College Republicans aim to inform about Social Security
Passing out fliers and talking with students, the Utah State University College Republicans sought to educate students about Social Security Thursday afternoon on the Taggart Student Center patio.
“Liberal or conservative, students want control of their money,” said Tara Stephenson, chair of the College Republicans. “We hope it sparks debate. We want students to realize what a huge problem this is going to be.”
Club member Spencer Taylor said the even was prompted by remarks made in the State of the Union address about Social Security.
“Social Security is going to run out by 2018 and obviously none of us plan on retiring by 2018,” Taylor said. “It’s our future, it’s our money, and we as students should take an interest in that – not just to benefit us, but our children’s children.”
Taylor said the purpose of the event wasn’t necessarily to promote one view on social security but to urge students to inform themselves about the issues.
Members on both sides of party lines agree that social security is a problem, Stephenson said, although there are differing opinions on what should be done about it.
“It’s a rising issue,” she said. “and a huge problem for us [as students], not necessarily for our grandparents or those making the laws. We’re the one ones that are going to pay for it through higher taxes if we don’t do something about it now.”
The group handed out about 300 fliers, Stephenson said, and generally the response was “pretty positive.” The flier urged students to look at the plan for Personal Retirement Accounts the Bush administration is promoting. The flier also lists several Web sites that discuss social security including Republican, Democrat and non-partisan groups.
“I think it gave students the opportunity to check out some Web sites we listed,” Taylor said. “I don’t know if we changed anybody’s minds, but we gave students the opportunity to figure out for themselves.”
Taylor said he encourages students to study the issue support legislation that will reform social security by writing to the representatives.
“It is in our best interest as the rising generation to find a solution,” Taylor said.
-bnelson@cc.usu.edu