Washington, DC – Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, released the following statement honoring the 75^th anniversary of Social Security, which will take place on Saturday.

“For 75 years, Social Security has empowered retired Americans to live longer, more independently and with dignity,” said Bennet.  “It has provided seniors with stable, substantial means and vital economic security.  Without Social Security, nearly half of Americans over 65 years old would live in poverty.  This program is a sacred trust with our seniors, our parents and our grandparents, who have worked their entire lives and deserve to know that it will be there for them when they need it.

“Social Security, along with Medicare, has offered security and peace of mind to millions Americans for decades, and we must fight to preserve and strengthen it.  We must protect it from those who want to destroy or privatize Social Security and risk the financial security of elderly Americans who have worked to earn and depend on its benefits.  As the next generation enters the workforce, we need to ensure that a sustainable Social Security program will be there for them too.”