LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Social
Security on Friday, August 14, 2015

WHEREAS, On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into
law the Social Security Act which, at its inception, was a lump sum
retirement program; since that time, Social Security has evolved into
crucial monthly aid which curtails poverty for over sixty-four million
elderly, disabled people and their families; and
WHEREAS, This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Social Security
system which one in six New Yorkers rely upon to assist with living
expenses, and, according to American Association of Retired Persons
research, lifts 820,000 New York retirees out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, Upon the signing of the Social Security Act, Franklin D.
Roosevelt famously said: "Today, a hope of many years' standing is in
large part fulfilled... We have tried to frame a law which will give
some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family
against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age"; and
WHEREAS, The creation and resilience of Social Security should be
acknowledged and commended for its contributions to the people of the
State of New York and the country as a whole; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Social Security on Friday, August
14, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner, Social Security
Administration.