The Social Security Act became law 79 years ago this Thursday when the landmark legislation creating the retirement system was signed by  President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Before Social Security, about half of senior citizens in the United States lived in poverty.  Today, while still too high, fewer than 10 percent live in poverty. 

Vermont has a special place in the history of Social Security. The first monthly retirement check for $22.54 was issued to Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont. A legal secretary, Miss Fuller retired in November 1939 at age 65. She started collecting benefits in 1940 and lived to be 100 years old.

In recent years, Sen. Bernie Sanders has been a leader in stopping efforts by congressional Republicans and others to cut benefits.  Calling Social Security “the most successful federal program in modern American history,” Sanders formed the Defending Social Security Caucus in the Senate.  “We must oppose all efforts to cut Social Security and fight hard to expand it,” he said.