Thursday, August 14, marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security Act being signed into legislation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935. To commemorate this, Governor Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing the 14th as Social Security Day in Kentucky.
Governor Beshear said the program has provided aid for the most destitute Americans in need for nearly a century now. While it is often viewed as a retirement program, Social Security also provides funds for a plethora of Americans.
“Social Security has transformed the lives of millions of Americans by providing financial protection for retirees, people with disabilities, surviving spouses and families and more,” said Beshear.
Critics of the program claim it is unsustainable and discouraged Americans from being personally responsible. The governor said Social Security has helped countless individuals and their families. He added the government has a responsibility to maintain the program for its people.
“The program is a promise that Americans have earned and deserve through their hard work,” he said. “And as Governor, I believe it’s important that we support this program to ensure it remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.”
In the Commonwealth alone, over $100 million was paid into Social Security in 2023, providing aid for over 153,000 people. In Rowan and surrounding counties over 6,000 people relied on the funding. Ten percent of those were under the age of 18.