Coalition for the Modernization and Protection of America's Social Security

The Coalition for the Modernization and Protection of America's Social Security (COMPASS) is a coalition backing President George W. Bush's plan for private Social Security accounts. The group was formed in 2002 by the Business Roundtable and the National Association of Manufacturers.

"COMPASS is acting as an umbrella group for Washington-based organizations, including the manufacturers association, the National Restaurant Association, the Business Roundtable and the Financial Services Forum, which is a group of chief executive officers of major banks, insurance companies and securities firms," Bloomberg News reported. Other members include companies such as The Boeing Co., Pfizer Inc. and Fidelity Investments.

The Washington Post reports, "[T]he Coalition for the Modernization and Protection of America's Social Security, will conduct a nationwide television and grass-roots pressure campaign costing $15 million to $20 million. COMPASS has hired OnPoint Advocacy to conduct grass-roots lobbying and Apco Worldwide Inc. for public relations. Tita Freeman, communications director at the Business Roundtable, said COMPASS has a budget of $15 million to $20 million, which may grow as the fight progresses." In addition to TV ads, the group will run a national-wide direct mail campaign.

The Hill reports, "COMPASS will work on educating the public across the country through direct-mail, grassroots and media campaigns." Derrick Max is the executive director of both COMPASS and its sister coalition Alliance for Worker Retirement Security. The groups are expected to spend between $50 million and $150 million to promote Social Security reform.

COMPASS also sponsors Generations Together, a website created in February 2005 by Democracy Data & Communications.

Members

 * Alliance for Worker Retirement Security
 * Business Roundtable
 * Committee for Good Common Sense
 * Citizens for a Sound Economy
 * Council for Government Reform
 * Financial Services Forum
 * For Our Grandchildren
 * National Association of Manufacturers
 * National Taxpayers Union
 * United Seniors Association
 * The Hispanic Business Roundtable
 * Latino Coalition
 * The Small Business Exporters Association
 * National Retail Federation
 * U.S. Farm Bureau
 * U.S. Chamber of Commerce
 * The Minority Business Roundtable
 * National Federation of Independent Business

Contact information
COMPASS 1615 L Street Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20036 1-800-527-0783 http://www.compasscoalition.org

Related SourceWatch Resources

 * Modernization
 * U.S. Social Security privatization