Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that several state landmarks will be illuminated 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 original 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.
More than 3.7 million residents in New York receive Social Security benefits totaling $81.9 billion each year. This includes retirement benefits for over 2.8 million retired workers and nearly 161,000 spouses and children; survivor benefits for almost 290,000 individuals; and disability benefits for about 422,000 disabled workers along with approximately 66,000 spouses and children. For many recipients in New York, Social Security remains their main or only source of income.
Governor Hochul has spoken out against federal actions that could restrict access to these benefits. She joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand earlier this year in criticizing efforts by the Trump Administration to close field offices or reduce staff assisting beneficiaries.
Social Security funding comes primarily from payroll taxes, with benefit amounts determined by lifetime earnings and years worked.
Older adults play a significant role in supporting both state finances and local economies as they age. According to the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), adults aged 50 or older are responsible for about $1.8 trillion in federal, state, and local taxes as of 2018—a figure projected to quadruple by 2050. They make up roughly one-third of New York’s population but contribute more than two-fifths of federal tax revenue ($1.4 trillion) and over one-third of state/local tax revenue nationwide ($650 billion). Their contributions at the state level are expected to triple from $72 billion today to $255 billion by mid-century.
This year also marks other milestones: it is the 60th anniversary of programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Older Americans Act—federal initiatives aimed at supporting older citizens—and coincides with continued efforts positioning New York as an Age Friendly State.
In her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, Governor Hochul outlined what she described as record investments through NYSOFA: an additional $52 million for services benefiting older adults—including $45 million targeting locally identified needs—and a $5 million increase toward cost-of-living adjustments for aging services among other measures. These steps are part of broader affordability initiatives such as middle-class tax cuts (for joint filers earning up to $323,000 per year), inflation rebates ($300 for single taxpayers/$500 joint filers), expansion of child tax credits—all intended to ease living costs for families statewide.
The Governor also released a Final Report on New York’s first Master Plan for Aging—a comprehensive document containing more than one hundred proposals designed so residents can age with dignity while maintaining independence.
New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen stated: “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 said: “In 1935, the most effective anti-poverty program in the history of the nation, Social Security, was created by a New Yorker, President Franklin D. Roosevelt… Today… Trump… [is] making unprecedented attacks on Social Security… we need to stop that dead in its tracks… Because of Trump’s cuts… seniors are facing long wait times… If it’s impossible …to get help…, that’s a cut…, plain and simple… I won’t stand for it…. I am going to stand up …to make sure it is protected…”
Senator Kristen Gillibrand added: “90 years ago,… America made a promise …by establishing Social Security…. because of …the Trump administration …benefits …are under attack…. I am proud that New York is standing up …, …I will always fight …that Social Security benefits remain secure.”
Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright commented: “As Chair …Aging Committee,… how vital Social Security is…. For 90 years,… provided economic stability,… As we celebrate…, we reaffirm our commitment ….”
On August 14th landmarks including 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; Niagara Falls; 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 Historic Park—among others—will be lit red white blue.
