A press release from Social Security:
Anticipation fills the air as Social Security gets closer to the agency’s historic 80th anniversary and prepares to commemorate the August 14, 1935, signing of the Social Security Act. Acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin today announced the launch of the agency’s event-filled celebration, with many activities leading up to August 14.
“Social Security offers hope and protection for millions of people and some of the most vulnerable members of the American public,” Acting Commissioner Colvin said. “This was President Franklin Roosevelt’s vision in 1935, and the vision has never been clearer, nor has the work of our agency ever been more important than it is today.”
Observing this important milestone would not be complete without the participation of the agency’s employees and the public. To engage the public, Social Security launched a commemorative 80th anniversary website, where they will learn more about the agency’s legacy and the importance of the Social Security program. The website, www.socialsecurity.gov/80thanniversary can be used by the public to submit stories that show how Social Security has benefited them or their families. Social Security employees around the country are expressing their enthusiasm and support through the agency’s “Why I Serve” campaign, which highlights employees telling their own stories illustrating why they enjoy giving back through public service.
The agency also has planned several additional events, such as celebrating “America’s Favorites: Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie & SSA” Night that will include a ball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Oakland A’s and at other games around the country. Stay tuned to the 80th Anniversary website for information on exciting upcoming events as they are planned!
“As I reflect on our agency’s rich history, I am deeply honored to be a part of such a great organization with employees who truly embody the spirit of passionate public service,” Acting Commissioner Colvin said. “There is nothing more rewarding than making a difference in the lives of others, and with our collective commitment, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Happy 80th Anniversary, Social Security!”
5 comments:
I too am honored to be a part of an Agency that affects so many lives, providing a little security to those that need it most. However, I'm not sure we need to spend the money to celebrate our anniversary. Fraud, waste and abuse? I think this definitely qualifies as "waste".
Seriously? Waste? 80 years of service is a worthwhile anniversary to commemorate. The agency has permission and a budget for public relations activities. This counts as such. Website costs? Nill, part of existing salary for folks paid to do public relations. They'd be doing some other campaign if not the 80th anniversary. Getting organizations to include SSA stuff again is likely free, and again staffed by employees paid to work in public relations.
Celebrating this milestone is not frivolous, but instead an important opportunity to remind people (and Republican congressmen) of the importance of Social Security in Americans' lives and the overall success of the program.
I don't get the ballpark connection. Ten years ago, when SSA was turning 70, Democrats in Congress demanded to know why SSA wasn't pushing ballparks to put "Happy Birthday Social Security" on the scoreboards...as if that was a big deal (compared to wait times, backlogs or solvency).
Social Security has the lowest adminstrative costs of any agency in the federal government. Social Security is the most successful domestic program ever. It reaches and impacts everyone and/or their families. .
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