Congresswoman Kathy Castor and local seniors rallied today to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of Social Security at Fountainview Estates, a 55 and older community in northwest Hillsborough County. Castor, a member of the House Seniors Task Force, is working to strengthen Social Security and fight off attempts in Washington to cut benefits.

“Social security is a fundamental promise to Americans that no matter what happens in our lives, we will have security and stability,” Castor said.

“Recent calls to privatize Social Security or use the trust fund to balance the budget deficit will meet with stiff resistance from me and our growing coalition,” said Castor who was joined today by Matilda Garcia of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare; Bob Meeks, area coordinator of Florida Alliance for Retired Americans; and Ray Tampa, president of the St. Petersburg chapter of the NAACP. Several organizations, including the NAACP, recently formed a coalition called Strengthen Social Security.

“We must keep Social Security strong and fight against efforts to privatize or cut this vital lifeline,” Castor said. “Social Security has survived good economic times and bad. Without a doubt, we must fight to make sure Social Security remains sound and stable for our children and grandchildren.”

Approximately 3.7 million Floridians receive Social Security, and the average monthly retirement benefit is $1,157. Nationwide, more than 50 million Americans receive Social Security benefits.

“The signing of the Social Security Act in 1935 was a landmark occasion in our nation’s history,” Castor said. “Our government created a sound, reliable safety net for America and made a fundamental promise to each and every one of us.”