http://www.news-press.com/article/20100813/NEWS01/100812085/1075/Social-Security-turns-75-amid-uncertain-outlook

Social Security turns 75 amid uncertain outlook

By Chris Umpierre • cumpierre@news-press.com • August 13, 2010

1:10 A.M. — When he was diagnosed with kidney failure six years ago, North Fort Myers resident Mark Potter turned to Social Security disability benefits to pay for a kidney transplant.

“Social Security saved my life,” said Potter, a 45-year-old waiter. “If Social Security didn’t kick in, I would have lost my home.”

Potter was one of 20 locals who gathered Thursday at Fort Myers’ Social Security Administration building to celebrate Social Security’s upcoming 75th birthday. The federal government program, which provides protection to workers against lost wages due to old age, disability or death, will turn 75 Saturday.

“We didn’t want something like this to pass without a celebration,” retired steel worker Bob McNatt, 72, said as he ate a slice of cake frosted with “Happy Birthday S.S.” “This program has worked so well in our lifetime. It has never missed a paycheck. For a government agency, that’s quite an accomplishment.”

About 3.5 million Florida residents rely on Social Security payments, according to government statistics released this month. Florida residents receive more than $45.5 billion per year in Social Security benefits, an amount equivalent to 6 percent of the state’s annual gross domestic product.

The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, which hosted Thursday’s event, is concerned the federal government could cut Social Security in the future.

In February, President Obama created a national commission to recommend how to reduce the national deficit. In December, the commission will issue a report that could include cuts in Social Security and Medicare.

“I dread that because so many people will be hurt,” said Lehigh Acres resident Loretta Smiley, 80. “A lot of people these days don’t have good pension plans and rely on Social Security.”

North Fort Myers’ Bill Onion, a retired steel worker, agreed.

“For most people, Social Security means the difference between a comfortable retirement and one living in poverty,” Onion said.

Social Security lifts 1.5 million Florida residents out of poverty, according to government statistics.

Social Security has a $2.6 trillion surplus, which is projected to grow to $3.3 trillion by 2023.

“A lot of young people think Social Security won’t be there when they retire but it will be,” said Don Badie of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans. “It’s a great program, and it should be left alone.”