Assemblyman Thomas P. DiNapoli (D-Great Neck) has called on Congress to safeguard Social Security.

"President Bush is threatening radical changes to our nation's Social Security system - changes that would impact every New Yorker and every American," DiNapoli said. "We should provide solid, long-term funding for Social Security and avoid privatizing the program. We must keep the 'Security' in Social Security-not bet it all on risky Wall Street investments."

The New York State Assembly has passed a resolution urging the New York State Congressional Delegation to consider sound, long-term funding for Social Security and to avoid privatization. The resolution urges retaining Social Security as an insurance fund, making whatever conservative adjustments are necessary to ensure the solvency of the trust funds well beyond 2040.

Congress is currently considering President Bush's controversial proposal to change the program, which has provided retirement benefits to millions of Americans.

"Privatizing Social Security could add trillions of dollars to the national debt and ultimately force significant cuts in current or future benefits," DiNapoli said. "We must do everything we can to make sure that Social Security remains a source of income for future generations. It would be irresponsible to do otherwise."

DiNapoli noted that Congress has repeatedly reviewed and reformed Social Security during its 70 years, but privatizing the program is simply too drastic and too risky.

"Social Security provides a simple guarantee: Work hard and contribute and your financial future will be secure. The president's privatization plan undermines that basic guarantee," DiNapoli said. "I urge all New Yorkers and our state's congressional delegation to oppose any attempt to privatize Social Security and cut retirees' benefits."