Celebrate Social Security by securing its future
This Thursday, Americans will celebrate 90 years of federal benefits provided by the Aug. 14, 1925, signing of the Social Security Act by Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
It provides a much-needed financial safety net to retirees, survivors and disabled to help pay for regular expenses like rent, utilities, medical, clothing, food, gas, car payments, and other basic needs.
Almost 300,000 people in 91直播 receive these benefits today. They earned it, by paying into the fund during their working years, knowing they would collect the benefits at a later date. It makes a humane difference in their quality of life, when collected.
My father received $500 a month beginning in the 鈥�80s, while my aunt received $350, which helped pay for their insurance and medical premiums. My aunt had no immediate family to provide for her, so this was a critical support for her.
A recent AARP report shows that people, regardless of political party, overwhelming believe that Social Security must be continued as it is needed more now than ever to enhance recipients鈥� quality of life.
Currently, the Social Security Foundation projects they will run out of money in the early 2030s. This would be an inhumane breach of faith to those who paid into the fund and expect its promised benefits.
We must act now and write our legislators and president to fully fund Social Security in every annual federal budget from this point forward.
They should also move to eliminate known fraud and abuse that depletes the funds by millions of dollars.
It is our responsibility to actively advocate for its continued funding. Let鈥檚 tell our national elected officials to make a difference and support their constituents with these mandatory financial benefits for decades to come.
Current and future recipients will celebrate this law on Aug. 14 in gratitude for 90 years of Social Security enhancing our lives.
Katherine Buckovetz
Kailua-Kona
Don鈥檛 wait until the last minute to stock up
Folks, always stay on top of your 鈥渏ust in case鈥� essentials such as potable water, toilet paper, gasoline and rice.
Yes, in 91直播, gotta have that rice!
You would not at the last minute go purchase a household fire extinguisher the moment you see something burning at your home, right? When it comes to preparing for natural disasters, don鈥檛 go shopping at the very last minute. Stay one step ahead of the game.
Less traffic to contend with.
Rick LaMontagne
Hilo