Important Social Security forum Tuesday night in Everett

EVERETT — In response to unfounded attacks on the Social Security system, a statewide coalition of retiree, labor and community groups is organizing to expose the lies that are being promoted by the enemies of the program. The coalition, Social Security Works – Washington, will be holding forums in the Puget Sound area to inform people about the threat to Social Security and emphasize its importance to all Americans.

Social Security is a strong, solvent program that has a surplus in excess of $2 trillion dollars. The notion that Social Security is going broke is a myth. With one small change, scrapping the cap of $106,800, Social Security will not only pay full benefits for the next century, but benefits can also be improved and the program strengthened.

The first forum, entitled “The Threat to Social Security: An Issue for all Generations,” will be held Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Jackson Event Center on the campus of Everett Community College. The keynote speaker will be Nancy Altman, author of “The Battle for Social Security” and a nationally-renowned expert on Social Security. She will puncture myths and misinformation circulating about Social Security, discuss possible changes that would strengthen benefits, and describe its importance to all generations of Americans – from children of the Great Depression to those born in this Great Recession. She will be joined by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, state Rep. Mike Sells, and Washington State Labor Council President Jeff Johnson, whose family was early recipients of Social Security survivor benefits.

Also, mark your calendars for the next forum to be held at the University of Washington Seattle campus at 2 p.m. on Nov. 21. One of the keynote speakers will be Terry O’Neill, national President of the National Organization for Women. Other nationally recognized speakers have been invited to attend, including members of Washington’s political leadership who are supportive of strengthening Social Security.

Both events are free and open to the public. More details will follow at www.ssworkswa.org.