AARP Reports Find Significant Numbers of Arizonans Rely on Social Security as a Source of Income
-AARP Online Tool Urges Arizonans' Voice "No Cuts to Earned Benefits"-
PHOENIX, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two recently released reports by AARP's Public Policy Institute find Social Security is a key source of income for older Arizonans with 47% of people 65 years of age and older relying on the program for 50% or more of their family income. The reports also found that over 141,000 Arizonans rely on their Social Security check for 90% or more of their family income.
"It's evident from these numbers that older Arizonans depend on Social Security as a vital source of income in retirement," said David Mitchell, AARP Arizona State Director. "These reports also highlight AARP's efforts to raise concerns with members of the congressional 'supercommittee' charged with finding ways to reduce the nation's debt that Social Security or Medicare should not be cut."
In 2009, it was found that Social Security income kept about 30.5% of Arizonans 65 years of age and older out of poverty. That meant that nearly 226,000 people were kept out of poverty in the state because of their Social Security family income. Both reports can be found online at http://www.aarp.org/work/social-security/info-09-2011/fs236-ss.html.
AARP has launched a new online effort to encourage its members and the public to sign onto a letter to the "supercommittee" urging them to cut waste and fraud, and close tax loopholes, not cut Social Security and Medicare benefits.
"When someone takes action on AARP's new online tool, they are added to an online map that shows the 'supercommittee' that there is widespread opposition to cutting Social Security or Medicare's earned benefits," said David Mitchell, AARP Arizona State Director. "The tough economy, falling home values and shrinking retirement savings make a strong case for keeping Social Security and Medicare strong, not cutting benefits."
AARP's online map tool can be found at www.aarp.org/protectseniors.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
CONTACT: Cynthia J. Fagyas
(602) 262-5165/[email protected]
SOURCE AARP Arizona
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