WHEREAS, For seventy years, Social Security has been America's most important economic program for individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, Through depressions, wars and government shutdowns, benefit checks have arrived on time and in full, and today go to more than forty million people; and

WHEREAS, Social Security is the main retirement income against poverty for for most retirees, since less than one-third of retirees receive private pensions; and

WHEREAS, Social Security is the main income for over seven million disabled workers and their dependents and seven million survivors of deceased workers; and

WHEREAS, Social Security is the main income for retired women and minority workers because of unequal job realities; and

WHEREAS, Privatizing Social Security would cut future guaranteed benefits by forty percent, leave many retirees in poverty, explode the deficit and saddle our children with nearly five trillion dollars in debt; and

WHEREAS, Privatization would expose Social Security to unwarranted risk inherent in the stock market.

RESOLVED: That the MFT&SRP opposes all privatization schemes which would drain and destroy Social Security; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That the MFT&SRP will continue to work with the AFT, the AFL-CIO, Michigan Alliance and other organizations to urge Congress to pursue a bi-partisan effort to guarantee full benefits for future generations; and BE IT FINALLY

That MFT&SRP urges all members to participate in in activities that seek to prevent the privatization and weakening of Social Security.