This is part of a series of posts I am writing as a blogging fellow for the Strengthen Social Security Campaign, a coalition of more than 270 national and state organizations.
The Frances Perkins Center is pleased to announce that A Promise to All Generations has gone to press. Copies will be available by the end of the month. To celebrate, we’re holding a reception in Portland, Maine, prior to an important lecture by Nancy Altman on Tuesday, March 22, at the Abromson Center, 88 Bedford Street, at the University of Southern Maine. The reception will start at 4:30PM; Nancy’s lecture will begin at 5:30PM and will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A.
Three readers have already weighed in:
“Here, finally, is the definitive account of the origins of America’s most important social program. As this fine collection of essays shows, Social Security was largely the brainchild of Frances Perkins, secretary of labor in the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Not only did she conceive it but she also navigated the complex political currents in order to gain its passage. Social Security was Perkins’ crowning achievement, as well as FDR’s. It has also proven itself one of America’s greatest achievements. No federal program has ever been as popular. None has had nearly the impact on the lives of ordinary Americans. And none has been as important in assuring them decent livelihoods. This book is an important reminder of what we as a nation can do together, for one another.” — Robert Reich, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor
“This remarkable collection of essays presents a stunning portrait of how one woman's commitment to social justice transformed the lives of generations of workers. At the same time, it offers penetrating insights into policy development, public administration, and contemporary debates over the sustainability of Social Security.” — Lynn Pasquerella, President, Mount Holyoke College
“An important look at the heart of Social Security and the values that led to its creation. Required reading for all who care about the role government can play in improving people’s lives now and in the future.” — Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
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