Central and South seniors have spent a lifetime contributing to our communities and our country – and paying into Social Security.They are entitled to the benefits they have earned.

While Social Security is under no immediate financial threat, the coming baby-boom retirements mean we must address the long-term financial viability of the program.

I am firmly committed to ensuring the long-term strength of Social Security and I strongly oppose proposals to privatize the program.It must remain a safety net that covers all our seniors.In addition, any Social Security must meet the special needs of women, who live longer and earn less than men, and take time from the workforce to raise and care for their families, all things that make saving for retirement harder.

Social Security is a sacred promise that must never be broken.

Notch Issue

The Social Security “notch” issue resulted from legislative changes to Social Security in 1977 that adjusted the cost-of-living adjustment formula.These changes fixed an earlier error that caused benefits to rise substantially faster than inflation.The “notch” issue affects individuals born between 1917 and 1926 and many of these individuals are concerned that these changes caused their benefits to be lower than those who were born before them.While Congress enacted these changes long before I was elected, I know the importance of this issue to many of my constituents, and am sympathetic to their concerns.

Groups often send literature to these “Notch Babies” claiming to lobby members of Congress on their behalf in exchange for a fee or donation.I strongly urge my constituents to research any organization that asks them to send money in exchange for lobbying services.As always, I encourage constituents to contact my office directly if they have concerns regarding this, or any other issue.

Government Pension Offset/Windfall Elimination Provision

The Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduce the Social Security benefits of workers and spouses who also have pension benefits from employment not covered by Social Security. These provisions unfortunately discourage individuals from pursuing certain public service careers, such as teaching, because their Social Security benefits from prior employment would be reduced.

I am a proud original cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 235), which would eliminate both the GPO and WEP.This bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Social Security where it is awaiting further action.I have also been a cosponsor of every bill introduced in the last four Congresses to fix the WEP and the GPO.