Social Security
I am committed to ensuring that America's seniors are able to provide for themselves in their retirement years. I am a strong supporter of Social Security because I know what an important safety net it provides to all Americans. Without Social Security, millions of Americans would be unable to survive, whether they are receiving benefits as a result of age or a disability. Therefore, I will oppose any efforts that reduce the benefits currently being paid to Social Security recipients or those nearing retirement age.
In addition, I have pledged to preserve the long term solvency of Social Security for current retirees and future generations. I supported the successful action to allow seniors who wish to work while collecting social security to keep more of their hard-earned wages by eliminating the Social Security Earnings Limitation.
In addition, I recently co-sponsored legislation that would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination provisions (WEP) of the Social Security Act. The GPO and WEP deny people who have worked in Social Security covered jobs from receiving their full benefits. This unfairly penalizes many Kentuckians, specifically our teachers.
There have been many bipartisan proposals suggesting different options to maintain the solvency of the Social Security program. Some contemplated gradually raising the retirement age while others suggested another tax increase on working families. Some advocated restructuring benefits through a means test in order to reduce the benefits paid to middle and upper income seniors.
What is beyond doubt is that current and future workers paying into the system will not be able to support the rapidly increasing pool of retirees. Structural changes must eventually be implemented if we are to protect existing retirement benefits and provide for future generations.
One thing is certain, Republicans and Democrats will come together to protect Social Security and keep the promise made to all Americans.
Related Links:
Social Security Administration
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