(Washington D.C.)- To commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Social Security system, U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak), Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, hosted a birthday party for Social Security today at the St. Clair Shores Senior Center.

Gathering with seniors to celebrate 71 years of guaranteed benefits from Social Security for all Americans, Levin said, "Where would we be without Social Security?"  Social Security currently provides guaranteed retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to 1 in 4 American households, including 1.7 million Michiganders.

Levin was joined by Macomb County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh, St. Clair Shores City Councilwoman Beverly McFadyen, Warren Woods School Board Member Elizabeth Lenhard, and local seniors, who discussed the importance of Social Security to their families, and especially women.

"Seniors know the independence they've been able to earn through Social Security, and they want that for their children and grandchildren," said Levin.  "Today on Social Security's 71st Birthday, we renew our commitment to strengthen, not undermine, Social Security, so that it can celebrate 71 more years." 

Following the American people's sound rejection of President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security earlier this year, Levin joined the local leaders and seniors in signing a birthday card to reiterate their commitment to preserving Social Security as a guaranteed benefit for all Americans.  The card will be delivered to President Bush when Congress returns to session in September as a reminder that the American people do not want Social Security's guaranteed benefits replaced by risky private accounts. 

President Bush's budget proposal for fiscal year 2007 would have set aside $700 billion over the next decade to pay for his Social Security privatization plan, which he and his advisors have suggested he will pursue with the help of Republican Congressional leaders in the next Congress.

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