AARP celebrates 90 years of Social Security with proclamations, cake and a party

The mayors of Bismarck, Mandan, Fargo and West Fargo and Gov. Kelly Armstrong have signed proclamations recognizing August 14, 2025, as the 90^th anniversary of Social Security. Today, 146,521 North Dakotans receive Social Security, contributing not only to individual households but also to North Dakota’s economy.

BisCityCmsn-SS.jpg

AARP staff and volunteers with Bismarck City Commission and Mayor Schmitz.

MandanCityCmsn-SS.JPG

Mayor James Frohlich with State Director Josh Askvig and Mandan residents and AARP volunteers Carlynn Turner and Wendy Hogue.

WF1-all.jpg

Mayor Bernie Dardis of West Fargo with AARP volunteers and community members.

While the proclamations are symbolic, “they reinforce the commitment of our elected officials to the well-being of North Dakota residents who rely on these earned dollars to pay their bills and cover essential expenses,” says Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director.

Social Security is one of the most successful and popular initiatives in history. It has helped generations of Americans stay out of poverty and live with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. In 90 years, Social Security has never missed a payment.

• Today, nearly 69 million older Americans (including 146,521 North Dakotans) receive Social Security payments, and over 183 million workers are paying in.
• Social Security payments contribute $3 billion to the North Dakota economy
• 40,000 North Dakota residents age 65 and older are lifted out of poverty by Social Security
• Social Security is the cornerstone of retirement security, but it requires action by Congress in the next 8 years to remain strong for future generations.
• In around 2033, Social Security will only have about 80% of the money it needs to make full payments.
• Congress will need to act before then to fill that 20% gap or risk automatic cuts for people receiving Social Security payments.

AARP North Dakota is hosting an event to celebrate the 90^th anniversary of Social Security and share information about the work happening to keep it whole. “Cheers to Social Security” will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Jaycee Centennial Park in Bismarck. Learn more at aarp.org/local.