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| NYSUT sends 500 members to Social Security celebration at FDR home Union urges lawmakers: 'Don't risk it. Fix it.' August 12, 2005 ALBANY, N.Y. August 12, 2005 - New York State United Teachers, the largest union in New York state, is sending 500 members and retirees to a celebration of the 70th anniversary of Social Security tomorrow (Saturday, August 13). The event is being held at the Franklin D. Roosevelt historical site in Hyde Park, New York. "Social Security is the most successful program in the history of our nation," NYSUT vice president Kathleen Donahue said. "For 70 years, tens of millions of Americans - seniors, children whose parents are deceased and disabled Americans - have relied on Social Security for financial security. We need to repair the problems without wrecking the program. That's why NYSUT has been out front saying 'Don't risk it. Fix it.'" The trip is part of NYSUT's on-going campaign to protect Social Security. NYSUT has been a strong opponent of President Bush's plan to dismantle Social Security and replace it with an unproven, risky smoke-and-mirrors scheme. Donahue said the union's goal is to ensure that Social Security can be just as successful for the next 70 years. "Shame on us if we can't make Social Security continue to work as well as it has for the past 70 years," Donahue said. "This is a time to celebrate the success of Social Security, not tear it apart. FDR had a vision, and for seven decades that vision has been a source of comfort and security for every working American. America needs to keep that vision clear and keep the program strong. NYSUT will continue working to make sure the Social Security success story carries on for the next 70 years and beyond." NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. -30- |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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