ADVISORY: Progressive Approaches to Social Security

February 17, 2011, 2:15pm – 3:30pm

The recent economic crisis has highlighted just how vulnerable many families are, particularly those hardest hit in communities of color. Social Security offers key income protections for American families in case the main breadwinner retires, becomes disabled, or dies. Social Security has thus far been very successful in offering families income when they need it the most. Still, demographic and economic changes require that we periodically revisit how Social Security works to make sure it continues to protect those most dependent on the program. Policymakers also need to find ways to pay for promised benefits for generations to come as they contemplate Social Security modernization to address demographic and economic trends. This panel will discuss several progressive approaches to modernize Social Security so it can deliver basic income protections to American families.

Featured speakers:

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-9)
Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31)
Nancy Altman, Co-Director, Social Security Works; Co-Chair, Strengthen Social Security
Jeff Cruz, Executive Director, Latinos for a Secure Retirement
Bob Greenstein, Founder and Executive Director, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Christian Weller, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress Action Fund