Social security panel reassures workers

A presidential commission agreed to assure Americans that social security ''is here to stay,'' but agreed on only one idea to meet a $200 billion shortfall - requiring more workers to join the system.

Members of the bipartisan panel said the public was unnecessarily apprehensive that benefits might stop and younger workers were not getting a fair shake. The 15-member panel meets again Dec. 10, when members hope to agree on specific recommendations to raise the $150-$200 billion they estimate social security needs in the next 7 years.