Janice Schakowsky: “Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my support for this resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Census Bureau.…”

“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my support for this resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Census Bureau. The census data paint a picture of America, including information on economic status based on age characteristics. It is because of the census that we know how successful the Social Security program has been in raising senior citizens out of poverty. The census numbers show that in 1999, 9.7 percent of people age 65 and older lived in poverty, the lowest percentage ever. The census numbers tell us that Social Security provides over half the total income for the average elderly household. For one-third of women over age 65, Social Security represents 90 percent of their total income. Without this program, half of older women would be living in poverty. The resolution states the Census Bureau gives us the data that is essential 'in the distribution of funds and in the formulation of public policy.' The Census Bureau numbers will play a critical role in the public policy debate on Social Security. I believe that the census numbers will demonstrate the folly of privatizing Social Security. According to the Census Bureau, the number of persons 65 and older will grow from 35 million in 2001 to 82 million in 2050. In 2050, the number of women over age 85, those most dependent on Social Security, will be four times the number today. They are depending on us to continue the promise of Social Security.”