Headlines
Start telling the truth about Social Security and Medicare.
The vulnerability of Social Security and Medicare programs is not an ideological matter but an economic reality. Both programs are funded in part by dedicated taxes paid by both the employee and employer. However, with fewer individuals in the workforce,…
Keeping the Social Security trust fund solvent will require bipartisan support
Many Americans are aware of the Social Security trust fund solvency issue; however, with the recent political tension, the uncertainty of a solution remains. A recent survey from the University of Maryland found individuals who identify as Republicans or Democrats…
Social Security’s Solvency Problem: Have Prospects for Resolution Dimmed?
The week now drawing to a close has been volatile on many political fronts, perhaps few more explosive than that of Social Security’s impending solvency issue. Despite the display of agreement expressed during Tuesday’s State of the Union event, it’s…
Social Security’s Chief Actuary Sets the Table for Action
Stephen Goss, Social Security’s chief actuary, lays out a series of key points describing the program’s solvency issues in a post on marketwatch.com. Beginning with a clarification of the ubiquitous “going broke” myth, Goss racks up twelve fundamental topics that…
Social Security Briefly Takes Center Stage at SOTU
President Joe Biden momentarily waded into the Social Security minefield at last night’s State of the Union address with an implication that Republican leadership is advocating sunsetting of Medicare and Social Security. His remarks triggered a chorus of dissent from…
More Thoughts on the Taxable Maximum and its Role in the Solvency Problem
Through the years, the issue of raising–or eliminating–the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax, the 12.4% assessment levied on payroll income up to the limit set each year, has repeatedly surfaced as a solution to…
The Developing Rhetoric on Social Security’s Future
The airwaves are abuzz with commentary about Social Security and the recognition that we’re a mere decade away from a major financial setback for America’s seniors. Although the arrival date for full depletion of the program’s financial reserves is somewhat…
CRFB White Paper: “Principles for Social Security Reform”
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan and non-profit organization committed to educating the public on issues with significant fiscal policy impact, has issued an important white paper this week. The group has been advocating for reform of…
The return on patience is huge for Social Security
Lorie Konish of CNBC cites recent research showing all U.S. workers ages 45-62 would benefit from waiting until beyond age 65 to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. While experts know this, few laypeople seem to consider it: retirement benefits…
Social Security & Medicare cuts ‘off the table’ but commission possible
Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets with President Biden at The White House today, Wednesday February 1st. Lorie Konish of CNBC has been previewing how the two might tackle Social Security and Medicare, two programs headed for insolvency. McCarthy has stated any…