While the race for the White House dominates this summer’s news, new findings about Social Security should concern Maine workers who are paying into Social Security today.   

In their annual update in June, the Social Security Trustees reported that beginning in 2034, Social Security benefits will be cut automatically because of insufficient funds. Over time, across-the-board cuts of nearly 25% will take effect, unless our leaders act to prevent this from happening.

We have long known that Social Security is headed for a fiscal reckoning unless our political leaders take action to make the program financially sound. But a recent analysis by AARP makes clear just how harmful the cuts would be for residents of Maine and all future retirees.

Here is a glimpse of what a 25-percent cut would mean to future retirees in our state:    

• The average annual family income of Maine retirees would decrease by $4,400. For many residents, losses would be much higher.

• The poverty rate of older Mainers would increase 69 percent. Some 10,200 additional seniors would be pushed into poverty.  

To put a cut of this size in perspective, consider that older Mainers typically spend $6,600 a year on groceries, $4,500 a year on utilities, and $7,000 on health care. A Social Security cut of nearly 25 percent would force households to make painful choices about what to buy and what to do without – at a time when the cost of necessities, like food and prescription drugs, continues to rise.

Currently, 726,000 Mainers are working hard and paying into Social Security, which means that virtually every community in our state would be affected. While most of our Social Security beneficiaries are retirees, the money goes to people of all ages. Children, widows, workers with disabilities and their dependent family members are among those who benefit from this remarkable program.

I realize that 2034 may seem far-off to some people, but delaying action — as Washington is famous for — is not an option.  

That is why AARP launched Take A Stand – a national campaign to urge the presidential candidates and those running for Congress to show leadership on Social Security. Thousands of Take A Stand volunteers have shown up at events around the country to tell the candidates that soundbites aren’t good enough.

Voters deserve to know what the candidates have in mind to keep Social Security strong for future generations, and how they and their families would be affected by any changes.

This month we celebrate Social Security’s 81st birthday. There is no better time to reflect on the program’s enduring value and future financial needs. Social Security was created in a far different era, so it is easy to see why it could use some updating after all these years.

But for that to happen, our political leaders must truly engage in this issue and give the public real answers about their plans. The next president will have to step up and make tough decisions to ensure that workers get the benefits they have earned.

AARP’s research about the impact a 25-percent cut would have in our state makes it clear that we need a much more detailed public debate. This is vital for younger workers, our children and our grandchildren. Just like today’s retirees, they too will depend on Social Security one day.

Making our voices heard now is critical. Go to www.2016takeastand.com to see what the candidates are saying about Social Security so you and your family can make an informed decision in November. Strengthening Social Security now and for the future has never been more important for all of us.

Joe DeFilipp of Auburn is an AARP Maine Volunteer.