Social Security Thought Forum: Economic Power of the 50+

Given the projected Social Security shortfall in 2034, AARP is focused on helping older Americans better understand their Social Security benefits and learn about policies that would strengthen the program for current and future generations. If Congress doesn’t act, millions of Americans who are counting on Social Security will see cuts to the money they’ve earned.

AARP Minnesota and AARP North Dakota held a Social Security Thought Forum on Tuesday, August 27 at the Fargodome to heighten awareness of the issue. The Thought Forum focused on emerging solutions for addressing Social Security’s solvency challenges and included local demographers and experts who discussed the impact of aging on the region, longevity and how Social Security affects state and local economies.

Presenters at the Thought Forum included Susan Brower, Minnesota State Demographer, and Nancy Hodur, Director of the NDSU Center for Social Research, who shared local data the aging populations in both states.

• North Dakota's Aging Population (PDF) - Nancy Hodur, Center for Social Research at NDSU
• Social Security Though Forum (PDF) - Susan Brower, Minnesota State Demographer

The Thought Forum also featuerd a bi-partisan discussion on the challenges facing Social Security, what’s at stake, and what solutions must be considered. Praire Public's Dave Thompson moderated the conversation between Jim Frogue, Partner and Co-Founder of FrogueClark and Max Richtmann, President/CEO, National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare.

During the event, which will be broadcast on Praire Public, attendees were asked to participate in a Slido poll to share viewpoints and feedback.

Title Slido

Table of contents

Where did you travel from today?

What word comes to mind when you think of Social Security?

What are some potential long-term impacts on individuals and the economy if Social Security benefits are reduced by 20% in the future? (1/3)

What are some potential long-term impacts on individuals and the economy if Social Security benefits are reduced by 20% in the future? (2/3)

What are some potential long-term impacts on individuals and the economy if Social Security benefits are reduced by 20% in the future? (3/3)

Do you believe that Congress should make the Social Security funding challenges a priority?

What policy options do you think will best address Social Security’s funding challenges? (1/2)

What policy options do you think will best address Social Security’s funding challenges?(2/2)

Americans age 50+ are counting on Social Security to help pay their bills in retirement. In AARP’s most recent survey of battleground Congressional Districts, an overwhelming majority (81%) said Social Security was extremely or very important to their vote in November, and it was the number one issue for voters age 65 and up.

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