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February 10, 2005

Abercrombie to air TV show on Social Security

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Neil Abercrombie will air a televised report from Washington on President Bush’s proposal to privatize Social Security  

The report will be broadcast on his public access program, “Neil Abercrombie: Me Ke Aloha O Hawaii”, on ‘Ōlelo Community Television. 

The Social Security segment will be aired on Sunday, February 27, at 12:30 pm on Oceanic Cable channel 54.   It will be repeated on the following Sunday, March 6, at 10:30 pm. 

Abercrombie’s featured guest is former Congresswoman Barbara Kenelly, currently the President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.  While in Congress, Kennelly served as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Social Security. From 1998 to 2001 she was Counselor to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. 

Abercrombie said, “When it comes to Social Security, you won’t find anyone more knowledgeable than Barbara Kenelly.   We’ll be talking about one of the most successful government programs ever.  It allows seniors to live in dignity and independence, and it’s an important part of our social safety net.  Privatization would wreck Social Security, and I oppose it.  Hawaii’s seniors can count on me to fight for them and for all those who depend on Social Security.  I invite everyone to join us on February 27 and March 6 and learn more about this important subject.” 

Social Security Facts for Hawaii 

Beneficiary Data – December 2003 

Beneficiaries              Number of beneficiaries                Benefit           Average Monthly benefit

Retired Workers                             138,648                 $126 mil                             $911  

Their dependents                              15,896                     $5 mil                             $422 

Disabled workers                             16,837                   $13 mil                             $847

Their dependents                                4,900                     $1 mil                             $251 

Survivors                                          23,050                   $17 mil                             $748 

Total                                             195,340                 $162 mil                            $829 average 

·        About 670,000 residents worked in Social Security covered employment.

·        Covered earnings totaled about $17.6 billion.

·        About $2.2 billion was paid in Social Security taxes.

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