AARP launches statewide listening tour to find out how Wisconsinites would strengthen Social Security for all ages

MADISON, WI – In an effort to learn what Wisconsinites think about the future of Social Security, AARP Wisconsin will be visiting dozens of communities across the state this summer and fall to talk face-to-face with residents about this critical issue.

Beginning this month, AARP Wisconsin will host a series of Social Security listening sessions in several parts of the state and will have booths set up at various community fairs, health expos, and special events to inform Wisconsinites about the status of Social Security and empower them to share their opinions about how the program can be strengthened going forward to make it solvent for current and future generations.

“These series of events across the state are designed to gain insight from Wisconsin residents on their primary concerns, questions, and ideas regarding the future of Social Security,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Martha Cranley. “We invite all those interested in this topic and who have a desire to be involved in protecting Social Security to join us as we lay the groundwork for our future efforts.”

Cranley encourages folks to join them at their nearest listening session where they will have the opportunity to enjoy free food and drinks as they connect with others from their community on this important topic.

“AARP WI will be there with information on how Social Security works, how people can maximize their benefit, and how they can fight to protect Social Security,” she said. “We will also be looking to attendees to provide their insight as we lay the groundwork for our efforts to ensure that our elected officials here in Wisconsin fight for a robust and healthy Social Security program that is sustainable for many years to come.”

The first three stops on the tour will be in Milwaukee on July 18, Kenosha on July 19, and Ashland on Aug. 1. Additional sessions are being set up in La Crosse Wausau, Green Bay, Eau Claire, and other communities. Please continue visiting www.aarp.org/wi throughout 2023 for an updated schedule of tour stops and links to register for these free listening sessions and booth appearances.

In Wisconsin, more than one in five residents receive Social Security benefits. These payments inject more than $22.2 billion into the state’s economy every year. The largest group of beneficiaries in Wisconsin are its 950,000 retired workers, who account for 74.5 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries in the state.

Social Security also lifts more than 264,000 Wisconsinites aged 65 or older out of poverty. In fact, 33.5 percent of this state’s residents in this age group would be in poverty if it weren’t for their Social Security benefits. That number falls to 6.6 percent when Social Security income is included.

In Wisconsin, the average Social Security retired worker benefit is $1,587 per month, or about $19,044 annually. That is just over the national average payment of $1,544 per month.

Nearly 450,000 Wisconsin residents, or 46 percent of those aged 65 and older, live in families that rely on Social Security for at least half of their income. Nearly 171,000 Wisconsinites, or 18 percent of those 65 and over, live in families that rely on the program

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.