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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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WI Advocate: Social Security is Not a Piggy-Bank for Deficit Reduction

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013   

MADISON, Wis. - Today is the 78th anniversary of the creation of Social Security - an extremely important program for a lot of Wisconsinites, according to Lisa Lamkins, AARP-Wisconsin advocacy director.

"We have over 766,000 Wisconsinites over age 65 who get Social Security," she said, "and it keeps about 40 percent of Wisconsin seniors out of poverty."

The president and some members of Congress are talking about changing and cutting Social Security, but Lamkins said that's wrong.

"They're really looking at Social Security as a piggy-bank for deficit reduction," she said. "It doesn't contribute to the deficit. It's a self-financed program, and we should not be looking to cut Social Security benefits in order to reduce the deficit."

Social Security has become even more important at a time when seniors are living longer and trying to cope with rising costs for health care, prescription drugs and utilities. Lamkins said the promise of Social Security will become increasingly important as today's workers approach retirement.

Senior citizens should contact their member of Congress and send a message, she said.

"Let them know how important Social Security is and that you want to make sure the program remains strong for the future," she said, "and let them know that proposals such as the Chained CPI would hurt Social Security."

AARP is calling for a separate debate about responsible solutions which will ensure Social Security's strength now and for years to come. Lamkins said it's easy to get involved.

"Now more than ever, it's important that we keep Social Security solvent for future generations," she said. "If people would like to learn more, they can go to AARP's website called earnedasay.org."

The average annual Social Security payment is around $14,400.


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