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Non-profit

National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare

Website:

www.ncpssm.org
Location:

WASHINGTON, DC
Tax ID:

52-1312579
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(4)

Budget (2018):

Revenue: $18,264,938
Expenses: $19,767,560
Assets: $9,185,921
Formation:

1982
Type:

Non-profit
Executive Director:

Max I. Richtman

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National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) is a left-of-center nonprofit organization that engages in lobbying at the federal level against free-market changes to Social Security including private investment accounts, for increased Social Security payroll taxes, and against cuts to current Social Security and Medicare funding. 1 2

NCPSSM raises most of its money through a large direct mail fundraising effort. 3 There have been controversies in the past regarding its direct mail operation and fundraising appeals, with opponents arguing that NCPSSM misleads recipients. NCPSSM holds events with Democratic elected officials throughout the country. Through its political action committee, the group has given almost entirely to Democratic candidates, while opposing Republican efforts to reform Social Security and Medicare. 4 5

History

NCPSSM was founded in 1982 by James Roosevelt, Sr., the eldest son of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 6 Former U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) suggested that the Committee was set up by the direct mail firm Butcher-Forde as a means by which to profit using President Roosevelt’s name and the popularity of Social Security. 7

The group began as a direct mail grassroots organization with a payroll of $206,039 and staff of “about 10” that sent out legislative notices, in addition to postcards and petitions to Congress. 8 In 1987, the Committee began increasing its staff and actively lobbying Congress. 9 In 2020, the organization had a staff of 29 and a payroll that exceeded $3.1 million. 10

Activism

As of 2021, the Committee is engaged in four active legislative campaigns: Don’t Cut Pills, Cut Profits; Boost Social Security Now; Stop The War On The Working Class; and Hands Off – No Cuts. 11 NCPSSM campaigns aim to oppose the privatization of Social Security, oppose any cuts to Social Security, and promote increased taxation to make the Social Security program solvent again. 12 13 NCPSSM has denied the existence of the Social Security financial crisis. 14 When AARP stated that some cuts in Social Security benefits may be acceptable to maintain the program’s solvency, the Committee put out a response heavily criticizing AARP’s stance on the issue. 15 16

The National Committee holds numerous events with Democratic politicians. 17 NCPSSM has claimed that Republicans’ former one-party control of the White House and Congress “harmed seniors and people with disabilities.” 18 In 2020, NCPSSM held at least 13 townhall and outreach events held with Democratic candidates and groups such as the Women’s National Democratic Club, the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee, and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Seniors Council. 19 For the first time in its history, the NCPSSM endorsed a presidential candidate when it endorsed President Joe Biden in 2020. 20

Finances and Fundraising

According to the organization’s Form 990 from 2020, NCPSSM recorded $18,168,140 in revenue while and $18,194,465 in expenses. 21 The previous year, NCPSSM had $18,580,900 in revenue and $18,772,177 in expenses. 22

Much of NCPSSM’s revenue is derived from direct mail solicitations and yearly membership dues to the organization. 23 In 2019, the group raised $16,236,669 from membership dues and fundraising. 24 The Committee also receives money from renting its mailing list to direct mail companies. Currently, it has 801,357 names and addresses available for purchase by direct mail vendors. 25 In 2000, NCPSSM received $1.3 million from the rental of its mailing list. 26

MCPSSM has been heavily criticized by members of Congress for “exploiting the fears of the elderly and exaggerating the dangers facing the retirement program.” 27 It has been under investigation by members of Congress who have accused the organization of “frightening the elderly about the safety of their Social Security benefits.” 28

The U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security requested that NCPSSM testify in a hearing on “misleading and deceptive mailings to Social Security beneficiaries.” 29 Former U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) criticized the NCPSSM at the hearing, commenting, “all they are doing is scaring people, as far as I can see. This is a fundraising scam that degrades the Roosevelt name.” 30

Political Action Committee

In the past ten years, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare’s political action committee has distributed 98.8% of its total campaign expenditures to Democrats running for Congress. 31 During this time, the PAC donated $1,444,437 to Democrats and only $17,000 to Republicans. 32 Between 2019 and 2020, the Committee gave no money to Republicans and only funded Democratic candidates. 33

Leadership

Max Richtman is the president and CEO of the National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare. He joined the organization in 1989 and is also chair of the Committee’s PAC. 34 Prior to joining the NCPSSM, Richtman worked as staff director to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. 35

Mike Prucker is the chief operating officer of the NCPSSM. Previously Prucker worked as chief of staff to former U.S. Representative Barbara Kennelly (D-CT). 36

Dan Adcock is the director of government relations for NCPSSM. Adcock previously worked for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, the House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, and former U.S. Representative Matthew Martinez (D-CA). 37

Jim Crounse is the chair of the NCPSSM board. Crounse is a partner with the direct mail firm Ambrosino, Muir, Hansen, and Crounse. 38 The firm works exclusively with Democratic candidates for office. 39

Coalition Membership

Currently, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is a member and chair of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), including the LCAO’s Health and Income Security committees; the Strengthening Social Security Coalition (SSSC) steering committee; and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Social Security Taskforce. 40

References

  1. DiStaso, John. “NH Primary Source: Pro-Democratic PAC To Preserve Social Security, Medicare Backs Pappas.” WMUR. August 20, 2020. Accessed Feburary 28, 2021. https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-pro-democratic-pac-to-preserve-social-security-medicare-backs-pappas/33651312.
  2. Richtman, Max. Letter To President Biden. January 21, 2021. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.ncpssm.org/documents/letters-117th/letter-to-president-biden-on-improving-seniors-programs/.
  3. Form 990: National Committee To Protect Social Security and Medicare, Part VIII, 2019.
  4. Center for Responsive Politics. “Candidate Recipients.” Opensecrets.org. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/national-cmte-to-preserve-social-security/C00172296/candidate-recipients/2020.
  5. Center for Responsive Politics. “Candidate Recipients.” Opensecrets.org. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/national-cmte-to-preserve-social-security/C00172296/candidate-recipients/2020.
  6. National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare Website, Accessed February 27, 2021, https://www.ncpssm.org/entitledtoknow/fdrs-grandson-on-why-the-national-committee-endorsed-joe-biden/.
  7. Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy hearing, “Deceptive Social Security Mass Mailings To The Elderly,” November 20, 1989 Statement by Senator Patrick Moynihan (D-NY) at 32. https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/hrg101-710.pdf.
  8. Rosenblatt, Robert. “Committee Headed By James Roosevelt Under Investigation.” Los Angeles Times. March 10, 1987. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:QrB7P7WPWi8J:https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-10-me-5709-story.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari.
  9. Rosenblatt, Robert. “Committee Headed By James Roosevelt Under Investigation.” Los Angeles Times. March 10, 1987. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:QrB7P7WPWi8J:https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-10-me-5709-story.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari.
  10. Form 990: National Committee To Protect Social Security and Medicare, Part I, 2019.
  11. National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare website. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.ncpssm.org.
  12. Richtman, Max. Letter To President Biden. January 21, 2021. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.ncpssm.org/documents/letters-117th/letter-to-president-biden-on-improving-seniors-programs/.
  13. Wasson, Erik. “AARP Says Some Social Security Cuts Could Be Acceptable.” The Hill. June 17, 2011. https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/167125-aarp-says-some-social-security-cuts-acceptable.
  14. Richtman, Max. “Opposing View: ‘There’s No Social Security Crisis.’” USA Today, April 26, 2012. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2016/03/14/national-committee-to-preserve-social-security-medicare-editorials-debates/81783412/.
  15. Meckler, Laura. “Key Seniors Association Pivots On Benefits Cut.” Wall Street Journal. June 17, 2011. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304186404576389760955403414.
  16. National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare. “Let’s Make A Deal: AARP Style.” Accessed February 26, 2021. https://www.ncpssm.org/entitledtoknow/lets-make-a-deal-aarp-style/.
  17. Forms 990: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, 2017, 2018, 2019.
  18. Form 990: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Part III, Line 4a, 2018
  19. Form 990: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Part III, Line 4a, 2019 (the group also held events with: Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV), Rep. John Larson (D-CT), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (D-WI), State Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-WI), Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D-WI), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), State Rep. Rachel Prusak (D-OR), State Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Rep. Lois Frankel (D-NJ), Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Rep. Marci Kaptur (D-OH))
  20. Hutzler, Alexandra. “Fearing For Social Security, National Seniors’ Group Endorses Biden,” Newsweek. September 27, 2020. https://www.newsweek.com/fearing-social-security-national-seniors-group-endorses-biden-1532635.
  21. Form 990: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, 2019.
  22. Form 990: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, 2018.
  23. Form 990: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, 2019.
  24. Form 990: National Committee To Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Part VIII, 2019
  25. Nextmark Marketing website. Accessed February 28, 2021. https://lists.nextmark.com/market;jsessionid=F75DDA6E1C3654B27280F89657EE6D87?page=order/online/datacard&id=63011.
  26. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Social Security Subcomittee. “Misleading Mailings Targeted To Seniors.” July 26, 2001. Response by James Huse, Jr., Inspector General of Social Security. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-107hhrg75753/html/CHRG-107hhrg75753.htm.
  27. Peterson, Jonathan. “James Roosevelt On Rocky Crusade For Social Security.” Los Angeles Times. October 20, 1985. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:CbzqJp0nvqoJ:https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-20-fi-14171-story.html+&cd=20&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari.
  28. Rosenblatt, Robert. “Committee Headed By James Roosevelt Under Investigation.” Los Angeles Times. March 10, 1987. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:QrB7P7WPWi8J:https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-10-me-5709-story.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari.
  29. Rosenblatt, Robert. “Committee Headed By James Roosevelt Under Investigation.” Los Angeles Times. March 10, 1987. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:QrB7P7WPWi8J:https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-10-me-5709-story.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari.
  30. Rosenblatt, Robert. “Committee Headed By James Roosevelt Under Investigation.” Los Angeles Times. March 10, 1987. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:QrB7P7WPWi8J:https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-10-me-5709-story.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari.
  31. Center for Responsive Politics. “Candidate Recipients.” Opensecrets.org. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/national-cmte-to-preserve-social-security/C00172296/candidate-recipients/2020.
  32. Center for Responsive Politics. “Candidate Recipients.” Opensecrets.org. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/national-cmte-to-preserve-social-security/C00172296/candidate-recipients/2020.
  33. Center for Responsive Politics. “Candidate Recipients.” Opensecrets.org. Accessed March 1, 2021. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/national-cmte-to-preserve-social-security/C00172296/candidate-recipients/2020.
  34. Max Richtman Linked In Profile. Accessed February 22, 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxrichtman.
  36. Mike Prucker LinkedIn Profile. Accessed February 28, 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-prucker-99293111.
  37. Dan Adcock LinkedIn Profile. Accessed February 28, 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-adcock-5553847.
  38. Jim Crounse LinkedIn Profile. Accessed February 28, 2021. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-crounse.
  39. Ambrosino, Muir, Hansen, and Crounse website. Accessed February 28, 2021. http://amhcmail.com/clients.html.
  40. Form 990: National Committee To Protect Social Security and Medicare, 2019.
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Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: March - February
  • Tax Exemption Received: June 1, 1984

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2018 Mar Form 990 $18,264,938 $19,767,560 $9,185,921 $2,045,784 N $16,568,011 $0 $180,053 $781,399 PDF
    2017 Mar Form 990 $17,093,723 $17,608,920 $9,448,703 $647,766 N $15,467,670 $0 $219,901 $772,803
    2016 Mar Form 990 $18,019,936 $17,764,344 $10,466,882 $874,893 N $15,579,876 $0 $243,019 $793,101 PDF
    2015 Mar Form 990 $18,219,535 $23,208,014 $12,380,274 $1,336,803 N $16,696,494 $0 $303,871 $870,422 PDF
    2014 Mar Form 990 $22,079,955 $25,013,421 $17,243,080 $1,444,934 N $20,185,478 $0 $352,857 $877,446 PDF
    2013 Mar Form 990 $21,556,583 $25,439,220 $20,167,978 $1,519,821 N $20,050,114 $0 $322,606 $622,837 PDF
    2012 Mar Form 990 $25,942,687 $29,898,764 $23,899,973 $1,772,130 N $23,282,337 $0 $504,137 $561,598 PDF

    Additional Filings (PDFs)

    National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare

    10 G ST NE STE 600
    WASHINGTON, DC 20002-4253