When President Franklin Roosevelt launched Social Security at the height of the Great Depression, he wanted to reduce rampant poverty among seniors. Along with Medicare, which debuted 30 years later, the program worked.
And yet, as Social Security celebrates its 90th anniversary this month, there’s talk of it going bankrupt and a far less receptive political climate. Even as nearly 60 million U.S. retirees now get Social Security payouts, anxieties are on the rise about the program’s future.
How much longer can retirees expect this income? Will Donald Trump’s second administration disrupt the system? Will workers who now contribute 12% of their wages ever see a dime paid back?
On Thursday, Aug. 14, the Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with AARP Florida, will feature a community conversation, “Securing the Future: Social Security at 90.” It’s the latest Spotlight Tampa Bay forum and it’s free.
“No initiative has done more to keep elderly Americans out of poverty than Social Security,” said Conan Gallaty, chairman and CEO of the Tampa Bay Times. “In its 90-year history, it has become one of the most popular federal benefits, also making it the third rail of politics. Our expert panelists will grab that rail and explain where they see the train heading and how we might change course.”
Panelists include:
• Tony Coelho, a retired U.S. congressman.
• Rufus Hawkins, financial adviser, Suncoast Investment Services.
• Edward Longe, director of the Center for Technology and Innovation at the James Madison Institute.
• Les Rubin, founder and president of Main Street Economics.
• Elisa Walker, government affairs director of Social Security at AARP.
The panel discussion will start at 6 p.m. and include questions from the audience. Graham Brink, viewpoints editor at the Tampa Bay Times, will moderate.
During the event’s first hour, attendees can engage with community resources from organizations like AARP Florida, the Tampa Bay Times, Feeding Tampa Bay’s S’Well (senior wellness) program, SHINE Senior Connection Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, Meals on Wheels, the Hillsborough County Department of Aging Services, and United Way Suncoast.
“As Social Security turns 90, we’re not just marking a historic milestone — we’re underscoring the critical need to protect it,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida state director. “In communities like Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco, nearly half of residents 65+ rely on Social Security for at least half their income. That makes this a deeply local issue.”
The event will be held in Tampa at Feeding Tampa Bay at 3624 Causeway Blvd.
Attendees should register at tampabay.com/spotlight. Admission and parking are free.
