ROCKLAND — On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law an insurance measure that relieved the suffering and starvation of retirees as a result of the Great Depression.

Along with a national social security program for old-age recipients, funding assisted children, the blind, and the unemployed. It also instituted vocational training programs and family health programs.

These contributions come in the form of a payroll tax deducted from every citizen’s paycheck, allowing those workers to earn money toward their retirements, as well as support the disabled and survivors of the deceased. 

Though Social Security, as it is now known, is considered a right by most Americans, The House and Senate of 1935 encountered opposition from many entities who either resented the invasion of government, or who were trying to avoid payroll taxes for employers, according to the website Our Documents.

However, in the 80 years to follow, many lives have been prolonged by the financial relief permitted by monthly subsidy (starting in 1940), and — for those with common names — the individuality that comes with having a unique Social Security number.

During the Rockland City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 10, members of the council voted in favor of a special resolve honoring the anniversary.

Councilor Valli Geiger gave a first-hand account to the benefits of Social Security as she spoke of her own family’s reliance on the program.

“My father died in the military when I was six. Our family very much benefited from receiving Social Security checks throughout my childhood, which made the difference between living in a home and living with relatives,” she said.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com.