Rockefeller Commends The 75th Birthday Of Social Security

Statement

Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) today honors the 75th birthday of Social Security and recognizes the important role this program plays for hundreds of thousands of West Virginians.

"Protecting and providing for families in need of assistance is one of the most important things we do as a nation, and Social Security is a program that has proven to be successful in maintaining these goals -- by giving support to children, seniors and individuals facing a variety of hardships," said Rockefeller, a senior member of the Finance Committee, the panel that oversees Social Security. "I will never turn my back on this program or the many West Virginians who benefit from its creation each and every day.

"With the Baby Boom generation set to retire and millions more people expected to depend on this vital program, actions must be taken to strengthen and protect Social Security. While most people are familiar with Social Security retirement benefits, many don't realize that it's also a social insurance program helping families in times of need -- if a bread-winning parent dies young or becomes disabled and unable to work, the family is protected.

"Over 436,000 West Virginians depend on Social Security and the retirement, disability and survivor benefits it provides -- more than 40,000 of these West Virginians are children. The program also protects 120,000 West Virginia seniors from living their golden years in poverty," said Rockefeller. "During my career, I have continuously worked to strengthen essential programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid for West Virginians. I know how important it is to provide quality services to those who need them and I will never stop fighting to continue to improve Social Security so that all West Virginians can live their lives with the proper care and support they deserve."

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