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RA [Radio Address]Social Security.l0/22/99 [2]
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�Social Security Trust Fund wjll by completely depleted by the year 2034 .
.~/7 ~IJ/.50
T ay, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
~"' ven consecutive years of fiscal improvement f~tiun's ltistoryt- ;\/0 v)
-~haver-had back to back budget surpluses for..,.,the-fivst=time-sinGe--1957. Now, we must make
the tough choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal dis~ipline - pay down the debt by
2015 and strengthen Social Security.
·
~
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put,
a clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I
will send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security
payroll taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will
allow us to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt. .
But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from the Social
Security lock-box, all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social Security, extending its
solvency into the middle of the next century. This is a big, first step towards permanent
solvency for Social Security.
The Republicans also claim they too want to lock away the Social Security surplus.
But, they haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office
has said they have already violated that pledge. They are already dipping into the Social
Security surplus but using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not
extend the solvency of Social Security one single day.
My plan is a real Social Security lock-box that does not dip into the Social Security
surplus, pays down the debt and invests the resulting interest savings to ensure that Social
Security will be there for future generations.
Social Security is one of the greatest accomplishments of the generation of President
Franklin Roosevelt. For almost 65 years, it has made America a better place. We owe it to
his legacy and to future generations to protect this promise for all time.
Thanks for listening.
Messa e Sent To:
Joel Johnson/WHO/EOP@EOP
Jason Furman/OPO/EOP@EOP
Joshua S. Gottheimer/WHO/EOP@EOP
Loretta M. Ucelli/WHO/EOP@EOP
Melissa G. Green/OPD/EOP@EOP
Patrick M. Oorton/OPO/EOP@EOP
�--------~---------------
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Draft 10/21 /99 7:OOpm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington
relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This
week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to ask them to work with me to
construct an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
__ .., ~ h> •
0
priorities and values of the American people.
fLU/~
The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing in education
~
and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times, if we value tfo11
the financial well being of our parents and grandparents ... if we believe that all Americans
~
deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the
'
backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and
: ,U
budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security. 5
· ;>.) \ .
. ~~
ltl-\..
("
~
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security hcffrrovfaid so 1
foundation for retirement. It ha
· ·
~
ove '
as
~
1959, 35p_~_r~en!__9iseniorsJiv.e€i~-Pm~
t- a-~
.: -~ 70 p~icent:deelm ~=
Earlier this week, we announced a
Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors
have come to rely on.
--
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social
Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by. the year 2034.
~
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the
tough choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline- pay down the debt by 2015
and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
1
�.~.!! rh ... ~~
~~J?~-
~
But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from protecting Social ~
funds--- essentially puttinlf[In a ioct bo~- all the interest saving~(~ill be reinvested in Social~
Security, extending its solvency mot e middle of the next century. {his is a big, first step ~
towards truly saving Soci~~~~ritlf-,
\~f:kw
>~~r:7'~.. ~
/~~_..,/._ '
The Republicans also claim they too want to lock away the Social Securi~,
they haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office has said
they have already violated that pledge. They are already dippin'g into the Social Security surplus
but using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not extend the
solvency of Social Security one single day.
/ ~
My proposal creates a real Social Secu~t protects the Social Security
surplus. It pays down the debt by 2015 and extends the life of Social Security./ '--7!-. ~
SP
. LV 52-
~*~ct&--~~
1al Security is one of the greatest and most enduring accomplishments of the
generado fPresident Franklin Roosevelt. For almost 65 years, it has made America a better
place.
e 'we it to this legacy and to future generations to protect this promise for all time.
Th nks for listening.
~~~k-
2
'
,
�Draft 10/22/99 9:30am
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington
relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This
week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to ask them to work with me to
construct an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
priorities and values of the American people.
The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing in education
and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. If we value the financial well being of
our parents and grandparents ... ifwe believe that all Americans deserve to retire with dignity ... if
we want to make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the backs of the next generation ... we
must seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and budget surpluses to strengthen and
extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement and lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as 1959, 35
percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a 70
percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a Social
Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors have
come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will decline. Today,
there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two. This will
put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social Security
Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
achieved seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement and now back-to-back budget surpluses
for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the tough choices necessary to stay on this
course of fiscal discipline- pay down the debt by 2015 and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from protecting Social
funds --- essentially putting it in a lock box -- all the interest savings will be reinvested in Sodal
1
�Security, extending its solvency into the middle of the next century. This is a big, first step
towards truly saving Social Security.
The Republicans claim they too want to lock away the Social Security surplus. But, they
haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office has said they
have already violated that pledge. They are already dipping into the Social Security surplus but
using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not extend the solvency of
Social Security one single day.
My proposal creates a real Social Security lock-box that protects the Social Security
surplus. It pays down the debt by 2015 and extends the life of Social Security.
Social Security is one of the greatest and most enduring accomplishments of the
generation of President Franklin Roosevelt. For almost 65 years, it has made America a better
place. We owe it to this legacy and to future generations to protect this promise for all time.
Thanks for listening.
2
�Terry Edmonds
10/21/99 04:27:27 PM
Record Type:
To:
Record
See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
cc:
Subject: Draft -- Radio Address on Soc Sec. Comments to Edmonds x62777 by 5:30pm
Please call mew/ comments before I do a wider distribution. Thanks.
2
Draft 10/21/99 4:20pm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J .CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in
Washington relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of
America. This week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to begin
constructing an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
priorities and values of the American people. The cornerstone of that framework must be
paying down the debt, investing in education and other critical priorities and saving Social
Security. _A~_krui~:sitiet=tn~~.Jf we value the financial well being of our parents and
grandparents .. .if we believe that all Americans deserve to retire with dignity .. .if we want to
make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the backs of the next generation ... we must
seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and budget surpluses to strengthen and extend
/\i\f!?
the life of Social Security.
-£e~~er
~ake
'vka·'
here? Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for
lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as
1959, 35 percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent
- a 70 percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we
announced a Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so
many seniors have come to rely on.
retirement~
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number· of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the
�----------------
As the face of giving changes, so do the ways of giving. In this first session today we'll
hear about new "portals" are opening up new worlds of online philanthropy. We'll hear about
"venture" philanthropists and "start-up" charities- and all the ways the entrepreneurial spirit is
energizing the field. As a new generation of philanthropists has already shown, there's no reason
a charity can't define its goals, target its resources, and demand results like a business does.
�Draft 10/21/99 4:20pm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
OCTOBER 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington relates
to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This week, I
sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to begin constructing an overall
framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the priorities and values of the
American people. The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing
in education and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times,
if we value the financial well being of our parents and grandparents .. .if we believe that all
Americans deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair
burden on the backs ofthe next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented
prosperity and budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement. It has also lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as
1959, 35 percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a
70 percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a
Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors
have come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social
Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the
tough choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline- pay down the debt by 2015
and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from the Social Security
lock-box, all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social Security, extending its solvency into
�the middle of the next century. This is a first step towards permanent solvency for Social
Security.
The Republicans also claim they too want to lock away the Social Security surplus. But,
they haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office has said
they have already violated that pledge. They are already dipping into the Social Security surplus
but using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not extend the
solvency of Social Security one single day.
My plan is a real Social Security lock-box that does not dip into the Social Security
surplus, pays down the debt and invests the resulting interest savings to ensure that Social
Security will be there for future generations.
Social Security is one of the greatest accomplishments of President Franklin Roosevelt.
For almost 65 years, it has made America a better place. We owe it to his legacy and to future
generations to protect this promise for all time.
Thanks for listening.
�PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
/
OCTOBER 22, 1999
Good morning. Todax{I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington relates
to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This week, I
sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to begin constructing an overall
framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the priorities and values of the
American people. The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing
in education and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times,
if we value the financial well being of our parents and grandparents .. .if we believe that all
Americans deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair
burden on the backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented
prosperity and budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
"-<''-
v-'\
·
Let's re
er~at's at ak~ here. Since.1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retiremenb It a o lift~ millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as 1959, 35
percent of seniors lived in poverty ..)Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a 70
percent decline, thanks in large patHo.S_ocial Security.~arlier this week, we announced a Social
'·security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors have "- \.) ~·5
· come to rely Qj}.
-~~J
·
t6~.l. A-o
4
JY'.'-~ ~ ~ ~
.!:A
Butjhe number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire.
1
_ - 16e_,__n~mber of workers supporting each beneficia~ will decline. When Social Sec~rity was
··established, there were tk workers for each beneficwry. By the year 2030, there w1ll only be
two. This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the
Social Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
/c-,
1
)~·
1
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. We should make the tough
choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline- pay down the debt by 2015 and
strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from the Social Security
lock-box, all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social Security, extending its solvency into
the middle of the next century. This is a first step along the path of permanent solvency for
Social Security.
~
�----------------------------------------------------.
/_,1
i
)
have~ld
he Republicans
y hey ,uron~d~.Q€~e Social Security surplus. But,
they
us the wholes ory. First
even their own Congressional Budget Office
.,) _
has said they have already violated that pledge .. A-nd secondly, th ·r Ian does not extend the
sol::ency of Social Security one single day.
,
r. ~·
' •
j /JI>~ -~. - -I<'~
G ~P.
/
J
~
~· W,wJ:W~
N#Vt,
ofai\1,
.
{\~
cM.:.,.~~ifi1?Cooil~e
~oaal
Security lock-box that
continue to be there for
-
11.;/
~o;t s~;;9essful ~~mestic
cP1'ic ~
a real Social ']S
majority to w<>rk-with-me Oft !hei>
that our nation's
achievement will
ture generations. ~ { ~ cflt1 C /JI't...
f<>*'~
lo
~/
L~
~.J.
Social Security is on of the greatest accomplishments of President Franklin Roosevelt.
For almost 65 years, it has rna: e America a better place. We owe it to his legacy and to future r~f.
generations to protect this pro ·se for all time.
.
).)
~
Thanks for listening.
·~~/;~
if ;lAP-~~~
~··
�PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
OCTOBER 22, 1999
Good morning. Today, I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington relates
to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This week, I
sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to begin constructing an overall
framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the priorities and values of the
American people. The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing
in education and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times,
if we value the financial well being of our parents and grandparents ... if we believe that all
Americans deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair
burden on the backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented
prosperity and budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement. It also lifts millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as 1959, 35
percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a 70
percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a Social
Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors have
come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double by the time the baby boomers
start to retire. At the same time, the number of workers who will be paying into Social Security
will decline. This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is
done, the Social Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. We should stay on this
course of fiscal discipline - pay down the debt by 2015 and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from the Social Security
lock-box, all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social Security, extending its solvency into
the middle of the next century. This is a first step along the path of permanent solvency for
Social Security.
Now, the Republicans also say they would lock away the Social Security surplus. But,
they have not told us the whole story. First of all, even their own Congressional Budget Office
�has said they have already violated that pledge. And secondly, their plan does not extend the
solvency of Social Security one single day.
I challenge the Congressional majority to work with me on the passage of a real Social
SecurityJock-box that will ensure that a program that means so much to so many Americans will
continue to be there for future generations.
Social Security is ohe of the greatest accomplishments of Franklin Roosevelt. For
almost 65 years, it has made America a better place. We owe it to his legacy and to future
generations to protect this promise for all time.
Now it is up to us to strengthen and extend this great who I believe that And third, this
will provide the basis for bipartisan agreement on debt reduction and Social security believe it is
time for action. That is why next week, I will send legislation to Congress that I announced a
plan These two Consider this: do all we can to make sure the bed-rock guarantee of Social
security began by repeating my personal pledge to save Social Security first. I began by
repeating my personal pledge to
�PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT SIGNING THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT .
. AUGUST 14,1935
Today a hope of many years' standing is in large part fulfilled. The civilization of the past
hundred years, with its startlingindustrial changes, has tended more and more to make life
insecure. Young people have come to wonder what would be their lot when they came to old
age. The man with a job has wondered how long the job would last.
This social security measure gives at least some protection to thirty millions of our citizens
who will reap direct benefits through unemployment compensation, through old-age pensions
and through increased services for the protection of children and the prevention of ill health.
We can never insure one hundred percent of the population against one hundred percent of the
hazards and vicissitudes of life, but we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure
·of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against povertyridden old age.
This law, too, represents a cornerstone in a structure which is being built but is by no means
complete. It is a structure intended to lessen the force of possible future depressions. It will act as
a protection to future Administrations against the necessity of going deeply into debt to furnish
relief to the needy. The law will flatten out the peaks and valleys of deflation and of inflation. It
is, in short, a law that will take care of human needs and at the same time provide the United
States an economic structure of vastly greater soundness.
I congratulate all ofyou ladies and gentlemen, all ofyou in the Congress, in the executive
departments and all of you who come from private life, and I thank you for your splendid efforts
in behalf of this sound, needed and patriotic legislation.
·
If the Senate and the House of Representatives in this long and arduous session had done
nothing more than pass this Bill, the session would be regarded as historic for all time.
�Vocument
Page 1 of2
231
Remarks Upon Presenting a Social Security Check to the 20Millionth Beneficiary.
May 5, 1965
Mr. and Mrs. Kappel, Members of the Senate and the House, ladies and gentlemen:
It was 30 years ago when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security
Act of 1935 and made it the law ofthe land.
At that time he said, and I want to quote his words, "we have tried to frame a law which will give
some measure of protection to the average citizen and his family against the loss of a job and
against poverty-ridden old age."
That very simple statement still expresses the purposes of this wonderful program, though the
social security system has grown vastly larger since 1935.
Today, as we meet here, more than ail million Americans find social security benefit checks in
their mailboxes each month. This represents more than $1 113 billion a month, more than $16
billion a year, providing a much more secure life for our citizens and contributing a great deal of
economic soundness to our economic system.
Millions of other Americans at their jobs each day are building up future benefits and looking
forward to the day when they will qualify.
Franklin Roosevelt called the original Social Security Act, and I quote, "a cornerstone in a
structure which is being built but is by no means complete." That is true today as it was 30 years
ago when President Roosevelt stated it.
We are working steadily with the enlightened Members of the Senate and the Congress and the
Cabinet here with me this morning to build and to strengthen the social security system.
Legislation has already passed the House of Representatives-it is now pending in the Senatewhich will provide increased monthly benefits to retired persons, to widows, to orphans, and to
the disabled.
This year, for the first time, health insurance protection for persons of 65 and over will become a
part of America's social security system. I believe that most Americans are looking forward with
me to the day when these great measures are signed into law.
In this country we all believe that every man wants dignity and a decent life, and not a dole. We
believe that every man wants a fair chance, and not charity. We believe that older Americans
have earned and deserve peace of mind, not pain and panic, when misfortune strikes.
The social security system, and the historic legislation that is now pending in the Senate, are our
testaments to those beliefs.
So, Mr. Kappel, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to meet with you today and to present to you
the 20-millionth recipient of social security benefits, your first social security check.
I necessarily cut some of the observations I intended to make this morning when I saw Senator
Gore, and the distinguished Senator from Indiana, Mr. Hartke, and Wilbur Cohen, and the
Secretary, and some of the others here, because I do not want to delay them a moment. And I
.. ./6552?f=file%5bdocument.htm%5d&q=%5bs%5d%5brank%2c 100%3a%5bdomain%3a% 10/2111999
�'Document
Page 2 of2
want them to return to the Capitol now and go back to their labors and continue to build this
system and pass medical care.
NOTE: The President spoke at 11 :40 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House. In his opening
[p.501J words he referred m William J. Kappel, the 20-millionth social security beneficiary, and
Mrs. Kappel. In his concluding remarks he referred to Senator Albert Gore ofTennessee,,Senator
Vance Hartke of Indiana, Secretary ofHealth, Education, and Welfare Anthony J. Celebrezze,
and Under Secretary Wilbur J. Cohen.
Source: [work), pp.500-501
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81
Address at the Dedication of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt
as a National Shrine.
April 12, 1946
Mrs. Roosevelt, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
We stand in reverence at this hallowed spot consecrated to the memory of a great American
who has become a great citizen of the world. We stand here in solemn tribute. All over the globe,
plain people join with leaders and statesmen in recognition that it was largely because of him that
civilization has survived. Only history can do him full justice.
The loss which America suffered through the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt cannot be softened
by the spoken word. Tributes can only emphasize our loss. But those of us who have survived
him in the seat of government can pay homage to his memory by our deeds.
The progressive and humane principles of the New Deal embodied the great hope which in an
hour of extreme crisis President Roosevelt gave to the American people. As carried out in
practice, the New Deal became the realization ofthat hope. It was a recognition of the basic truth
that this Government exists not for the benefit of a privileged few but for the welfare of all the
people.
Those principles and their execution in practice have today become an accepted part of our way
of life. When an employee joins a union, when an investor buys a share of stock, when a man
buys a house or a farm on credit, when he puts money in the bank, or grows and sells his crops,
or gets cheap electricity, when he lays aside part of income for unemployment or old age
insurance, those principles are right there by him-and on his side.
These same principles apply to assuring full production and fulfilment, legislation for a health
program, a social security program, an educational program, a program to provide emergency
housing for veterans and to solve the long-range problem of decent homes for all Americans.
These and other progressive measures stem from the principles for which president Roosevelt
fought, for which we, who are (p.199J carrying on after him, now fight, and for which we shall
continue to fight.
In the foreign field, President Roosevelt's guiding thought was that this Nation as a good
neighbor must play an active, intelligent, and constructive part in world affairs. He saw clearly
that we cannot continue to live isolated from other nations. He knew that what happens on other
continents must affect the welfare of our country.
He recognized, above all, that our hope for the future of civilization, for the future of life itself,
lay in the success of the United Nations. He not only recognized these truths. He determined to
do something about them. And he did.
His foreign policy called for fair, sympathetic, and firm dealing with the other members of the
family of nations. At the same time;it recognized our obligations to the starving and homeless of
other lands. It recognized the solemn duty of this country toward nations which have been
weakened in the death struggle against tyranny.
For these principles of international coo operation, we are determined to fight with all our
strength. We are determined to do all within our power to make the United Nations a strong
living organization; to find effective means of alleviating suffering and distress; to deal fairly
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with all nations. These principles were the basis of the foreign policy under Franklin D.
Roosevelt. They are still the basis of our foreign policy.
In the aftermath of a global war the overall task is difficult. But it can be simply stated: it is to
carry forward the underlying principles and policies, foreign and domestic, of Franklin D.
Roosevelt. Changes may be required here and there to meet changing conditions. Fundamentally
the objectives are the same.
·
We are here not only to do honor to the immortal spirit ofFranklin D. Roosevelt. We are here to
gain strength for what is ahead-to gain it from the inspiration of his deeds, from the inspiration
of the humane principles which brought them to pass.
Here, where he was born, in the spot which he loved best in the world, he is now at rest. We shall
not soon see his like again.
May Almighty God, who has watched over this Republic as it grew from weakness to strength,
give us the wisdom to carry on in the way of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
NOTE: The President spoke from the portico of the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park, N.Y., at 2:45
p.m. at a ceremony which marked the first anniversary of the death of President Roosevelt.
Among those present, in addition to Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, were: Newton B. Drury,
Director of the National Park Service and Chairman of the ceremonies; Paul E. Fitzpatrick,
chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee, and Julius A. Krug, Secretary of the
Interior. The address was carried on a nationwide radio broadcast.
Source: [work], pp.198-199
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431
Remarks at a Fundraising Dinner in Detroit.
June 2 6, 1964
Senator Hart, Senator McNamara, Governor Staebler, Mayor Cavanagh, Governor Williams,
members of the great Michigan Democratic delegation, my fellow Americans:
In 1960, in this city, John Fitzgerald Kennedy began his campaign for President. He asked
you then to make a choice for progress. You made that choice. The result has been 4 years of
unmatched progress in this Nation.
This year you and all the American people are going to choose 4 more years of progress. And
who knows, if things work out, I might be with my old friend Walter Reuther back in Cadillac
Square on Labor Day! And may I express the hope that you will be there, too. I know that your
great and popular, and wonderful Senator Phil Hart will be there with me. And I know that Neil
Staebler, who will make one of the best Governors Michigan ever had, will be there with me, too.
And Pat McNamara, one of the finest men that I have ever served with in all my public careerhe will be there with me, too.
I am proud and inspired and stimulated that there is a Ford in my future. And [p.820J with Jack
Gordon here tonight, I hope there is a Chevrolet, too. For Lady Bird and I have waited so, so
long, to be a two-car family. With the help of all ofyou, all good Americans, doing what we
conceive to be best for our country, we will continue to work together for the people of Michigan
and the people of America.
It is perhaps typical of the others that their major issue in this year of change and crisis, this year
of great hazard and emerging hope, their great issue is who is going to stop what.
I have no opinion about the outcome of that battle. But I can tell you that, if we stand together, if
we are united, if we join hands, there are some things that no party, no group, or no person is
going to stop. No one will stop America from moving toward a world where every child will
grow up free from the threat of nuclear war.
Do we stand together on that?
No one will stop America from wiping out racial injustice and liberating every citizen, of every
race and color, to share in all the blessings of our freedom. No one will stop America from
feeding the hungry, and caring for the helpless, and giving dignity and self respect to the old.
Do we stand together on that?
No one is going to stop the great forward march that we began 4 years ago. Because you are not
going to let them. The American people are not going to let them. And as long as I am President
of the United States, so help me God, I am not going to let them.
In 1960 when we asked the people of Michigan to choose progress, the cynics dismissed it as a
slick slogan, as only ringing rhetoric.
But the people, all the good people, of Michigan, listened. They made their choice and they have
reaped the rewards.
They chose to reduce unemployment in Michigan from more than 10 percent in 1961 to 5.3
percent last year, cutting it in half, and this year it is going to be even lower.
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They chose to increase annual personal income in Michigan, your income, by $2 1/2 billion from
1961 to 1963.
They chose to increase average manufacturing wages in Michigan in that short period by 21
percent.
They chose to cut their taxes, returning $368 million to the people of Michigan this year alone.
That tax cut set off an upward spiral which, in Michigan, will create 90,000 new jobs, increase
State and local revenues $15 8 million, and generate a rise in income of almost $1 112 billion.
They chose to avoid recessions. They chose to avert inflation. In 1958 your unemployment was
14 percent and per capita income actually declined almost 4 percent. But behind these grim
statistics were workers unable to provide for their families. Businessmen faced failure and
declining production, and diminishing profits, and shrinking opportunity for all our people. Well,
I am proud to say tonight that we are, tonight, entering our 40th straight month without any
indication of a recession. And we shall never again permit this country to retreat toward the
ravages of economic decline.
We can all, each of us, take great pride in our own tax paying, profit-sharing, private enterprise
system of government where incentive has its reward, and all the nations of the world look to us
with envy.
In every area of activity that we chose to be part of, we have moved farther and faster than at any
time in our history. These have been exciting and these have been rewarding years. But the job is
not yet done. We have barely begun our drive toward prosperity. Men oflitt1e vision and men of
small vitality [p.a211 have always underestimated the American potential for progress. If we work
together in a policy of prosperity, we can build an America where every man can meet his desires
for a decent life, where no man lacks the dignity of labor.
This is the kind of America that we are going to build.· This is the policy we have. This is our
policy for prosperity.
First, we will continue to direct the enormous impact of the Federal budget toward stimulating
growth and toward controlling inflation.
Second, we will work with industry and labor to discourage destructive inflation. The
responsibility for prices and wage decision belongs to private enterprise. But we have a common
interest in controlling inflation. For inflation undermines alike the profits of business, the wages
of workers, and the savings and the profits of all of our people.
Third, we will encourage and expand investment in material and human resources. We will
stimulate them. We will take great pride in aiding them and supporting them. This is the core of
the poverty program. Our war against poverty seeks to give the desperate and the downtrodden
the skills and the experience that they need to lift themselves from poverty. We are going to pass
this program, and in our lifetime we, God willing and with your help, we are going to wipe out
poverty in America.
Fourth, with the help of people of all faiths, doing it in the American way, we will bring
resources together with needs, matching skills to jobs, incentives to lags, and focusing our help
where help is most needed.
Fifth, we will encourage technology and modernization, through research and tax incentives. At
the same time we will not forget our responsibility to find jobs for those thrown out of work by
machines.
These policies offer us the prospect of an abundance beyond the furthest aims of an earlier
generation.
And with these possibilities within our reach, the people of this great State ofMichigan are never
going to choose to return to stagnation and drift. They are going to rally behind and support, and
they are going to select and choose, those leaders who are willing to stand up and fight for the
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future. I am here to tell you tonight that that fight for the future we are going to win.
But abundance is not an end in itself. Our concern is with the quality of the life of our people, not
with just massive statistics, not with just mounting bank balances. The purpose and the values of
our party and our Nation can never be listed in the ledgers of accountants. They are inscribed in
the hearts of our people, in the history of our Nation, and the heritage of our civilization.
So the ultimate test of our beloved America is the larger purpose to which we tum our prosperity.
We must first tum it toward relief of the oppressed, the underprivileged, and the helpless. We
must, in the words of the Bible, "Learn to do well, seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge
the fatherless, plead for the widow."
In this pursuit we will tum special attention to the problems of older Americans. Retirement
should be a time of serenity and fulfillment, not deprivation and fear.
We are going to provide hospital care through social security to older Americans under a
Democratic administration, and that administration will never permit a lifetime of savings to be
wiped out by the ravages of illness.
And we will go on from this to increase benefits and build better housing, and expand
employment opportunities, and do all in the power of a nation grateful for a [p.S221lifetime of
service and labor.
But this is only part of our service.
We stand at the edge of the greatest era in the life of any nation. For the first time in world
history we have the abundance and the ability to free every man from hopeless want, and to free
every person to find fulfillment in the works ofhis mind or the labor of his hands.
Even the greatest of all past civilizations existed on the exploitation of the misery of the many.
This Nation, this people, this generation, has man's first chance to create a Great Society: a
society of success without squalor, beauty without barrenness, works of genius without the
wretchedness of poverty. We can open the doors of learning. We can open the doors of fruitful
labor and rewarding leisure, of open opportunity and close community-not just to the privileged
few, but, thank God, we can open those doors to everyone.
For we will not allow the ancient values ofthe human spirit and the visions of the human heart to
be submerged in unbridled change.
This is a vision and a task that is worthy of the highest labors of any generation. This is the vision
and this is the task that the American people are asking of us tonight. And I pledge to you in your
name and in mine, and in the name of our party and our country, we will be ready.
We must never forget that beyond the chambers of government and beyond the councils of
industry-beyond the works of economists and the words of leaders-are the men and the
women of this land. Each day they renew the struggle, the struggle to provide for their families
and to educate their children, to ease their labors and to increase their comforts. Each day they ·
pursue their individual dreams and they seek their individual happiness.
My fellow Americans, let me say to you tonight that these are the people that are the source of all
of our American strength and they must be the objects of our American labor.
We can be proud that we have served them well.
But this is no time to take comfort in past conquests, because the future is crowding in
around us.
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "Democracy is the one form of society which guarantees to
every generation of men the right to imagine and attempt to bring to pass a better world."
Well, he did bring a better world. And we too, in our time, will bring a better world, too .
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It is a great stimulant to me to be here tonight with those of you who are interested in the affairs
of your country and your Government. We are challenged tonight as we have never been
challenged before. We must transform the hopes of today into the triumphant reality of
tomorrow.
And the almost 3 billion people in the rest of the world who have never known the pleasure and
prosperity that is ours, who have never shared the freedom that belongs to us-they watch our
every move to see which direction our life will take in the hope that they, too, some day, may
enjoy the blessings that are ours.
In this land in which we live we have much to be proud of, much to protect and a great deal more
to preserve. It is the kind of people like you who have made the sacrifice to come out here and
spend this evening listening to speeches and to reach down in your pocket and pay the fare that
supports one of the two great parties in America [p.823J that are responsible for this great system
that we have.
Sometimes many people are concerned with the conflict of ideologies in the world, and they feel
that we are in a race with another philosophy. Well, if that race were to be won on the basis of the
number of people, we would be the losers, because their population exceeds ours. If that race
were to be won on the comparative resources, water, or oil, or land, we would be the losers.
But what is finally going to determine the winner of that race is not the quantity of our people but
the quality of our citizens; not the measure of our acres, but the type of system of government
that we have.
In our land we are due our forefathers great thanks for evolving a system where there is incentive,
where the capitalist can take his dollar and invest it in a stable undertaking with the knowledge
that he will not wake up some morning and find it confiscated; and wQere he can hope, if he is
wise and prudent, that some day he will get that investment back with a fair return; where the
managers of our great profit systems, some of the most outstanding in the world being here in
this room tonight, can get up at daylight and work to midnight and develop stomach ulcers in the
hope that they can keep their production line going, and perhaps they can participate in a profitsharing system; where labor is worthy of its hire, and by moving that production line all day long
can turn out a better mousetrap at a cheaper price, and it can have social security in its old age
and a decent standard of living for themselves and their families.
·
The average worker in this country doesn't ask for much. A great labor leader, Phil Murray, once
said about all the worker hopes for is a school that his children can attend, a church his family
can worship, a roof over their heads, some food for their bodies, a picture on the wall and a rug
on the floor, and some music in the house.
But the capitalist and the manager and the worker have built the kind of a system that has made
us the envy of all of the world. And they are all here tonight in this one room, determined and
dedicated and pledged to leave America better than they found it.
NOTE: The President spoke in the evening at Cobo Hall in Detroit. In his opening words he
referred to Senators Philip A. Hart and Pat McNamara, of Michigan, Representative Neil
Staebler, Democratic candidate for Governor of Michigan, J.P. Cavanagh, Mayor of Detroit, and
G. Mennen Williams, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and former Governor of
Michigan. Later he referred to Walter Reuther, president, United Automobile Workers, AFLCIO. He also referred to Henry Ford II, chairman of the board of Ford Motor Company, a
Republican, who had announced on May 22 that he would vote for President Johnson, and John
Gordon, president of General Motors Corporation.
Source: [work]. pp.819-823
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�SOCIAL SECURITY LOCK BOX
PROTECTSTRUSTFUNDSANDSTRENGTHENSSOLVENCY
Building on a Commitment To Save Social Security First: In the State of the Union Address,
the President called for locking the entire amount of the Social Security surplus over the next 15
years for debt reduction and higher returns for Social Security. Stronger budgetary numbers now
allow us to lock in the entire amount of the Social Security surplus each and every year, while
still maintaining enough funding to strengthen and extend the solvency of Medicare, make
needed discretionary investments, and provide targeted tax cuts.
A Basis To Build On: While the President's framework extends Social Security solvency to
2053, he remains committed to working together with Congress in a bi-partisan fashion to enact
reforms to make Social Security solvent for 75 years.
The President therefore calls for a new Social Security lock box that:
•
ensures that each year all payroll taxes go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security;
•
after a decade of debt reduction from the Social Security lock box, dedicates the interest savings
resulting from that debt reduction to extend the solvency of Social Security; and
•
provides the basis for bipartisan agreement on debt reduction and Social Security.
How the Social Security Lock Box Would Work:
(1) All current-law Social Security surpluses- an estimated $3.1 trillion-- would be devoted solely
to debt reduction and national savings.
(2) As an added protection, the receipts and outlays of the Social Security Trust Fund would be taken
out of the budget.
(3) There will be tough protections, including maintaining the pay/go rules to ensure that the Social
Security surpluses can not be used for any purpose other than Social Security.
(4) After a decade of fiscal responsibility, annual interest savings from that cumulative debt
reduction would be transferred to the Social Security Trust Fund, instead of being diverted to
other spending and tax priorities. For example, by 2011 we will have reduced the debt by a
projected $2.1 trillion, yielding projected interest savings in that year of $107 billion. This
amount will be transferred to Social Security.
�BUDGET TALKING POINTS
October 20, 1999
"If we're going to finish the job the American people sent us here to do- reach real results in
educating our children, fighting crime, protecting our environment- then we have to put politics aside
and seek common ground. "-President Clinton, October 18, 1999
In a budget meeting with Congressional Leaders at the White House Tuesday
evening, President Clinton called on Congress to put politics and partisanship
aside and work with him to reach an overall agreement on a budget that
maintains fiscal discipline, reflects our values and invests in our future.
If Washington can put politics aside, this budget can lead to a season of progress
on issues that make a real difference in the lives of the American people - on
strengthening education, fighting crime and protecting our environment.
The fiscal discipline of the past six years has helped create the best American
economy in a generation, turning an era of budget deficits into an era of budget
surpluses. We have an opportunity to maintain our discipline- and make
investments that reflect our values and invest in our future.
The President proposed a budget that is fully paid for without using the Social
Security surplus- and it invests in our future, consistent with our values.
It strengthens education by continuing towards our goal of hiring 100,000
qualified teachers to reduce class sizes, modernizing 6,000 schools across the
nation, putting computers in our classrooms, investing in Head Start and after
school programs, and strengthening accountability in schools.
It invests in fighting crime by funding 50,000 more police officers for our
communities and keeping guns out of the hands of children and criminals.
And the President's budget invests in protecting our environment by rejecting
anti-environmental "riders," preserving our historic landscapes and protecting
our quality of life.
�- - - -
'
-<
URGENT FAX MESSAGE
OFFICE OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
4200 WEST HIGH RISE
FROM:
ADDReSSEE:
-r~c=~~
LOCATION/6RGANJZATION:
TELEPHONE NUMBER:
J
L{0l...- ().
LOCATION/ORGANIZATION:
SSA/DCCOMM
71 _ ]
FACSIMILE TELEPHONE NUMBER:
{)0()-l.l~lli- d519f
TELEPHONE NUMBER: .(410) 965·1720
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TOTAL NUMBEfiPF PAGES:
DATE: , I
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MESSAGE:
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�-~~
October 19, 1999
For Immediate Release
Cathy Noel John Trollinger/Carolyn Cheezum
410-965-8904
FAX 410-966,9973.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Social Security Commissioner Kenneth S. Apfel
2.4 Percent Social Security Increase
~ounces
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
will increas·e 2. 4 percent in 2000, Kenneth s. Apfel, Commissioner
of Social Security announced today.
"This year's cost-of-living allowance reflects another year of
very low inflation," Commissioner Apfel said. "Inflation is the
greatest fear and worst enemy of elderly and disabled Americans
living on fixed incomes."
"The cost of living adjustment is a centrally important feature
of Social Security that insures that beneficiaries, no matter how
long they live, will retain their purchasing power as costs
rise," Commissioner Apfel said.
The 2.4 increase will begin with benefits that Social Security
beneficiaries· receive in January 2000.
Increased payments to SSI
recipients will begin on December 30.
For Social Security beneficiaries, the average monthly ~~~it
amount .for all retired workers will rise from<$185 to $
The
~~.
maximum federal SS! monthly payments to an individual will rise
~
from $500 to $512.
For a couple, the maximum federal SSI payment
will rise from $751 to $769.
Social Security and SSI benefits increase automatically each year
based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage
Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of
one year through the corresponding period of the next.
This
year's increase in the CPI-W was 2.4 percent.
Automatic COLAs became effective in 1975.
-- M 0 R E --
Press Office 4-H-9 West High Rise 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235 410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973
�- 2 -
Commissioner Apfel also announced a number of changes today
determined by another automatic provision of the law tied to the
average increase in wages. They include:
•
The maximum amount of earnings subject to the payroll tax
will increase to $76,200 from $72,600;
•
The maximum amount of earnings that.a beneficiary under
age 65 may earn without losing any Social Security
benefits will increase from $9,600 this year to $10,080
. in 2000 (Although established by law and not tied to
average wage increases, the maximum amount of earnings a
beneficiary age 65 to 69 may earn without lo~
Social Securi
· s will increase from ~this
year to $17, 00 in 2000
•
The amount of earnings required to earn a quarter of
coverage will increase to $780, up from $740 this year.
As a result of the increase in the wage base
yearly Social Security tax paid by employees
increase by $223.20 each. For self-employed
rise by $446.40. About 10.9 million workers
higher wage base in 2000.
in 2000, the maximum
and employers will
workers, it will
are affected by the
# # #
NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS:
A fact sheet showing the effect of the
various automatic adjustments is attached.
Copies of most SSA press rele~ses, as well as other social Security
information and ~tatistics, are available at SSA's Internet site,
Social Securi~y online, at bttp;//www.ssa.gov.
'
.
Press Office 4-H-9 West High Rise 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235 410-965-8904 F.AX-410-966-9973
�..
Fact Sheet
SOCIAL SECURITY
Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner
2000 SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES
o
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA):
Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W)
from the third quarter of 1998 through the third quarter of
19·99, Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive a 2.4 percent
COLA for 2000.
Other important 2000 Social Security
information is as follows:
1999
o
Talt Ra.te:
Employee
Self-Employed
NOTE:
o
7.65%
7.65%
15.30%
15.30%
The 7.65% tax rate is the combined rate for Social
Security and Medicare.
The Social Security portion
(OASDI) is 6.20% on earnings up to the applicable
maximum taxable amount (see below).
The Medicare
portion (HI) is 1.45% on all earnings.
Maximum Earnings Taxable;
Social Security (OASDI only)
Medicare (HI only)
o
2000
$72,600
N o
$76,200
L i m i
t
Quarter of Coverage:
$740
$780
SSA Press Office 4-H-9 West High Rise 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21235 410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973
�::..:R:...:e:...:t:...:i:...:r;..;em::.::.:;.e;;;;.;n:...:t..;;...._.:;;;E:...:a;;:;r:.:.:n::.::i::.::n~g!:..:s::;._T::..;e=s:...:t--=E::.:x:.;:em;;::;::;p:;..;t:;.....:Am=o=-u:::::n:.;:.;::.t.:;.~-=-·~----------
0
~-O-~--~~r.
· .~'292/mo.)
Age 65 thru 69
Under age 65
*NOTE:
o
o
o
o
$ 9,600/yr.
($800/mo.)
$17,000/y-~
($1,417/m~: ~_j
$ 10,080/yr.
($840/mo.)
For people age 65 through 69, $1 in benefits will be
withheld for every $3 in earnings above the limit.
For people under age 65, $1 will be withheld for
every $2 in earnings above the limit.
M~imum
Social Security Benefit:
January of 1999 and 2000:
Worker Retiring at Age 65 in
$1,373/mo.
$1,433/mo.
Individual
$500/mo.
$512/rno.
Couple
$751/mo.
$769/mo.
Individual
$2,000
$2,000
Couple
$3,000
$3,000
SSI Federal Payment Standard:
SSI
Reso~rces
~imits:
Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Benefits:
and After the December 1999 COLA:
All Retired Workers
Before
Before
After
2.4% COLA
2.4% COLA
c_.$785
$804
=-.7
Aged Couple, Both
Receiving Benefits
$1,316
$1,348
Widowed Mother and
Two Children
$1,573
$1,611
Aged Widow(er) Alone
$757
$775
Disabled Worker, Spouse
and One or More Children
$1,225
$1,255
All Disabled Workers
$736
�----
~-
---------------------.
Yesterday, less than twenty-four hours after meeting with the President,
and agreeing that we would not touch the Social Security surplus,
the Republican majority leaders accused the President of
spending the Social Security surplus.
This is a very familiar pattern. Time and again, the
Republican leaders let bitter partisanship get in the way of
progress -from building more schools, to reforming the campaign
finance system, to closing the gun show loophole. I am
convinced Dick Armey and Tom Delay wake up each morning
and think what common sense effort for the American people can
we block today?
�Draft 10/21/99 7:00pm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington
relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This
week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to ask them to work with me to
construct an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
priorities and values of the American people.
The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing in education
and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times, if we value
the financial well being of our parents and grandparents ... if we believe that all Americans
deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the
backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and
budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement. It has also lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as
1959, 35 percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a
70 percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a
Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors
have come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social
Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the
tough choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline -pay down the debt by 2015
and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear; straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
1
�But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from protecting Social
funds --- essentially putting it in a lock box -- all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social
Security, extending its solvency into the middle of the next century. This is a big, first step
towards truly saving Social Security.
The Republicans also claim they too want to lock away the Social Security surplus. But,
they haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office has said
they have already violated that pledge. They are already dipping into the Social Security surplus
but using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not extend the
solvency of Social Security one single day.
My proposal creates a real Social Security lock-box that protects the Social Security
surplus. It pays down the debt by 2015 and extends the life of Social Security.
Social Security is one of the greatest and most enduring accomplishments of the
generation of President Franklin Roosevelt. For almost 65 years, it has made America a better
place. We owe it to this legacy and to future generations to protect this promise for all time ..
Thanks for listening.
2
�Draft 10/21/99 7:OOpm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington
relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This
week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to ask them to work with me to
construct an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
priorities and values of the American people.
The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing in education
and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times, if we value
the financial well being of our parents and grandparents ... if we believe that all Americans
deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the
backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and
budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement. It has also lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as
1959,35 percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a
70 percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a
Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors
have come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social
Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the
tough choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline- pay down the debt by 2015
and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
1
�Draft 10/21/99 7:OOpm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budgetdebate in Washington
relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This
week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to ask them to work with me to
construct an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
priorities and values of the American people.
The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing in education
and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times, if we value
the financial well being of our parents and grandparents .. .if we believe that all Americans
deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the
backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and
budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement. It has also lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as
1959,35 percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a
70 percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a
Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors
have come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social
Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the
tough .choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline - pay down the debt by 2015
and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
1
�But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from protecting Social
funds --- essentially putting it in a lock box -- all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social
Security, extending its solvency into the middle ofthe next century. This is a big, first step
towards truly saving Social Security.
The Republicans also claim they too want to lock away the Social Security surplus. But,
they haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office has said
they have already violated that pledge. They are already dipping into the Social Security surplus
but using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not extend the
solvency of Social Security one single day.
My proposal creates a real Social Security lock-box that protects the Social Security
surplus. It pays down the debt by 2015 and extends the life of Social Security.
Social Security is one of the greatest and most enduring accomplishments of the
generation of President Franklin Roosevelt. For almost 65 years, it has made America a better
place. We owe it to this legacy and to future generations to protect this promise for all time.
Thanks for listening.
2
�~-----------
---
Draft 10/21/99 7:00pm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington
relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This
week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to ask them to work with me to
construct an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
priorities and values of the American people.
The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing in education
and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times, if we value
the financial well being of our parents and grandparents ... if we believe that all Americans
deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the
backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and
budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement. It has also lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as
1959, 35 percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a
70 percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a
Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors
have come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social
Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the
tough choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline -pay down the debt by 2015
and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
�But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from protecting Social
funds --- essentially putting it in a lock box -- all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social
Security, extending its solvency into the middle of the next century. This is a big, first step
towards truly saving Social Security.
The Republicans also claim they too want to lock away the Social Security surplus. But,
they haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office has said
they have already violated that pledge. They are already dipping into the Social Security surplus
but using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not extend the
solvency of Social Security one single day.
My proposal creates a real Social Security lock-box that protects the Social Security
surplus. It pays down the debt by 2015 and extends the life of Social Security.
Social Security is one of the greatest and most enduring accomplishments of the
generation of President Franklin Roosevelt. For almost 65 years, it has made America a better
place. We owe it to this legacy and to future generations to protect this promise for all time.
Thanks for listening.
2
�Draft 10/21 /99 7:OOpm
Terry Edmonds
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J.CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
THE WHITE HOUSE
October 22, 1999
Good morning. Today I want to talk about how the current budget debate in Washington
relates to one of the most important challenges of the next century-the aging of America. This
week, I sat down with Congressional leaders at the White House to ask them to work with me to
construct an overall framework for completing our work on spending bills that reflect the
priorities and values of the American people.
The cornerstone of that framework must be paying down the debt, investing in education
and other critical priorities and saving Social Security. As I have said many times, if we value
the financial well being of our parents and grandparents ... if we believe that all Americans
deserve to retire with dignity ... if we want to make sure we do not place an unfair burden on the
backs of the next generation ... we must seize this moment of unprecedented prosperity and
budget surpluses to strengthen and extend the life of Social Security.
Let's remember what's at stake here. Since 1935, Social Security has provided a solid
foundation for retirement. It has also lifted millions of Americans out of poverty. As late as
1959, 35 percent of seniors lived in poverty. Today, the poverty rate for seniors is 10 percent- a
70 percent decline, thanks in large part to Social Security. Earlier this week, we announced a
Social Security cost of living increase to continue to protect the benefits that so many seniors
have come to rely on.
But, the number of older Americans is expected to double as the baby boomers retire,
while at the same time, the number of workers supporting each beneficiary will also decline.
Today, there are 3.4 workers for each beneficiary. By the year 2030, there will only be two.
This will put a tremendous strain on the system. So much so, that if nothing is done, the Social
Security Trust Fund will be completely depleted by the year 2034.
Today, we have an historic opportunity to extend the life of Social Security. We have
seen seven consecutive years of fiscal improvement for the first time in our nation's history. We
have had back to back budget surpluses for the first time since 1957. Now, we must make the
tough choices necessary to stay on this course of fiscal discipline- pay down the debt by 2015
and strengthen Social Security.
There has been too much confusion and too much delay on this issue. It is time to put, a
clear·, straight-forward bill on the table. Next week, I plan to do just that. In a few days, I will
send to Congress legislation that ensures that each and every year all Social Security payroll
taxes will go to savings and debt reduction for Social Security. Over 15 years, this will allow us
to pay down more than $3 trillion dollars of debt.
1
�But my plan goes even further. After a decade of debt reduction from protecting Social
funds --- essentially putting it in a lock box -- all the interest savings will be reinvested in Social
Security, extending its solvency into the middle of the next century. This is a big, first step
towards truly saving Social Security.
The Republicans also claim they too want to lock away the Social Security surplus. But,
they haven't told us the whole story. First, even their own Congressional Budget Office has said
they have already violated that pledge. They are already dipping into the Social Security surplus
but using budget gimmicks to mask that fact. And second, their plan does not extend the
solvency of Social Security one single day.
My proposal creates a real Social Security lock-box that protects the Social Security
surplus. It pays down the debt by 2015 and extends the life of Social Security.
Social Security is one of the greatest and most enduring accomplishments of the
generation of President Franklin Roosevelt. For almost 65 years, it has made America a better
place. We owe it to this legacy and to future generations to protect this promise for all time.
Thanks for listening.
2
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Terry Edmonds
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Office of Speechwriting
James (Terry) Edmonds
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1995-2001
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36090" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7763294" target="_blank">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0462-F
Description
An account of the resource
Terry Edmonds worked as a speechwriter from 1995-2001. He became the Assistant to the President and Director of Speechwriting in 1999. His speechwriting focused on domestic topics such as race relations, veterans issues, education, paralympics, gun control, youth, and senior citizens. He also contributed to the President’s State of the Union speeches, radio addresses, commencement speeches, and special dinners and events. The records include speeches, letters, memorandum, schedules, reports, articles, and clippings.
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Extent
The size or duration of the resource.
635 folders in 52 boxes
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
RA [Radio Address] Social Security 10/22/99 [2]
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Office of Speechwriting
James (Terry) Edmonds
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0462-F
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Box 2
<a href="http://www.clintonlibrary.gov/assets/Documents/Finding-Aids/2006/2006-0462-F.pdf" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7763294" target="_blank">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
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Adobe Acrobat Document
Medium
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Reproduction-Reference
Date Created
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12/9/2014
Source
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42-t-7763294-20060462F-002-010-2014
7763294