On July 12, Virginians from all over the state visited DC to tell Senator Webb and Senator Warner to protect social security. The group joined hundreds of community members from around the country for a protect Social Security day of action. The photo to the left shows the group with Senator Webb's staff.

The group of Virginians travelled to Washington to opposed Social Security cuts as part of a deficit reduction plan and any future plan. Community members met with Virginia members of Congress to set the record straight on Social Security and made the following points:

• Social Security is not going bankrupt – it had over a $2.5 trillion surplus last year and is expected to nearly double that by 2025.
• Social Security is not just for retirees – 1 in 4 households receive benefits, including nearly 7 million children and almost half of all veterans.
• Social Security doesn't add a penny to the deficit and will provide full benefits to our seniors for 25 years – and 80% of benefits after that.
• Gradually raising the payroll tax just two percent over the next two decades would generate enough income to keep Social Security up and running for 75 years – an idea the majority of Americans support.
• We must oppose all plans to weaken or cut Social Security. This year alone, Republicans in Congress have:
  • Pushed for raising the Social Security age and cutting benefits to be included in any deficit reduction;
  • Pushed to privatize Social Security;
  • Unveiled a plan to cut over $6 trillion from Social Security, raising the eligibility age to 70, and reducing benefits for seniors by nearly $50,000 a year each.
  • Voted for a budget that cuts nearly $2 billion from the office that administers Social Security.