Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that several state landmarks will be lit in red, white, and blue on August 14 to mark the 90th anniversary of Social Security. The program, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, provides financial support for older adults, people with disabilities, and families across New York and the nation.
“A great New Yorker and former Governor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, signed Social Security into law 90 years ago, creating a safety net for generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to help safeguard and build upon this legacy for older adults and people of all ages in New York State, because your family is my fight.”
President Roosevelt’s intent was “to give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age,” according to his statement at the time.
Data from the Social Security Administration show that more than 3.7 million New Yorkers receive benefits totaling $81.9 billion annually. This includes retirement benefits for over 2.8 million retired workers and nearly 161,000 spouses and children; survivors benefits for nearly 290,000 individuals; and disability benefits for about 422,000 disabled workers along with 66,000 spouses and children. For many recipients in New York State, Social Security is their main or only source of income.
Governor Hochul has spoken out against federal proposals that would reduce access to these benefits. Earlier this year she joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in criticizing efforts by the Trump administration to close Social Security field offices and cut staff who assist beneficiaries.
Social Security funding comes primarily from a dedicated payroll tax. Benefit amounts are determined by an individual’s lifetime earnings history as well as other factors.
Older adults play a significant role in New York’s economy beyond receiving benefits. According to the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), residents aged 50 or older are responsible for approximately $1.8 trillion in federal, state, and local taxes as of 2018—a figure projected to quadruple by 2050. Although they make up about one-third of the population in New York State, they contribute a larger share of tax revenue both federally ($1.4 trillion) and at state/local levels ($650 billion). Their contribution specifically within state and local taxes is expected to triple from $72 billion now to $255 billion by mid-century.
This year also marks major anniversaries for other federal programs supporting older Americans: it is the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, Medicare, and the Older Americans Act.
In her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, Governor Hochul included what she called “the state’s largest-ever investment” in services for older adults through NYSOFA—an increase of $52 million overall (including $45 million directed toward locally determined needs). Additional measures include middle-class tax cuts (for joint filers earning up to $323,000 per year), inflation rebates ($300 for single taxpayers; $500 for joint filers), expansion of child tax credits https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/child_tax_credit.htm , as well as cost-of-living adjustments aimed at helping seniors manage rising expenses.
The Governor also recently released a final report on New York’s first Master Plan for Aging—a comprehensive set of more than one hundred proposals intended to help residents age with dignity while maintaining independence.
New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said: “Social Security is one of the most impactful programs that the U.S. has ever created. For so many, it provides a lifeline of security and the financial resources necessary to meet day-to-day living expenses and avoid financial calamity while contributing directly to state and local economies. In like form, Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda includes historic investments in services for older adults puts money back into their pockets,and is further strengthening New York’s status as an age-friendly state.”
Senator Charles Schumer stated: “In 1935,the most effective anti-poverty program in history…was created by a New Yorker…so all older Americans could live out their days with economic security…Trump’s cuts…are making unprecedented attacks on Social Security…If it’s impossible for our seniors togetthehelp they need that’sa cut totheirbenefits plainandsimple,and I won’t standforit.Our seniors worked hard their whole lives fortheirSocialSecuritybenefits,and I am goingtostandupandfighttomake sureitisprotected notcut.”
Senator Kristen Gillibrand added: “90 years ago America madeapromisetotakecareofseniorsbyestablishingSocialSecurity.Today,becauseoftheTrumpadministrationandRepublicansinCongress,thebenefitsthataolderAmericanshaveearnedthroughalifetimeofhardworkareunderattack.IamproudthatNewYorkisstandinguptoprotectourseniors,andintheSenate,IwillalwaysfighttoensurethatSocialSecuritybenefitsremainsecure.”
Assemblymember Rebecca A.Seawright commented:“As ChairoftheAssemblyAgingCommittee,IknowfirsthandhowvitalSocialSecurityistothelivesofmillionsofNewYorkers.For90years,it hasprovidedeconomicstability,dignity,andindependencetoolderadults,families,andindividualswithdisabilities.Aswecelebratethismilestone,we reaffirmourcommitmenttoprotectingandstrengtheningthisessentialprogram ensuringthatitcontinuestosupportthepeoplewhorelyoniteveryday.”
On August 14,the following landmarks will be illuminated:
– One World Trade Center
– Governor Mario M.Cuomo Bridge
– Kosciuszko Bridge
– H.Carl McCall SUNY Building
– State Education Building
– Alfred E.Smith State Office Building
– Empire State Plaza
– State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
– Niagara Falls
– The“Franklin D.Roosevelt”Mid-Hudson Bridge
– Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
– Albany International Airport Gateway
– MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
– Fairport Lift Bridge over Erie Canal
– Moynihan Train Hall
– Walkway Over Hudson State Historic Park
