WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) announced he would be participating in a Social Security Roundtable on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in S-207 (Mansfield Room) of the U.S. Capitol. The Congressman will join other Congressional leaders, students, activists and journalists to discuss the impact of Social Security on younger generations.

“Conventional wisdom says that young Americans are disengaged from public-policy discussions because they don't believe that changes in the law have any effect on them,” said Putnam. “Clearly Social Security’s future is of interest to young people.”

“Younger generations must bear the brunt of any change in benefits or increased payroll taxes, so it is only fitting that they have a seat at the table and that their voices are heard.,” Putnam said. “While Social Security is sound for today's seniors and for those nearing retirement, it is not sound for younger generations and beyond.”

“A recent national poll found that more than two out of three Americans under 40 do not expect Social Security benefits to be there for them when they retire,” said Putnam. “Further, more than two-thirds of young people believe that Social Security is either in crisis or has major problems. They are right.”

“I encourage young people of all ages to learn more about the plans under discussion, and then let your representatives know your views, because your retirement security depends on it,” concluded Putnam.

WHAT:  Roundtable on Social Security Reform

WHEN:  Tuesday, July 26

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:  U.S. Capitol Building, S-207/Mansfield Room

PARTICIPANTS:                   

Congressman Adam Putnam (R-FL)

Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI)

Senator John Sununu (R-NH)

Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC)

WITH:                                    

Ben Ferguson, Students for Saving Social Security

Ursula Williams, Students for Saving Social Security

Raj Bhakta, The Apprentice, AdvanceRepublic.com

Noah McCullough, 10-year old political whiz kid

Robert Brokamp, The Motley Fool (fool.com)

Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review

Brooke Oberwetter, Cato Institute

David Kirby, America's Future Foundation

Alison Fraser, The Heritage Foundation

Derrick Max, Alliance for Worker Retirement Security, CoMPASS

Max Pappas, FreedomWorks

Brad Short, Fix our Future