Austin Proclaims August 28 2025 as Social Security Ninetieth Anniversary Day

Austin City Council has officially proclaimed August 28, 2025, as Social Security Ninetieth Anniversary Day, recognizing the program's critical role in providing financial security for millions of Americans. During the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes highlighted Social Security as a lifeline for retirees, individuals with disabilities, and families who have lost loved ones, emphasizing its importance in combating poverty and ensuring dignity for older adults.

The proclamation underscores that nearly 4.7 million Texans, including approximately 3.3 million retired workers, rely on Social Security benefits each month to meet essential living costs such as housing, food, and medical care. From 2018 to 2020, the program lifted over one million Texans aged 65 and older out of poverty, protecting nearly 40% of older Texans from economic hardship.

Fuentes also acknowledged the significant economic impact of Social Security, noting that it injects over $72.8 billion into the Texas economy annually, supporting community resilience through household spending. The council's recognition of the program comes at a critical time, as it faces potential funding challenges. Without congressional action by 2035, older Americans may see a reduction in their Social Security payments.

In her remarks, Fuentes expressed gratitude to organizations like AARP and Meals on Wheels for their advocacy and support of older adults in Austin. She reaffirmed the city's commitment to creating an age-friendly community, which includes affordable housing and accessible transportation, as Austin continues to grow and age.

The proclamation serves not only as a celebration of Social Security's achievements over the past 90 years but also as a call to action to ensure its sustainability for future generations. The council's discussions reflect a broader commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of older residents, reinforcing the notion that aging should not equate to insecurity.