Save your seat at the Social Security Forum nearest you!

Iowans are invited to attend an upcoming Social Security solutions forum in their community this fall to discuss the importance of Social Security to the economic security of Iowans for generations to come.

In June, the Social Security Trustees reported 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. “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.”

AARP is hosting a series of Social Security solutions forum in communities across the state between September 20 and October 5. Attendees will learn about some of the challenges facing Social Security and get information about different proposals being discussed in Washington and on the campaign trail. The forums are all free and open to AARP members and the general public. The programs include lunch and refreshments. Advance registration is required by calling 1-877-929-8300 or by registering on line at the links below:

Coralville/Iowa City - September 20: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, register here

Ames - September 21: Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, register here

Mason City - September 22: Historic Park Inn, register here

Cedar Falls/Waterloo - September 27: Clarion Inn, register here

Davenport - September 28: Center for Active Seniors - CASI, register here

Council Bluffs - September 29: The Bluffs Center, register here

Cedar Rapids - October 3: Hotel at Kirkwood Center, register here

Des Moines - October 5: West Des Moines Marriott, register here

The forums are part of AARP’s nationwide and statewide Take A Stand campaign focused on pressing presidential and congressional candidates to show leadership on Social Security. AARP is hosting similar solutions forums in communities across the state this fall.

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.

If a 25 percent cut went into effect today:

• The average annual family income of Iowa retirees would plunge by $4,700. For many state residents, losses would be much higher.

• The poverty rate of older Iowans would skyrocket 92 percent.

• Households will be forced to make painful choices about what to buy and what to do without – at a time when the cost of necessities like food and prescription drugs continues to rise.

“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.

 

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