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AARP Florida State Director Urges Candidates to Provide Specifics on Their Plan to Update Social Security for 21st Century

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2016

Contact: Dave Bruns, 850.228.2759
dbruns@aarp.org

St. Petersburg, Fla. – AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson issued the following statement Thursday as presidential candidates prepared to campaign in Florida in the run-up to the state’s March 15 presidential primary:

“With the nation’s highest percentage of residents age 65-plus, Florida has a huge stake in the future of Social Security,” Johnson said.  “In less than two weeks, Florida voters head to the polls to choose the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees.”

“Until now, Social Security hasn’t been a central part of our national discussion on the presidential election.  It’s time for that to change.”

You’ve paid into Social Security year after year, and deserve to know how the candidates would keep it strong for us, our kids and grandkids. Social Security needs to be updated for the 21st century so we can keep the promise for future generations.”

“We want details.  We want specifics.  We’re not going to be satisfied with 10-second sound bites or vague generalities.  Now is the time for candidates to share their plans, in detail, with all Florida voters.”

Today, AARP will deliver more than 13,544 petitions signed by Florida voters to the offices of CNN and Univision in Miami.  The petitions urge candidates to provide specifics on their plans to update Social Security.  On March 9, Democratic presidential candidates will appear in a debate hosted by The Washington Post and Univision News in Miami.  On March 10, Republican candidates will appear in a debate hosted by CNN, Salem Radio and the Washington Times at the University of Miami. 

More than 4.2 million Floridians receive Social Security benefits, and the program funnels more than $5.1 billion per month into Florida’s economy.

AARP has posted real-time updates on where the candidates stand on Social Security at www.2016takeastand.org

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

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