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On Wednesday, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree co-hosted a telephone town hall with AARP Maine on the importance of Social Security and Medicare. During the live event, Pingree addressed the many challenges and uncertainties Maine seniors are facing—from potential impacts of the current government shutdown to concerns about the programs’ long-term solvency—and how she is working in Congress to protect the financial and health care security of older Americans. 

“Since I was first elected, and long before that, I've understood what a critical program that Social Security is,” Pingree said. “A significant number of Mainers—about a third to a quarter of the state—benefits from Social Security in one way or another, either as retirees or [with] disability benefits. It’s just a huge part of their lifeline. Prior to Social Security, we had so many seniors who lived in poverty who didn't have adequate retirement, and this has really been a critical part of the United States’ future going forward.”

“We are really worried about the disinformation, misinformation, flat out lies that come out of this administration [about Social Security and Medicare],” Pingree continued. “We spend a lot of time countering them. My goal is just to make sure everybody has the facts. I don't mind working across the aisle with people who might have a different opinion of what should be done. We often come at this with very different views. By compromising and working together—that's when we make the best policy.”

Background

The Social Security Act was signed into law 90 years ago, marking a watershed moment for our country by providing American workers with a foundation for their financial security and dignity in retirement.

Social Security is one of the most successful and popular initiatives in American history, helping generations of older Americans stay out of poverty and live with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. In Maine, more than one in four residents—369,221 individuals—receive Social Security payments, including 161,365 who rely on it for over 50% of their income. 

As we look ahead to the next 90 years of Social Security, it is critical that it remains strong for Mainers for years to come. In around 2033, Social Security will only have about 80% of the money it needs to make full payments.

Pingree has long fought to protect and expand Social Security. She is an original cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act, bicameral legislation that would expand and protect essential Social Security benefits for millions of Americans.

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