Social SecurityAs a parent and grandparent, I want to ensure Social Security is protected for today’s seniors and for generations to come.
Social Security Administration facts show our nation is changing: 16 workers were paying into Social Security for every retiree receiving benefits in 1950, today there are 3 workers per retiree, and once the Baby Boomers retire there will only be 2 workers for each retiree. As our nation changes, the current system simply won’t be able to keep up. Improvements must be made if the Social Security promise made in 1935 is to be kept into the future.
In my view, Social Security reform must be guided by the following principles:
- I will never support legislation that reduces benefits for those in or near retirement. America must honor its commitment to those who have worked a lifetime and earned the right to a secure retirement that cannot be taken away.
- Social Security must be made permanently sound – a partial fix leaves the promise of Social Security in doubt and places an even heavier burden on our children and grandchildren.
- We cannot afford to increase payroll taxes high enough to keep Social Security from going broke – the burden on hardworking Americans would be much too great.
- Younger workers should have the choice of voluntarily investing a portion of their money in personal, protected retirement accounts so they can build a nest egg for themselves and their families.
As the national conversation continues about the future of Social Security, many options and ideas will be carefully considered. A secure retirement for our children and grandchildren – while protecting the full benefits of today’s seniors is a goal we all share. It matters more than partisan divides. It’s a worthy and necessary goal that should unite our nation not divide it.