Social Security Fight Will Affect Thousands of Arkansans

The golden years could get dimmer if senior citizens are struggling to make ends meet. Some argue social security will go broke soon, while others say benefits will last for the next 37 years. Either way, more and more Americans are reaching their golden years, making the need to insure they can pay the bills more urgent. In Arkansas, 93% of people older than 65 receive Social Security, on an average of $827 a month. That adds up to over 528,000 and $393 million. By the time today`s youngest workers reach 65, there will only be two workers supporting each beneficiary. All sides agree something needs to be done soon, but the fight is over how to do it. AARP says if the White House has its way, there won`t be enough money to go around. "We feel that social security should be strenghthened," explained Maria Reynolds Diaz, Arkansas AARP director. "If the system continues in its current form, it`s gonna go bust," said Gilbert Baker, chairman Republican Party of Arkansas. The White House proposes making private Social Security accounts. "Allowing younger people like you and me to take a portion of the money we put in through payroll taxes into a private fund, where we get a greater rate of return and eventually a better retirement," Baker explained. AARP opposes the accounts, calling it a gamble. "Private accounts would depend on the stock market and we all know how volatile that can be," Reynolds Diaz explained. Baker says the private accounts would provide for future generations of Social Security without interferring with current beneficiaries. AARP suggests instead of raising the cap on taxable wages and diversifying the Social Security surplus to receive better returns. The group says this way, seniors who draw on Social Security in the fugure will still receive all of its benefits.