Critics Of Privatization Discuss Changing Prospects For Bush Social Security Commission

Conference call for reporters, Thursday, October 18, at 8:30 A.M.
(before Bush Commission meeting begins)

WASHINGTON DC -- On October 18, the Presiden's Social Security Commission will conduct its second “public hearing” at the Park Hyatt hotel in Washington, DC, beginning at 10:00 A.M. The same day at 10:00 A.M. on Capitol Hill, the Ways & Means Committee will conduct a hearing on the Social Security Administration's response to the September 11 attacks.

At 8:30 A.M. October 18, the Institute for America's Future will convene a conference call for reporters to discuss with policy and advocacy leaders how prospects for the Social Security Commission and the White House's privatization agenda have changed in light of recent events.

Of special note, Brookings Institution economist, Peter Orszag, will discuss how the changing budget and economic picture affects the Commission's ability to reach a middle ground on a privatization proposal – with the surplus gone for the foreseeable future, no funds remain to prevent benefit cuts during the transition to a system of privatized accounts. As a result, opposition to the Commission's report will increase. Speakers will also discuss how the Social Security Administration's response to the September 11 events illustrates the strengths of a social insurance system, noting that several thousand children are already receiving Social Security survivor's benefits.

SPEAKERS:

Hans Riemer
Senior Policy Analyst, Institute for America’s Future and Chairman, 2030 Center
(Hans will testify at 10:00 AM before the Commission, as part of a special focus by the commission on young Americans and Social Security)

Peter Orszag
Senior Fellow in Economic Studies, Brookings Institution

Joan Entmacher
Vice President, National Women's Law Center

George Kourpias
President, Alliance for Retired Americans

Max Richtman
Vice President, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

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