Understanding the Social Security Debate

Designed to inform in a balanced and interesting way, but not to advocate any specific viewpoint, the seminars featured speakers recognized as national experts but with different and sometimes conflicting perspectives. Speakers included:

* William J. Arnone, Partner, Human Capital Practice at Ernst & Young
* Laurel Beedon, Senior Policy Advisor, AARP Public Policy Institute
* David John, Research Fellow, The Heritage Foundation
* Tim Kane, Bradley Fellow in Labor Policy, The Heritage Foundation
* Robert Rosenblatt, Senior Fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance
* Maya Rockeymoore, Vice President, The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Each program looked at the fundamentals of Social Security, examined how government programs fit into retirement as a whole, and included a debate on the merits of including some version of private accounts in the Social Security system. The seminars were held from 9 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. in Norman, OK- April 25; Huntington, WV-May 5; Ft. Lauderdale, FL- May 12; Tampa, FL- May 13; Nashville, TN- May 20; and Austin, TX- June 10.

The program was designed with plenty of time for questions and answers and everything was on-the-record. To attend, one had to be employed as a print, broadcast or online journalist, or was an active freelancer. Journalism students were admitted on a space-available basis. A light breakfast was served, but attendees were otherwise responsible for their own lodging, travel and meals.

What Journalists Said about the Seminars:

"It has been a great opportunity to hear speakers from a national perspective address this. It was a worthwhile seminar and planned extraordinarily well." Ginnie Graham, The Tulsa World (Norman, Oklahoma- April 25, 2005)

"Great program. Speakers didn't drag on. They made their points and kept the audience's attention with a layman's explanation of a very complicated issue." Tim Irr, WSAZ-TV (NBC) (Huntington, WV- May 5, 2005)

"Very nice to hear about complexities of Social Security debate from experts." Anna Sale, WV Public Broadcasting (Huntington, WV- May 5, 2005)

"I loved the basic explanations of what the system does now and the proposed changes, and the potential impact. They spoke English. It increased my understanding of the system and issues tremendously." Jean Tarbett, The Herald-Dispatch (Huntington, WV- May 5, 2005)

"The debate was well-done/ balanced." Gail DeGeorge, South Florida Sun-Senintel (Ft. Lauderdale, FL - May 12, 2005)

"Informative and timely- good expertise." Ed Martin, Venice Gondolier Sun (Tampa, FL - May 13, 2005)

"Bringing the "show on the road" helps those of us who don't always have access to DC or NY-- Do it more-- this was great!" Ronnie Lovler, Freelance journalist (Tampa, FL - May 13, 2005)

"The debate was fascinating. I feel that the back and forth drew out details that would have otherwise been missed." Lara Stewart, Tampa Bay Independent Media (Tampa, FL - May 13, 2005)

"The program gave me the framework to plan an article on Social Security for my magazine, and the event has perfect timing in this." Beth Matter, Vanderbilt Business Magazine (Nashville, TN - May 20, 2005)

"The speakers really knew what they were talking about and had answers for our questions." Jennifer Peebles, The Tennessean (Nashville, TN - May 20, 2005)

"These sessions are invaluable! The more the better- civil discussion about complicated policy issues. It's great motivation to carry the conversation on in our reporting." Anita Bugg, Nashville Public Radio (Nashville, TN - May 20, 2005)