Social Security

Position

News

• Making Social Security less generous isn't the answer
  Sep 5, 2010 — Washington Post
  But most people begin taking Social Security at age 62. They get less, but they can retire earlier. Reforming Social Security will be politically difficult and result in worse policy.
• Simpson's remarks provide ammo for critics of Obama's fiscal panel
  Sep 5, 2010 — The Hill
  The commission has yet to offer any concrete proposals, but it has divided itself into three subgroups, each of which is focused on a different part of the federal budget.
• GOP targets vulnerable Armed Services panel chairman Skelton
  Sep 4, 2010 — The Hill
  Roxana TironThe House’s top Republican will spend Labor Day weekend in the backyard of Rep.
• Wonkbook: White House considers payroll tax holiday; House libs against Social Security cuts; 25% were unemployed during recession
  Sep 3, 2010 — Washington Post
  Whatever else the fiscal commission does, it seems likely to come out with some package of reforms for the stories social insurance program. But Republicans aren't very interested in raising payroll taxes, and House liberals have now announced their unified opposition to anything that includes benefit cuts. For example, a payroll tax holiday - a top priority of many business groups - could be applied only to new hires or extend to current employees.
• Opinion: Social Security can help states
  Sep 2, 2010 — CNN
  As cuts to badly needed services and welfare programs continue, the slice of budgets going to public pensions looms larger. In fact, the bottom two income quartiles in the United States depend upon Social Security for more than 80 percent of their retirement income. Social Security would provide just over 50 percent of pre-retirement income to low earners if they had continuous work histories.
• Wonkbook: Romer wants more stimulus; five reasons for economic optimism; illegal immigration down
  Sep 2, 2010 — Washington Post
  The only surefire ways for policymakers to substantially increase aggregate demand in the short run are for the government to spend more and tax less. This part of the yield is counted as part of national income by the Commerce Department. Goldstein argues that the United States could reduce its projected energy consumption 88 percent by 2050, and that a 30 percent reduction is possible by 2020.
• Can Social Security save Democrats this fall?
  Sep 1, 2010 — Washington Post
  Michael Bennet have recently aired commercials attacking their opponents' position on the retirement system.)The strategy behind the Democratic attacks is simple.
• Hands off Social Security
  Sep 1, 2010 — Politico
  Bernie Sanders The White House deficit commission is reportedly considering deep benefit cuts for Social Security, including a steep rise in the retirement age. Others say, incorrectly, that Social Security is going bankrupt, so benefits should be reduced and the retirement age set at 70. That’s wrong. Applying the Social Security payroll tax on those with the most income, say over $250,000 a year, would correct this inequity.
• Making hard choices on the budget
  Sep 1, 2010 — Washington Post
  The same people saying we can't afford Social Security's shortfall are saying we can afford tax cuts of the same size. Both things can't be true.As Megan says, we do have to make hard choices on the budget. But that means making hard choices on the budget.
• Administrative law judges face more threats over disability, immigration issues
  Aug 31, 2010 — Washington Post
  ...in Social Security hearing rooms-- Reconsideration of the policy that keeps guards out of Social Security hearing rooms-- Peepholes in doors so that guards can observe hearings-- Secure parking areas for judges-- Separate entrances and exits for judges-- More guards and marshals assigned to courts-- A bailiff in each immigration courtroom-- More security training for judges and other court personnel"Individuals angry with the federal...