Social Security is only one strong leg to stand on

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Social Security has reliably delivered benefits to millions of people for over 50 years, and can continue to do so for generations to come. It is one strong leg of the retirement 'stool' upon which Americans rely.

The other 'legs': workplace-based retirement plans and personal savings. Today, almost 50% of all working Americans are not covered by a retirement plan at work. This is especially true for employees of small- and medium- sized businesses, because there are few low-cost, well-managed, scalable and portable retirement plans are available on the market.

To bridge that gap, EOI is working with agencies and organizations here in Washington and across the country to create safe, portable retirement options for today's workers, called Universal Voluntary Retirement Accounts.

Featured Publications

Social Security Works

straight facts on social security08.24.2010 | For 75 years, Social Security has provided a foundation of economic security for American workers, retirees, and their families. This brief examines who Social Security helps, how it works, and explains projections for the long-term outlook.

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Straight Facts on Social Security

straight facts on social security08.06.2010 | Social Security is the bedrock of economic security for millions of children, as well as working and retired Americans. The Social Security system currently operates at a surplus, and with a few minor tweaks, will continue to do so now and far into the future. But we can improve on Social Security's winning formula.

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2010 Social Security Trustees' Report Key Facts

straight facts on social security08.05.2010 | Every year, the Social Security Trustees are required by law to project the program’s finances 75 years into the future. Three different scenarios are created. Once again, the 2010 Trustees’ Report has confirmed the health and the long-term vitality of the Social Security system. Here's a look at some of the key facts.

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Restoring Retirement Security: Supplemental Social Insurance for Washington

03.31.2010 | Today's workers are more apt to have debts than savings when they retire. This can be overcome by first augmenting federal Social Security benefits; second, advancing universally accessible voluntary retirement accounts; and third, as this brief outlines, developing a progressive state-level supplemental social insurance system.

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Policy Success

With our partners, EOI delved into the data, starting a statewide campaign to educate Washington citizens about the dangers of Social Security privatization.

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Policy Impact

John Balkenhol's pension disappeared just when he needed it most.

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Retirement Security: News and Opinion

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Staff Contact

Gary Burris,
Senior Policy
Associate