Governor Signs Social Security Proclamation

Miss the event and want to hear what was said? Check out the full video here recorded and published by News Center Maine.

August 14 marked 90 years of Social Security—and we want to celebrate with YOU! For 90 years, Social Security has been there for multiple generations—and AARP fights every day so that it stays strong for you and generations to come.

Today, August 22nd, Governor Janet Mills officially proclaimed August 14, 2025 as the ‘90th Anniversary of Social Security’ in Maine, recognizing the program’s enduring impact on the lives of Mainers and Americans nationwide.

Add your name and pledge to be part of the fight!

A Legacy of Security
Since 1935, Social Security has helped older Americans live and retire with dignity, supported people with disabilities, and provided vital income to families after the loss of a loved one. It’s a promise earned through a lifetime of hard work—and it has stood the test of time, weathering economic downturns, political shifts, and demographic change. In its 90 years of existence, a payment has never been missed.

Today, over 67 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, including approximately 370,000 Mainers—nearly one in four residents of the state. These benefits contribute an estimated 7.2 billion annually to the Maine economy. For many, it’s the bedrock of their retirement. As we approach this milestone anniversary, one thing is clear: We must continue to protect and strengthen Social Security.

With today’s proclamation, Governor Mills encourages all Mainers to reflect on the importance of Social Security and support efforts to ensure its continued strength for generations to come.


STATEMENTS FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROCLAMATION CEREMONY:

“Social Security has stood the test of time, offering dignity, independence, and peace of mind to generations,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “As we mark this historic milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and strengthening this vital program for the future.”

“For ninety years, Maine people have relied on the Social Security benefits they have earned for financial stability in retirement or challenging life circumstances. As Governor, I have been proud to fight to ensure the Federal government upholds its promises to Maine people,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I am proud to sign this proclamation in recognition of Social Security’s 90th anniversary, and I urge the Administration in Washington D.C. to restore stability to the Social Security Administration and to recommit to the promise of the Social Security Act for the everlasting benefit of all Americans.”

Maine’s Members of Congress' statements in recognition of today’s Social Security Proclamation:

“For 90 years, Social Security has been one of the most effective lifesaving programs in our nation’s history. As we recognize this important milestone, it is only fitting that this program was strengthened earlier this year with the signing of the Social Security Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill I authored to restore the earned benefits that had been unfairly withheld from teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public servants and their spouses,” said Senator Susan Collins. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that this program continues to meet the needs of Americans now and in the decades to come.”

“When President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law 90 years ago, he made a promise to all future Americans that the government and a grateful nation would help them retire with dignity and independence,” said Senator Angus King. “Today, nearly 370,000 Maine people and millions nationwide rely on Social Security. These earned benefits have been a lifeline for seniors, families and those living with disabilities. However, today we are seeing an attack on this promise unlike ever before — reckless cuts to the Social Security Administration budget and staff by the Department of Government Efficiency have led to chaos, confusion and delayed benefits. As we reflect on nine decades of the cornerstone program that supports financial security for older Americans, we must recommit to ensuring that the promise of Social Security lives on for generations to come, and I will work with any of my colleagues to do so.”

“Few government programs have been more important, or more impactful, than Social Security,” said Representative Chellie Pingree. “It’s more than just a social safety net. It’s an economic driver — and a powerful testament to what our country can accomplish when we prioritize the wellbeing of the many over the political interests of the privileged few. As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Social Security, I can’t help but think of Frances Perkins, a proud Mainer and the chief architect of this transformative program—and how she’d want us to keep fighting to protect and strengthen it for generations to come. That’s exactly what I intend to do.”

In addition, Deb Alford, a resident of Falmouth, shared her thoughts on Social Security through a personal story: “My father was killed in an accident when I was twelve, and my mother started drawing Social Security checks for him and for his dependents,” she said. “I continued to draw Social Security through college, and it actually enabled me to complete my education. Social Security enabled us to survive intact. It was also the only source of income for my mother in her later years, and now it is an important part of my own retirement income. It is critical that Social Security be protected.”

A MESSAGE FROM AARP CEO DR. MYECHIA MINTER-JORDAN:

SIGN THE PLEDGE TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY:

Add your name and pledge to be part of the fight!