Social Security Top Economic Concern for 87% of New York AARP Members

Association Calls on Clinton, Trump to Detail Their Plans During First Presidential Debate at Hofstra Tonight

HEMPSTEAD, New York – Nearly nine of every 10 AARP members in New York rate having Social Security available to them in the future as their top economic concern, AARP New York announced today in calling on Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to detail their plans for updating the program during the first presidential debate tonight at Hofstra University.

In New York, 87 percent of those responding to a member opinion survey said they are “extremely” or “very” concerned about having Social Security available to them - a higher rate of concern than over any other economic issue.

“This one number shows how inexcusable it’s been that the 2016 presidential campaign has basically neglected an issue that will affect virtually everyone’s pocketbook,” said Bernard Macias, Associate State Director of AARP for Long Island. “Every working American is paying into Social Security, earning the benefits we all should receive when the time comes.”

The concern goes well beyond AARP members; a focus group of undecided voters in the swing state of Virginia just this month voiced serious concerns about Social Security’s future.

It shouldn’t be surprising; if nothing is done, Social Security benefits will be cut by nearly 25 percent in less than 18 years. That would mean the loss of about $4,200 a year in today’s dollars for the average New Yorker 65 and above, according to a recent AARP analysis.

“That’s a lot of groceries, a lot of prescription medications, a lot of heat and light – a lot of necessities that many New Yorkers would be much less able to afford,” Macias added.

Social Security generated over $87 billion in economic activity in New York state in 2012, according to AARP’s Public Policy Institute.

The longer national leaders wait to update the program, the more limited the options become.

“It’s why AARP launched our ‘Take A Stand’ campaign nationwide this year – to press the candidates to give us real plans and real details on how they’ll keep Social Security strong for current and future generations,” said David McNally, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy for AARP New York.

“Doing nothing is not an option. The longer we wait, the harder the options become. In the end, this is about our children and grandchildren, and turning over a better America to them. So, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Trump, tell us tonight what you’ll do to make sure Social Security remains strong.”

The AARP member opinion survey attracted 721 responses in New York and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.

AARP is a national sponsor of the presidential debates. AARP New York will conduct an on-campus debate watch party tonight.

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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