Poll Backs Private Accounts

Los Angeles Times
"Business-funded organizations hit back at the most aggressive critics of President Bush's proposal to change Social Security, accusing the AFL-CIO of failing to represent its membership. Citing the results of a survey to be released today, the business groups argue that most union members favor the private accounts advocated by Bush even though union leaders oppose them."

"In a letter Wednesday to AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney, Roundtable President John J. Castellani wrote that the new poll's 'unmistakable conclusion is that labor union members support Social Security reform.'"
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Polled Union Workers Support Bush's Private Investment Accounts

FOX News, Special Report with Brit Hume
ANGLE: And now some fresh pickings from the "Political Grapevine."

The AFL-CIO has urged members to object to President Bush's proposal to let individuals set aside some of their taxes for personal investment accounts as part of Social Security. But a poll to be released tomorrow found union members support personal accounts by a 2 to 1 margin.

According to a poll, conducted by a Republican pollster for a group advocating private accounts, 62 percent of union members think personal retirement accounts are a good idea. What's more, 79 percent have some retirement funds invested in stocks and bonds. And 72 percent say they trust themselves more than the federal government to manage their money. Late today the results were sent to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney.
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Sides taken on Social Security reform

The Hawk Eye (Iowa)
"Generations Together, though, says it has plenty of support for voluntary privatization. 'It's exciting to see people from all walks of life and all generations supporting this idea," said Chad Airhart, a representative from the organization. "It's our hope there will be some legislation introduced.'

"'We're promoting Social Security reform,' Airhart said. 'We want to make sure the people that go to Washington and represent us here in Iowa know that there are people out here who are in favor of reform.'"
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President's visit stirs local debate

Pensacola News Journal
"Bush also had plenty of supporters during the hour long rally. Generations Together is a nonpartisan organization launched to bring seniors, younger workers, elected officials and other concerned residents together to educate and advocate for fundamental Social Security reform, said member Sarah Dascom.

"'We believe that politics should not be allowed to threaten America's retirement security, and we feel that meaningful reform must happen' Dascom said."
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Bush assures seniors on reform

Washington Times
"An Ayres, McHenry and Associates poll released this week suggested Mr. Bush might be making headway with seniors. The poll showed that 58 percent of registered voters older than 55 thought "it is a good idea" to create private accounts. Even a slim majority of those who belong to AARP -- which staunchly opposes the president's plan -- think Social Security is in crisis and is open to Mr. Bush's ideas."
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From The Field

Arizona

Supporters in Tucson proudly wear their Generations Together buttons at a conversation about Social Security with President Bush

California

Generations Together supporters greet Vice President Cheney at a town hall event in Bakersfield

Kentucky

Supporters show their spirit after listening to President Bush speak about the need to fix Social Security in Louisville

Florida

A Generations Together family is interviewed on television after a Social Security forum in Orlando

"In stark contrast to the protests against Social Security reform being planned by national labor leaders, a new national survey shows that rank-and-file union members overwhelmingly support action now by Congress to fix Social Security, and they back creation of personal retirement accounts by a 2-1 margin, as long as there are no changes to benefits for seniors and those nearing retirement.

In fact, nearly 60 percent of union members showed interest in creating a personal retirement account if given the option, according to the survey of 600 non-retired union members."
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"Social Security is broken and must be fixed, and women are at the greatest risk from those who say that ''just a few tweaks'' will fix the problems."

"Personal retirement accounts are not the sole solution to Social Security problems, but they are essential to reform. Strengthen the existing safety net, educate workers about the program, and then give women the option to choose; we're smart enough to make the decision that is right for us."
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CoMPASS Advisory Board Member Sam Beard Pushes for a Bipartisan Solution to Fix Social Security in the Santa Fe New Mexican

"As a Democrat who has worked with leaders ranging from Bobby Kennedy to Bill Clinton, I'm worried that Social Security reform is becoming a partisan political issue at a time when we need a bipartisan effort to save Social Security and improve retirement savings for all generations."

"It's time to realize that we can no longer make a Social Security program designed in 1935 fit the demographic trends of 2005 and beyond. Social Security must change, and we must act now to make it even better. Any reform should strengthen Social Security's guaranteed safety net and social insurance. At the same time, we can begin private retirement account for younger workers."

Did You Know?

Social Security's unfunded obligations total $4 trillion over the next 75 years.

They Said It

"Social Security's current annual cash surpluses will soon begin to decline and will be followed by deficits that begin to grow rapidly toward the end of the next decade as the baby boom generation retires."

Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees
2005 Annual Report
March 23, 2005