This year, on August 14, our nation and its people will have an opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Program. To mark this occasion and to remind all New Yorkers of the special significance of the anniversary to New York because of President Franklin Roosevelt’s relentless work to see the enabling legislation come to fruition, today, Governor David A. Paterson has proclaimed August 2010 to be Social Security Diamond Anniversary Month in New York State.
During the month of August, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA,) working with a number of partners, will convene events and celebrations to mark this important milestone in the program. The kick-off event took place on August 3rd on the Plaza Level of the Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY. Michael Burgess, NYSOFA Director, released the Governor’s Proclamation and unveiled a temporary display that will be located in the North Concourse of the Empire State Plaza during the month of August.
Upon issuing the proclamation, Governor Paterson said, “Today we celebrate not only the signing of the landmark legislation that resulted in the Social Security Program, but the achievement of one of our nation’s great leaders, President Franklin Roosevelt, a native New Yorker. We know that the work and initiatives that President Roosevelt forged in New York State while Governor set the stage for what was achieved on a national level with the signing of the Social Security Act seventy-five years ago.”
The Governor’s proclamation was presented by Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging to Paul Brown, Area Director for Social Security in Northern NY, during a celebration at the Empire State Plaza in Albany today. Several state officials, representatives from labor, the clergy, community organizations, Social Security Administration, as well as Social Security beneficiaries and members of the public attended the ceremony.
In presenting the proclamation, Director Burgess said: “We are fortunate that as we stand here today, 75 years after the leadership of great New Yorkers like President Franklin Roosevelt and Secretary of Labor Francis Perkins, brought to fruition the landmark legislation that established the Social Security Program, to bring financial security to those who at one time feared poverty.
The Social Security Program continues to provide important benefits to retirees, children, widows and the disabled.”
Our first state and federal woman Labor Commissioner, Frances Perkins, chaired the Committee on Social Security for President Roosevelt. With the Social Security Act, she established unemployment benefits, pensions for the many uncovered elderly Americans, and public assistance for the poorest Americans. Social Security was then, and remains today a critical cornerstone in the financial security for millions of citizens. For decades, the program provided for many, the only income they had in retirement, or in disability. Today, 75 years later:
On the day of the signing of the Social Security Act in Washington, DC, President Roosevelt said, "We can never insure one-hundred percent of the population against one-hundred percent of the hazards and vicissitudes of life. But we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age."
The following statements were provided on the importance of the Social Security program:
"For 75 years, Social Security has improved the quality of life for generations of New Yorkers, providing financial stability for millions of workers and their families," said Social Security New York Regional Commissioner Beatrice M. Disman. "During our diamond anniversary, we are honored to continue the longstanding tradition of quality service for the people of the Empire State."
State Labor Commissioner Colleen C. Gardner said, "Today, and especially in the current recession, New Yorkers depend on the unemployment insurance benefits established by the Social Security Act. This recession would have been much worse without the extension of these critical benefits. They are as critical and necessary today as they were 75 years ago - a testament to the vision of both President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins."
"New York State can be proud of the legacy that President Roosevelt created when he established the Social Security Program," John C. Egan, Commissioner, Office of General Services said. "The fact that it remains intact today is a testament to the value of the program and the people it serves."
State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Executive Deputy Commissioner Elizabeth Berlin said: "When President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935 it created a vital safety net for the most vulnerable among us that still remains strong today. The signing of this Act also laid a foundation that we remain committed to - providing those in need with the supports required to achieve the greatest level of self-sufficiency to which they are capable." State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo said, “Social Security is a critical benefit to those facing hardship, disability and poverty. More than 40,400 individuals receiving treatment for a substance use disorder last year had Social Security as their primary source of income - it has helped thousands suffering from addiction reach and maintain long-term recovery. The vision President Roosevelt had 75 years ago, gave individuals the necessary financial protection and benefits they need and deserve to become productive, healthy, tax-paying citizens.”
"The vision and promise of Social Security has endured for 75 years. As a result of the foresight of President Franklin Roosevelt and Secretary of Labor Francis Perkins, retirees, disabled workers and surviving children and spouses have a safety net. While for millions of consumers, their Social Security number is key to financial protection, for identity thieves, unguarded Social Security numbers are keys to accessing credit, benefits and services that are not rightfully theirs," said New York State Consumer Protection Board Chairperson and Executive Director Mindy A. Bockstein. "As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to remind consumers of all ages of the importance of safeguarding their valuable number for short-term and long-term security!"
NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities Chief Operating Officer Jane Lynch said: "The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs have afforded people with disabilities and their families essential financial support. The Ticket to Work Program, Work Incentives, Asset Accumulation and other related innovations from the Social Security Administration and its federal and state government partners have created a critical path for people with disabilities to return to work while still maintaining essential supports".
"Social Security has dramatically improved the economic status of older Americans for 75 years and is the primary source of retirement income for most Americans," said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. "Social Security recognizes the financial hardship that results when a worker dies or becomes disabled and provides economic security to millions of workers and their families who have experienced the death or disability of a family wage-earner."
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Acting Commissioner Max E. Chmura: "The SSI program has been responsive to the needs and desires of people with developmental disabilities as they strive to become more self-sufficient and transition towards greater independence through employment, housing or to assist them as they seek educational opportunities. I am pleased to be a part of New York State's 75th anniversary celebration of this vital benefit."
State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Gladys Carrión said: "Over the decades that Social Security has been a key component of New York's safety net, SSI financial support has helped thousands of disabled children from New York's foster care system make a smoother transition to adoption or to living independently in the community as young adults. As well, for nearly two thirds of the approximately 1500 residents in Family-type Homes for Adults, the monthly SSI payment allows them to avoid institutional placement and achieve a quality of life only available in a home-like setting."
"BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, is thrilled to be celebrating 75 years of Social Security. BALCONY believes in maintaining and promoting the integrity and the promise of Social Security now and for future generations of Americans," said Nicholas Kapustinsky, BALCONY Research and Communications Director.
Andrew Pallotta, NYSUT Executive Vice President said: "Social Security is not just a pension support plan that protects retirees. It is a family protection plan, too, with benefits that cover every generation."
