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CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN SOCIAL SECURITY

October 26, 2021

Critical legislation would benefit over 160,000 Rochester residents

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle took action to protect Social Security for millions of Americans by cosponsoring the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act, a landmark piece of legislation that will ensure the program's viability until the year 2100 and beyond.

"Every American is promised financial security upon retirement after a lifetime of hard work, but for too many people, that promise is quickly fading away," said Rep. Morelle. "The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent job loss showed the damage that can be done when entire communities are forced to go without income, underscoring how critical it is that we take action to strengthen Social Security. That is why I am proud to co-sponsor the Social Security 2100 Act and take immediate action to ensure the long-term viability of this essential program."

"I would like to thank Congressman Morelle for his support of the Social Security 2100 Act," said Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester. "In 2020, the average monthly Social Security benefit was just $1,514 or about $18,160 a year. And a quarter of 65+ households depend on Social Security for 90% or more of income. Social Security is the lifeline that keeps millions of older Americans out of poverty. It is time for Congress to act to shore-up this earned benefit."

With Social Security set to become insolvent by the year 2034, this legislation takes common-sense steps to enhance benefits and ensure the system is financially secure through the year 2100 and beyond, by:

  • Increasing benefits for ALL social security beneficiaries for the first time in 50 years.
  • Improving Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) to reflect inflation seniors face.
  • Ensuring no one retires into poverty after a lifetime of hard work.
  • Increasing access to benefits for children living with grandparents or other relatives.
  • Ending the 5-month waiting period to receive disability benefits.

"The pandemic has highlighted the fragility of Americans on fixed incomes, including millions of seniors and veterans, and we must not let them down. It is critical we take the steps outlined in this legislation to protect the promise of Social Security for generations to come," Rep. Morelle added.