Updated 06/18/2011 08:49 AM
AARP denies allegations of being in favor of cuts in Social Security
AARP is facing backlash after an article in the Wall Street Journal said they were changing their stance in favor of making cuts to Social Security. As our Katie Gibas reports, the organizations CEO denies the allegations, but those in favor of Social Security are still worried about a change in position.
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UNITED STATES -- Most people can agree Social Security is a beneficial program, but many say there needs to be cuts to both reduce the national deficit and to be able to continue to fund Social Security. But those in favor of the program never thought AARP would be one of those agreeing with cuts.
"It's absolutely critical to maintain strong, ongoing social security protections, especially for people moving into retirement today and who are going to be moving in the next 15 years because these are the people who have been most hurt by this deep economic recession," said Eric Kingson, the Strengthen Social Security Campaign Co-Director and professor at Syracuse University.
The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that AARP's policy director said he realized change is inevitable and modified their stance because they want a seat at the negotiating table when the government begins an overhaul of the program.
"Even if they felt that there was a need, some point to compromise, these negotiations haven't been joined and to start out with the position that they're willing to cut Social Security almost cuts the legs off of those who are trying to maintain fundamental protection," said Kingson.
After the article was released, A. Barry Rand, the CEO of the organization released a statement saying, "AARP is as committed as we've ever been to fighting to protect Social Security for today's seniors and strengthening it for future generations. Contrary to the misleading characterization in a recent media story, AARP has not changed its position on Social Security."
Robert O'Connor, an AARP Legislative Advocacy Coordinator in Syracuse, added, "AARP has been very much in favor of Social Security for a long time. We know that this is one of the pillars of financial security for people, has been since 1935. It's one of the stronger provisions that have really worked."
AARP says they're also currently fighting proposals in Washington to cut the program.
AARP Has Not Changed Its Position on Social Security
Reaffirms that program must be strengthened to maintain critical benefits
WASHINGTON - AARP CEO A. Barry Rand offered the following statement in response to inaccurate media stories on the association's policy on Social Security:
"Let me be clear - AARP is as committed as we've ever been to fighting to protect Social Security for today's seniors and strengthening it for future generations. Contrary to the misleading characterization in a recent media story, AARP has not changed its position on Social Security.
"First, we are currently fighting some proposals in Washington to cut Social Security to reduce a deficit it did not cause. Social Security should not be used as a piggy bank to solve the nation's deficit. Any changes to this lifeline program should happen in a separate, broader discussion and make retirement more secure for future generations, not less.
"Our focus has always been on the human impact of changes, not just the budget tables. Which is why, as we have done numerous times over the last several decades, AARP is engaging our volunteer Board to evaluate any proposed changes to Social Security to determine how each might - individually or in different combinations - impact the lives of current and future retirees given the constantly changing economic realities they face.
"Second, we have maintained for years - to our members, the media and elected officials - that long term solvency is key to protecting and strengthening Social Security for all generations, and we have urged elected officials in Washington to address the program's long-term challenges in a way that's fair for all generations.
"It has long been AARP's policy that Social Security should be strengthened to provide adequate benefits and that it is sufficiently financed to ensure solvency with a stable trust fund for the next 75 years. It has also been a long held position that any changes would be phased in slowly, over time, and would not affect any current or near term beneficiaries.
"AARP strongly opposed a privatization plan in 2005, and continues to oppose this approach, because it would eliminate the guarantee that Social Security provides and reduce benefits, and we are currently fighting proposals to cut Social Security to pay the nation's bills.
"Social Security is a critically important issue for our members, their families and Americans of all ages, especially at a time when many will have less retirement security than previous generations with fewer pensions, less savings and rising health care costs. And, as we have been for decades, we will continue to protect this bedrock of lifetime financial security for all generations of Americans."