Lawmakers to Hold Public Forums on Future of Social Security

Portland Ore. – Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) will hold two events this week about the future of Social Security and the impacts of President Bush’s Social Security privatization, one co-hosted by County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey on Friday, April 22 at 3:15 p.m. at Buckman School and a second with State Representative Carolyn Tomei at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 23 at the SMILE Center (Sellwood Moreland Improvement League).

Congress and the President are currently involved in a vigorous public debate about the future of Social Security. The President has made privatization of the Social Security system one of his top priorities. Blumenauer is reaching out to Oregonians to get their opinion on the President’s plan and what should be done, if anything, to ensure the future solvency of Social Security. His office has received over 7,000 responses to a questionnaire sent out early this year, the vast majority expressing strong opposition to the President’s plan.

Blumenauer has hosted a series of meetings on Social Security throughout the spring and participated in a number of forums, including several on college campuses.

To follow is the town hall meeting schedule for Friday and Saturday, April 22 and 23, 2005:

Friday, April 22:	Town Hall Meeting on Social Security with Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey 3:15 – 5:00 p.m. Buckman School, SE 16th and Stark, Cafeteria
Saturday, April 23:	Town Hall Meeting on Social Security with State Representative Carolyn Tomei 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. SMILE Center (Sellwood Moreland Improvement League) 8210 SE 13th Ave.