Iowans Engage in Discussions on Social Security and the 2016 Election

More than 500 Iowans from across the state participated in our recent series of voter engagement Social Security solutions forums to discuss the importance of Social Security in the 2016 election and to the economic security of Iowans for generations to come.

With news from the latest Social Security Trustees reported released in June 2016 that trust fund reserves will be exhausted in 2034 resulting in across-the-board benefit cuts of nearly 25 percent for 1.8 million Iowans if Congress fails to act, AARP launched a nationwide campaign to protect Social Security for the future.

“Doing nothing is not an option,” said AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern. “The number one question is, how long will our leaders wait to act?” said Sovern. “The presidential candidates need to demonstrate leadership on this issue and give voters real answers on how they will update Social Security for future generations.”

At the eight forums this fall, AARP Iowa leaders addressed the challenges facing Social Security, presented several proposals to address Social Security's 2034 shortfall and invited participants to discuss and consider how they would strengthen the program for future generations.  At each program, AARP and Take a Stand volunteers met with attendees and invited them to join in this voter engagement effort to ensure the future of Social Security is addressed by all of the candidates running for national office.

Sovern said if the new President and Congress fail to act there will be significant economic repercussions in communities throughout Iowa as seniors will have reduced disposable income. A 25% benefit reduction will push many older Iowans into poverty, and reduce money available for basic needs like food, healthcare and utilities. The average Iowa Social Security benefit is $14,894 annually or $1,241 monthly. Iowans typically spend $6,300 a year on groceries, $4,300 a year on utilities, and $6,700 on health care.

“This snapshot of the potential effects of inaction on future generations makes it abundantly clear that Social Security needs to be a top priority in the presidential debate,” said Sovern. “Voters deserve to know how the candidates’ plans will affect families, what they will cost and how they’ll get it done.”

AARP’s Take A Stand is a statewide Iowa and national campaign focused on elevating the importance of taking steps now to keep Social Security strong and adequate for future generations. Among other program elements, AARP Take A Stand volunteers in Iowa and across the country are pressing candidates by attending campaign events and asking them for their plans for Social Security; engaging with the candidates and campaigns on social media; and engaging with AARP members statewide and across the country. AARP is nonpartisan and does not support or oppose any political candidates, nor contribute any money to political action committees, campaigns or super PACs.

See photos of the Social Security forums on AARP's Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/aarpiowa.

Visit 2016TakeAStand.org to learn where you candidates stand on the future of Social Security.

Read and view several news reports about the forums in the following articles/news clips: Ames Tribune and  Quad City Times

Read letters to the editor from AARP Iowa members in the Sioux City Journal and  Spencer Daily Reporter