Social Security has been effective for 70 years; prior predictions of its demise have been totally overstated.

Even without reforms, the Social Security fund will be able to meet 100 percent of its obligations until 2042.

Latinos are disproportionately more likely to be injured on the job than other ethnic groups.

Latinas' life expectancies are relatively long. When a current retiree hits 65 and begins receiving her benefit check, she can expect to live another 22 years. That life expectancy is higher than white women or men.

If Congress doesn't raise taxes, you cannot get a private investment account without forgoing a portion, possibly all, of your guaranteed benefit check.

We must explain the truth: There is no free lunch.

Our Hispanic community needs to understand how important the Social Security system is for not only its retired citizens, but also its disabled workers.