AARP NY: Voters Lose from Silence of Candidates, Moderator on Social Security in First Presidential Debate

Statement by Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP in New York State:

HEMPSTEAD, New York — “American voters need and deserve to know more about how the presidential candidates would strengthen Social Security – perhaps the most significant pocketbook issue in the 2016 election. But they didn’t hear a word at the first debate at Hofstra University.

“Without action, Social Security benefits will be cut by nearly 25 percent across the board in 2034 – costing some as much as $10,000 a year and likely affecting the vast majority of the 170 million Americans currently paying into the system with every paycheck. The longer we wait, the more difficult the options for updating Social Security for the 21 ^st Century. Doing nothing is not an option.

"Debate moderator Lester Holt didn’t ask about Social Security, and the candidates didn’t address it on their own. AARP hopes Social Security will get the attention it deserves in the remaining debates.”

Contacts: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org; Jordan McNerney, jmcnerney@aarp.org

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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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