News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

February 15, 2005

                                       Contact: Sara Lang
                                       Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Unveils Social Security Hotline

Lawmaker Urges All North Carolinians to Get Involved in Debate About Social Security

RALEIGH - Just days after President Bush visited Raleigh to pitch Social Security privatization, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) unveiled a new tool to help all North Carolinians share their opinions on Social Security reform and privatization. Etheridge unveiled a toll-free Social Security Hotline, 1-888-262-6202, where his constituents can call to share their thoughts and opinions on securing Social Security. Etheridge's hotline will also be available on his website at www.house.gov/etheridge.

"Each North Carolina worker pays into Social Security with every paycheck, and they all deserve to be heard in this debate about Social Security," Etheridge said. "That's why I am proud to unveil this Social Security Hotline so that my constituents can register their thoughts and opinions about saving Social Security. I hope we can all work together to secure Social Security for the long haul."

Etheridge was joined at the event by North Carolinians concerned about saving Social Security, including Elmo Vance, a father and worker from Garner. Mary Wells, legislative chairman of the Business and Professional Women (BPW) of North Carolina, Michael Gravinese, legislative director of the American Federation of Government Federal Employees (AFGE) Local 3509, Helen Savage, advocacy director of AARP North Carolina, and MaryBe McMillan of AFL-CIO also joined Etheridge to share their perspectives on saving Social Security.

In 2005, more than 47 million Americans, including 97,612 people in the 2nd Congressional District, will receive nearly $510 billion in Social Security benefits. The average benefit for a retired worker is $950 a month. For nearly two-thirds of retirees, Social Security provides more than half their income. In addition, Social Security provides assistance to more than 6 million disabled workers, nearly 5 million widows and 4 million children.

   
   
   
   

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