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Dear AARP Member:

AARP is committed to working with both political parties to help ensure that Social Security remains strong for all Americans. Now is the time to put aside polarizing ideas that won’t work and get serious about strengthening Social Security so it’s fair for everybody. 

The next generation of Americans deserves a Social Security program that is based on adequate and secure benefits. This means:

•	A predictable and stable foundation that provides a risk-free retirement benefit that can’t be outlived—for all who contribute.
•	Disability and survivor benefits to protect workers and their families.
•	Full participation—so the solution is fair to everyone.
•	Adequate benefits for low-wage retirees—to assure at least a minimum standard in retirement.
•	Benefits based on contributions for all who pay into Social Security.
•	Annual adjustments that keep benefits up with the cost of living.

With these values as a guide, we call on members of Congress to work toward retirement security for all Americans, including making Social Security strong and solvent for our children and grandchildren.

Private accounts that take money out of Social Security are not part of the solution. These accounts drain money out of Social Security, cut benefits and pass the bill to future generations. And while recent proposals for progressive price indexing begin with a good idea—protecting the lowest-wage workers—they go too far and cut benefits too deeply for middle-income Americans. We will not waver in our commitment to Social Security and will remain firm in our stance against any plan that takes money out of Social Security.

With shared responsibility, we can ensure Social Security’s promise for future generations. Everyone can contribute to a fair and balanced solution so that we meet our obligation. Whether it involves changes to benefits, to revenue or some combination of both, we must meet the needs of all Americans. Let’s have an open and bipartisan process that leads to practical answers. It’s the only way to succeed.

For additional details about Social Security solvency options and to get involved in this debate, visit the Social Security Channel on AARP.org. Call Congress at (800) 846-8610 and urge your representatives to adopt these core values and get the job done.

Sincerely,

Marie F. Smith, President
Bill Novelli, CEO