Memo to Candidates: Address Social Security

As a presidential campaign battleground state and host to the Republican National Convention, Ohio has an opportunity to put the spotlight on candidates. AARP staff and volunteers are crisscrossing the state, urging candidates to explain their plans to keep Social Security in top financial shape and to take a leadership role on the issue.

“We are at the center of the political universe this summer,” said Luke Russell, AARP state manager of advocacy and communications. “It’s a prime opportunity to focus the national conversation on a topic so important to Ohioans and AARP members nationwide.”

Without Social Security income, an additional 37 percent of Ohioans 65 and older—about 664,000 people—would fall into poverty.

To join in AARP Ohio’s efforts to highlight Social Security, go to aarp.org/oh. To find out candidates’ positions on the issue, go to takeastand.aarp.org. To compare proposed solutions, go to aarp.org/12proposals.