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Social Security is one of the great achievements of American democracy. It represents the best of our values – honoring our parents, respecting hard work, and supporting families.

Social Security provides stable income to 56 million people in one in four American households – in both good economic times and bad. For the majority of seniors, Social Security is their largest source of income. Thanks to Social Security, millions of disabled adults and children who have lost a parent also receive income and have access to greater opportunities.

The Great Recession would have been far more devastating without the steady flow of Social Security dollars into every community, supporting families and main street businesses. With traditional pensions in sharp decline, job security evaporating, and savings and home values fluctuating wildly, Social Security in the 21st century is more important than ever for the American people.