U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for August 14

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 14: SOCIAL SECURITY AT 75

Profile America -- Saturday, August 14th.  The future of Social Security and how to ensure it remains solvent continues to the focus of considerable discussion.  The program was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt 75 years ago today.  At the time, the country was fighting the Great Depression and the program aimed to provide financial protection to retired workers over 65 -- most of whom had no pension.  The first monthly check under the system was issued in January 1940 to Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont, who received a check for $22.54.  Now, there are more than 31.5 million retired workers receiving Social Security benefits, which average close to $1,100 a month.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2010, p. 415

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 533

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau