beneficiaries in the midst of tough economic times.  This could increase costs and jeopardize the delivery of critical health care services for older adults receiving Medicaid benefits for long-term care and the more than 30 million children Medicaid serves.

Turning Medicare into a Voucher Program

The House Budget Resolution would turn Medicare into a voucher program in which older adults receive a limited amount to buy increasingly expensive private health insurance. If passed, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that older adults' out-of-pocket medical costs would rise twice as fast as currently projected. Recent polls show that the public is strongly opposed to cuts to Medicare, with many noting Medicare's important role in providing financial security in their retirement.

Converting The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) into a Block Grant 

The House Budget Resolution would cut SNAP (formerly known as the food stamp program) by nearly 20 percent and convert the program into a block grant. By capping the amount of federal funding the program can receive, a block grant structure would eliminate SNAP’s ability to respond to rising need. For example, due to the economic downturn, the demand for SNAP benefits for all generations has increased. With a substantial loss in federal funding, it will be increasingly difficult for states to provide benefits to those eligible. Almost a third of SNAP beneficiaries are older adults or individuals with disabilities, and almost three-quarters of SNAP benefits are used by families with children.

For more in-depth information on the how the House Budget Resolution would impact children and older adults, please review the following resources from our partners:

Child Welfare League of America:   What Does a Medicaid Block Grant Mean for Children in Child Welfare

AARP: House Republicans Propose Remake of Medicare and Medicaid 

Center on Budget & Policy Priorities:

Ryan Budget Would Increase Health Care Spending for Medicare Beneficiaries 

Ryan Plan Specifies Spending Path That Would Nearly End Most of Government Other Than Social Security, Health Care, and Defense by 2050

Chairman Ryan Gets Nearly Two-Thirds of His Huge Budget Cuts From Programs for Lower-Income Americans

House-Passed Proposal to Block-Grant and Cut SNAP (Food Stamps) Rests on False Claims About Program Growth

This article is the second installment in Generations United’s Budget Blog Series.

 

5 Things Intergenerational Advocates Should Know About the National Debt and Deficit

The ongoing debate surrounding the national debt and deficit can be confusing, especially when it comes to discerning facts from misleading political rhetoric. Generations United has identified five key points related to the national deficit that our members should know about in order to be well informed on this very important issue;

1. The national debt itself is not a measure of financial impact across generations.

What is important is how the debt affects the economy at the time when the government borrows the money. Whether or not the national debt will be detrimental to future generations is determined by the quality of the society that we pass on. If the debt is increased by positive investments (such as education and health care) we ensure a healthier workforce and the future economy will benefit as a result.

2. During periods of economic weakness, deficit spending actually can grow the economy.

While a deficit can in principle lead to higher interest rates and lower productivity when the economy is functioning near capacity, it actually can help bolster the economy during a downturn. The primary issue during a recession is a lack of demand. Government spending and/or tax cuts at that time can increase demand as well as output and employment. Higher output means that companies will invest more and that future generations will be made wealthier as a result.

3. The majority of the forecasted budget deficit problem is caused by high and rising costs in the private healthcare sector.

The federal government pays out over half of the country’s total health care costs via Medicare, Medicaid, and other related programs. Most of that money goes to the private health care sector. The cost of this care in the coming years is projected to rise far more rapidly than our current rate of economic growth. If we can find a way to control the increasing cost of health care, then the budget deficit will become much more manageable.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010 takes significant steps to reduce the increasing cost of health care by ensuring that all Americans have access to preventative care services and affordable coverage. By creating incentives to treat health care issues earlier and in primary care facilities, rather than costly emergency rooms, the ACA will reduce health care costs considerably over time; most of these changes will occur beginning in 2014, with the introduction of state-based “exchanges,” marketplaces where consumers and small business owners can purchase affordable health insurance, much like shopping online for a plane ticket or a hotel room. According to a recent study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, state governments will spend at least $90 billion less from 2014 to 2019 because of the ACA’s reforms.

4. Social Security has its own funding stream, and it will be fully funded until 2036.

Some people have suggested fixing the deficit by cutting into Social Security. In reality, Social Security did not contribute to the deficit, and it should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Because Social Security operates from a dedicated self-funding stream, it is projected to be fully solvent until 2036.

Much of the current debate around the national deficit has focused on the idea of cutting into Social Security to help alleviate the current and projected budgetary shortfalls. Generations United strongly opposes that course of action. It makes little sense to cut benefits from a program that has proven itself to be self-sustaining, especially a program like Social Security that is so valuable to all generations. Furthermore, the amount of the deficit that could be reduced by cutting into Social Security pales in comparison to the amount of the deficit that could be reduced by letting the tax cuts of the early 2000s expire or reducing the spending allocated to conflicts overseas and addressing the rising private health care costs.

5. A constitutional balanced budget amendment means cuts to critical programs.

A balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution would threaten our economic security while raising a host of problems for the operation of Social Security and other vital federal functions. Requiring a balanced budget every year, no matter the state of the economy, would raise serious risks of tipping weak economies into recession and making recessions longer and deeper, causing very large job losses. That’s because the amendment would force policymakers to cut spending, raise taxes, or both just when the economy is weak or already in recession — the exact opposite of what good economic policy would advise.

Generations United hopes that these five key points have answered some of the questions that our members may have had concerning the national debt and deficit.

For more information on these issues, please visit the following sites:

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Center for Economic and Policy Research



This article is the first installment in Generations United’s Budget Blog Series.

Generations United's Reponse to Possible Social Security Cuts

 

Photo: Pete Souza | Official White House Photo



Today, news outlets announced that President Obama plans to propose significant reductions in Medicare spending and for the first time will offer to tackle the rising cost of Social Security.

  

Experts are speculating that the President is considering Social Security cuts to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This would be done by changing the formula used to calculate the annual COLA to the so-called chained-CPI (Consumer Price Index). This technical change would cut the benefits people have earned – whether they receive Social Security now or in the future. After ten years, average retiree benefits will be cut by about $600 a year, and after 20 years, they will be cut by about $1,000 a year.

Generations United is focused on protecting Social Security and Medicare for the millions of children, families, and retirees that rely on these critical programs. Furthermore, Social Security did not contribute to the deficit, and it should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Generations United urges Congress to balance the budget in a responsible way that doesn't do so on the backs of our nation's most vulnerable citizens.



Generations United believes the best way to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens is to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. Social Security plays a critical role in providing economic security and indispensable protections for children, families, and retirees. Social Security provides vital support for children, in addition to older adults, covering 98 percent of all children in the event of the death or disability of a caregiver.



In order to improve Social Security for future generations, Generations United continues to advocate for one low-cost recommendation that would strengthen Social Security for future generations: reinstating the student benefit. Restoring the Social Security student benefit would offer students whose parents are deceased and disabled the support they need to become the educated workforce our country’s economy needs. To read more about our recommendation, download our publication Social Security: What's at Stake for Children, Youth, and Grandfamilies.



To read more about this story, check out today’s Washington Post article.

To read more about the COLA cut, check out the Strengthen Social Security Campaign’s analysis.

Eisner Prize Site Visit



Trent & Donna

 Many thanks to Eisner Foundation's Trent Stamp, executive director, and Cathy Choi, program officer, for visiting Generations United's world headquarters! We were elated when we were recently named one of five finalists for the inaugural $100,000 Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence. As part of the process, Trent and Cathy came by today to learn more about our work and present us with a check for $5,000.  The winner will be determined in September and the award will be presented at the Grantmakers in Aging conference in October. While we would love to win, we are simply honored to be one of the finalists along with our four terrific friends-Experience Corps, the Intergenerational Center at Temple University, DOROT and Ebenezer Ridges. The Eisner family and foundation staff deserve our deepest gratitude for conceiving of the idea for the prize and for their commitment to inspiring quality intergenerational practices. For more information and to watch the progress of the prize, go to http://www.eisnerfoundation.org/. Best, Donna

Seniors4Kids coming to Colorado!




GU staff prepare mailing to Colorado friends

 

Generations United is bringing Seniors4Kids to Colorado! Building on our success in Kentucky, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we are beginning the outreach and groundwork to bring Seniors4Kids to Colorado in late 2011. If you know anyone 50+ who lives in Colorado and cares about investments in quality early care and education, tell them about Seniors4Kids. Seniors4Kids mobilizes older adults as the advocates for children who can't advocate for themselves. Signing up as a Captain4Kids can be as easy as signing a petition, calling a policy maker, writing a letter to the editor and/or attending events to demonstrate older adults care about the future. To learn more about Seniors4Kids go to http://www.seniors4kids.org/. Sign up for S4K alerts to keep posted on our progress and join a movement that demonstrates we are stronger together.

Thank you and happy summer! Best, Donna

Generations United a Finalist for the Eisner Prize

We received some really great news today from the Eisner Foundation: Generations United—along with four of our esteemed colleague organizations—is a finalist for the inaugural $100,000 Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence.

Joining us as semifinalists are: DOROT, Inc. of New York, New York; Ebenezer Ridges of Burnsville, Minn.; Experience Corps, Washington, DC; Intergenerational Center at Temple University, Philadelphia, Penn. We couldn’t be happier for them, or for the entire intergenerational field.

The Eisner Foundation’s decision to create a prize specifically to recognize efforts that unite multiple generations is a milestone.It means the intergenerational movement has really arrived. It means people have noticed our work. More important, it means that people value what we do and what we are trying to achieve. That’s heady stuff.

Being selected for such a prestigious award is affirmation of the hard work and dedication of Generations United’s talented staff, top-of-the-line volunteers, and a magnificent, active board that leads us with a sure and steady hand. I’m sure all of the finalists could say the same about their own organizations. 

It will be difficult waiting until October 27^th when the 2011 Eisner Prize will finally be announced at the Grantmakers in Aging annual conference. 

But no matter who wins, we will celebrate, because each finalist is an integral part of the whole. Each has contributed mightily to our cause, to society-at-large, and to individuals of every age. That is something to celebrate—and we have the Eisner Foundation to thank for helping place a national spotlight on our collective good works.

Generations United's Response to Samuelson's "Affluent Elderly"

In a recent edition of the Washington Post, Robert J. Samuelson launched yet another broadside against Social Security and Medicare and the supposedly “well-off” elderly population in America [“The affluent elderly, Opinions, May 16”]. Generations United’s Program Committee took exception to Samuelson’s article and wrote a Letter to the Editor rebutting Samuelson’s argument.

While the Post did not publish the letter, we wanted to share the gist of it with you:

Samuelson’s argument is convincing—if you take his statistics on face value. But you shouldn’t.

Let’s begin with how Mr. Samuelson wrongly characterizes these important programs. First, and most unfortunately, he implies that Social Security and Medicare are retirement programs and that only elderly Americans receive “benefits.” Not true. These programs provide critical financial support to individuals with disabilities and their families, children whose parents have died, and families headed by grandparents or other relatives.

In fact, Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Today, 6.5 million children receive part of their family income from Social Security.

Samuelson also claims that the median net worth (assets minus debts) of 65-plus households is twice the amount for households aged 45 to 54. What he fails to note, however, is that much of our elderly’s net worth is tied up in their homes. Homes which are difficult to sell even in the best of times, often because of the updates and maintenance required. You can’t modernize homes with a limited income. Nor can you eat roof shingles or drywall. It takes liquid assets to buy groceries.

But Samuelson’s most egregious misstep is that he advances his argument by pitting old against young. Such a tactic weakens the social fabric. A nation is like a family: we should and must work together for the common good.

We were disappointed in not getting our letter published. At the same time, we were heartened that the Post did choose to publish an opinion submitted by John Rother, Executive Vice President of AARP and a member of the Generations United Board of Directors. We encourage you to read Rother’s thoughtful letter, which appeared in the Post’s May 19th edition.

Happy Mother’s Day from Generations United!

Photo is Courtesy of: SOS Children's Villages

On Friday, May 6, 2011, President Obama released his Presidential Proclamation for Mother’s Day, highlighting the tremendous sacrifices and challenges women face in raising their families each day. The President also recognized the impact our mothers and the women who care for us have in shaping our lives and our country’s future; many amazing women must juggle not only family and work, but also the care of an elderly parent and the needs of our neighborhoods and communities. As the President stated, “[w]hether an adoptive mom or grandmother, mother or partner, the women who raise us show us that no hurdle is too high, and no dream is beyond our reach.” 

Generations United celebrates these remarkable women whose love, compassion, and dedication enrich our families and communities each day. Although Mother’s Day has just passed, there are still many opportunities to honor the wonderful women and men whose love and support has made a difference in your life. We encourage you to take time to do so today and every day. Here a few ideas to help you start: 

Create a customized video to tell your mother or loved one just how much you appreciate them.

Nominate your “Other Mother” for the award he or she deserves. An “Other Mother” is man or woman who "mothered" you when your own biological parent could not. These unsung heroes are sometimes grandparents, sometimes uncles, aunts, family friends, neighbors, teachers or even distant acquaintances who took it upon themselves to help you when you most needed support.  The grand prize winner will receive a well-deserved weekend getaway. Nominations will be accepted until May 22.

It's Older Americans Month!

Image courtesy OlderAmericansMonth.org

Older Americans Month is an occasion to show appreciation and support for older adults as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.  
 

This year's theme—Older Americans: Connecting the Community—pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities, and highlights how technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives.

 

The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) is sponsoring the Connecting Generations Video Challenge in celebration of Older Americans Month 2011. The Challenge will bring together multiple generations to create 90 second videos featuring the roles seniors play in connecting us all. The AoA will post contest entries online, where participants can view and comment on all the videos. A panel of judges will select the top 10 entries, and the general public will then vote for the winner from the finalists. Entry Deadline Extended to May 9, 2011! For more information on the challenge, visit their website here.

This week President Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring May 2011 as Older Americans Month. We hope you join us in acknowledging the contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the year!

Generations United's Response to The President’s Deficit-Reduction Speech

As the President made clear in his speech yesterday, “we are all connected…some things we can only do together.” Generations United applauds the President for recognizing that fiscal policy affects all generations and for advocating for a balanced deficit reduction plan focused on shared sacrifice. As the President stated, programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid not only protect aging seniors, poor children, and those with disabilities, but they provide each of us with “some basic measure of security…in hard times or bad luck, [in the event of] a crippling illness, or a layoff [which] may strike any one of us.”

Generations United supports the President’s pledge to invest in and protect our nation’s most vulnerable citizens by strengthening Social Security. Social Security provides vital support for children, in addition to older adults, covering 98 percent of all children in the event of the death or disability of a caregiver.

We also support the President’s effort to reform the tax code to promote balanced economic growth and provide adequate revenues to address the needs of our citizens and to preserve Medicare and Medicaid for future generations. Proposals which would change Medicaid to a block grant would leave states with inadequate funding and ultimately shift the burden of medical costs onto the backs of seniors and poor families.

Generations United strongly opposes proposals which deny low-income individuals, young and old, access to programs vital to their economic security while giving tax breaks to the wealthy, protecting corporate tax subsidies, and shifting the burden to the middle class.

We urge our members and supporters to reject extreme proposals which would weaken these critical federal protections, prolong our economic recession, and endanger the welfare of the young, old, and disabled.

Generations United Statement on FY2012 Budget Proposal

Yesterday, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) introduced his budget proposal for FY2012. Though Generations United supports the need to reduce the country’s deficit based on a principle of shared sacrifice, we strongly oppose Congressman Ryan’s proposal.

If enacted, it would have the effect in the long term of harming millions of our nation’s children, older adults, and other vulnerable groups. This plan would have devastating effects on our education and health systems, shift financial burdens to states, eliminate crucial safety net programs that help struggling families, and further weaken our economy.

The White House aptly summarized the effects of this proposal in a statement released yesterday. “It cuts taxes for millionaires and special interests while placing a greater burden on seniors who depend on Medicare or live in nursing homes, families struggling with a child who has serious disabilities, workers who have lost their health care coverage and students and their families who rely on Pell grants.”

Generations United opposes these harmful cuts and urges Congress to balance the budget in a responsible way that doesn't do so on the backs of our nation's most vulnerable groups.

Social Security Rally on Capitol Hill

This afternoon more than 300 supporters of Social Security turned out at an event on Capitol Hill to stand in support of this important intergenerational program. Among them, 14 year old Michael Owens gave his testimony about the impact Social Security has had in his life.

Michael and his Grandma Pat

Michael's grandparents raised him since the day he was born. When he was four, they became his legal guardians. Unfortunately, before he could be legally adopted by both of them, his grandpa passed away in 2006. But in 2008 his grandma carried through with the adoption and ever since then he’s been fortunate to receive Social Security. Even at the age of 14, Michael knows how important Social Security is for his family. “Social Security means a lot of things to me, especially since my grandpa died. It helps my grandma and me with the basic things, but also means I can do things that other children get to do, like participating in sports. My grandma takes very good care of me, but we could not survive without Social Security. “

Later in the event, five U.S. Senators announced their support for protecting Social Security for today’s recipients and future beneficiaries. For two of the Senators protecting Social Security is not just political, it’s personal.

Senator Tom Harkin

Growing up Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and his four siblings were raised by his father, Patrick, a coal miner and his mother, Frances. After years of working as a coal miner, Patrick Harkin was disabled by black lung disease and was unable to work. In 1950, Senator Harkin’s mother passed away. He was just ten years old. In 1951 Patrick Harkin qualified for Social Security and was able to raise his family with the benefits. “It if hadn’t have been for Social Security, I don’t know what would have happened to my family.  How would we have stayed together? It's the only income we had. It kept us together and in school.” remarked Senator Harkin. “I lived it and saw what it did for my family. The promise of Social Security is one that we must keep and one which we will continue to insist on for future generations.”



Sen. Al Franken with his wife Franni

Senator Al Franken (D-MN) also shared his personal stake in Social Security. At just 17-months-old, his wife, Franni, lost her father—a decorated veteran of WWII—in a car accident that left her mother widowed with five kids at the age of 29. “Sometimes they didn’t have enough food on the table; sometimes they’d turn off the heat,” Franken said. “They made it because of Pell Grants, scholarships, and Social Security survivor benefits. And my mother-in-law and every one of those five kids became a productive member of society.” Senator Franken discussed how the government has a duty to provide for those in need through Social Security. “It is important that we preserve Social Security and give our children and grandchildren the same fighting chance we all had growing up.”

All over the country, Social Security is making a difference in people’s lives. Social Security is more than a retirement program. It provides essential protections for people spanning all ages, from infants to retirees. In the upcoming weeks as the Senate votes on the Sanders/Reid Social Security Protection Amendment, Generations United urges Members of Congress to support this intergenerational program and protect the promise of Social Security for all generations.

For more information on how Social Security benefits all generations, check out our publications:
Social Security: What's at Stake for Children, Youth, and Grandfamilies
The Benefits of Social Security for Children
The Benefits of Social Security for Grandfamilies

Our Friends in Japan

When a disaster hits, our thoughts and hearts go to those we know who may be touched directly. At Generations United, our thoughts went to our friends and colleagues who have join us over the years at our international conference. In 2005 we hosted a terrific delegation from Japan at our international conference who shared remarkable stories about their intergenerational work in various regions of the country. They impressed us with traditional dress at our awards dinner and their spirit. The next year I was invited, along with several other USA and international collaborators, by Drs Atsuko Kusano and Matt Kaplan to Japan to speak at the first conference held by the newly formed Japan Intergenerational Unity Network. We still have the beautiful paper lantern that has the JIUN and Generations United logos painted on the side that Dr. Mitsumune Tago gave us hanging in our lobby.

After thinking about them for days, today I heard back from Dr. Atsuko Kusano and then received word about our former staff member, Sachiko “Sachi” Taira, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Not to deny the situation is still unfolding, but grateful they, their families and many of the others we have met are okay.
While news has included coverage of older adults being cast aside during the terror that unfolded, there are also stories about those who helped others in need. As the days go on what we know from other horrific events is that younger will look to older for reassurance that recovery is possible. The longer perspectives that can help bring calm. Sachi’s words of wisdom reminded me of that.

“I am confident we Japanese are strong. Everybody has a SAMURAI spirit. I always think Japanese body is smaller than the other people. But our heart is very strong and big so that we can bear with anything. We can't tell how long it will take, but I am confident we can recover.”

Know that all of us at Generations United are rooting for you. We believe as the generations pull together, you will recover too.

Awards Season Isn’t Over Yet

Hollywood’s award season officially ended this past weekend with the Oscars. But at Generations United, we’re just getting started. This month, Generations United seeks nominations/submissions for outstanding individuals and organizations that make significant contributions towards rethinking and revitalizing intergenerational connections. Categories include: grandfamilies award, innovation award, leadership for outstanding support of intergenerational programs, outstanding older adult volunteer, outstanding youth volunteer, shared site award, and the Brabazon Award for Research Evaluation.

The Generations United 16th International Conference will take place this summer and one of my favorite events is the Awards Banquet. During the bi-annual gala we celebrate the unsung heroes and heroines who, through their hard work and dedication, make Generations United’s mission come to fruition in their communities. One recent recipient that stands out in my mind is Carrie Ryan. She received the Generations United Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award of 2009.

While in high school, Carrie founded Bridging the Generations, an organization that connects high schools and retirement communities through service-learning projects. She then enrolled in an independent study course called “Images of Aging in Literature” which led her to further pursue her passion for intergenerational programs by connection her high school with a senior facility, Monte Vista Grove Homes, and creating a computer lab. During the summer of 2008, Carrie worked at the computer lab to help the older adult residents become computer literate using lesson plans that she created herself. Throughout the summer, 52 Monte Vista Grove residents used the computer lab with 30 of them attending regularly.

Using her outstanding work as a model, Carrie’s high school alma mater went on to create a senior seminar course with the same name, “Images of Aging in Literature.” Following in her footsteps, other students went on to develop their own service-learning projects to help them further understand aging issues. Carrie now studies at Sewanee University, heading the Senior Citizen’s Outreach Club. She has expanded the club’s outreach to three local retirement communities and recruited many of her fellow college students to participate in visits to these older adult homes. Carrie now acts as an ambassador for intergenerational issues by speaking to audiences about the importance of connecting the generations.

Carrie Ryan is just one example of the amazing work being done by youth, older adults, and everyone in between to connect the generations. If you know someone, or are that person, who does great intergenerational work we hope you’ll consider nominating them.

For guidelines and the application form, visit here. Send submissions to the attention of Anne Tria Wise by email at awise@gu.org or mail at 1331 H Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005 by March 31, 2011. Generations United will notify recipients by May 15, 2011.

Obama's 2012 Budget Contains Deep Cuts But Offers Boosts To Other Programs

This week Generations United's Policy Team issued a policy alert in response to President Obama's 2012 Budget. We express disappointment that the president's budget contains cuts to valuable programs such as a $2.53 billion reduction for home-heating to poor families and cuts to community services block grants.

However, there is also much to applaud, including a proposed $1.3 billion increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, a suggested $866 million increase for Head Start and a suggested $350 million to create an Early Learning Challenge Fund.

The budget also contains provisions to assist older adults, including $10 million for Lifespan Respite, $192 million for National Family Caregiver Support Program, $8 million for Native American Caregiver Support, and $13 million for Aging and Disability Resource Centers.

The president's 2012 budget would allow AmeriCorps, the nation's largest national-service program, to grow to 90,000 members.

The policy alert also addresses the proposed House GOP cuts to the 2011 budget, calling it "damaging to families and children." For example, the nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) stands to lose nearly $1.1 billion in funding. Community health services are also proposed to be cut by $1.3 billion, reducing access in care for families.

We urge you to contact your member of Congress to voice your opinion on these detrimental cuts. You can read more analysis in the full policy alert here.

Rich Robinson is Press Secretary for Generations United. You can reach him directly at rrobinson@gu.org

Generations United Supports the Obama Administration Social Security Principles

The White House put forward six principles for Social Security reform, none of which suggest benefit cuts of any kind. In fact, the Administration doesn’t appear to embrace any recommendations for Social Security reform from the Deficit Commission. The Commission had called for a higher retirement age and a scaling back of benefits.

Here are the six principles:

1. Any reform should strengthen Social Security for future generations and restore long-term solvency.
2. The Administration will oppose any measures that privatize or weaken the Social Security system.
3. While all measures to strengthen solvency should be on the table, the Administration will not accept an approach that slashes benefits for future generations.
4. No current beneficiaries should see their basic benefits reduced.
5. Reform should strengthen retirement security for the most vulnerable, including low-income seniors.
6. Reform should maintain robust disability and survivors’ benefits.

We encourage the White House to hold firm and protect Social Security for all generations.

We Welcome Two New Board Members

We're happy to announce the election of Sandra Nathan and Marla Viorst to Generations United's Board of Directors. The pair were introduced at our recent winter board meeting.

Sandra is Senior Vice President, Economic Security at the National Council on Aging. She leads NCOA's efforts to improve work force opportunities for Older Americans. She has a rich resume in human services, with two decades of leadership experience in government and social services. Most recently she served as President and CEO of the Richmond's Children's Foundation, following top positions with Santa Clara County, CA, the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services and AARP. Dr. Nathan earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of San Diego, her Master's degree in Public Administration at National University in San Diego and a Doctorate of Philosophy at International Apostolic University in Dayton, OH.

Marla Viorst is Senior Vice President at Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates. She has more than ten years of experience working on a range of public affairs issues, such as trade and immigration, food safety and healthcare. Her knowledge and strategic council has led to the creation and execution of successful programs in a number of disciplines, including message development and dissemination, ally development, reputation management, and regulatory and legislative affairs. She earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Indiana University and a Master's degree in English Literature from Northwestern University.

"Sandra and Marla bring a wealth of knowledge to Generations United's mission," said Board Chair William L. Minnix, President and CEO of LeadingAge. "Both are deeply committed to improving conditions for vulnerable populations such as our oldest and youngest."

Rich Robinson is Press Secretary for Generations United. You can reach him directly at rrobinson@gu.org