(Washington, DC)  --  U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Concord) today unveiled a Social Security Survey on his web site (www.house.gov/latourette) to obtain constituents’ thoughts on the various proposals to shore up Social Security for future retirees.

 “There’s a lot of confusion about plans to reform Social Security and this survey will allow me to gauge how my constituents feel about some of the suggested changes like establishing personal retirement accounts, increasing payroll taxes or raising the retirement age,”  he said.

 LaTourette said there are enough workers today to support retirees but that is expected to change when Baby Boomers begin to retire in large numbers.  In less than 15 years, tax revenues collected by Social Security will be less than the benefits paid, due simply to a shift in demographics.  In 1950, there were 16 workers to support each Social Security beneficiary.  Today, 3.3 workers support each beneficiary.  By the time our youngest workers turn 65, only 2 workers will support each beneficiary, he said.

 LaTourette said he won’t support any changes that would negatively impact those already retired or those nearing retirement – age 55 and older.  He said he believes Congress can come up with a bipartisan plan to help Social Security remain solvent for future generations and looks forward to legislation being introduced and debated.

 “I think most folks understand now that Social Security has a problem,” LaTourette said.  “The challenge will be coming up with a bipartisan solution to fix it, and this survey will help me get a good sense of where my constituents stand.”

 Constituents who visit LaTourette’s web site will be able to fill out the survey online and then submit it electronically to his Washington, DC, office.  The survey is limited to residents of the 14th Congressional District.

 Constituents without access to a computer can request a printed copy by calling LaTourette’s office at 800-447-0529.  Copies will soon be made available at city halls in the district.  Surveys completed manually should be sent to: Congressman LaTourette, 2453 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515.