SOCIAL SECURITY UNDER ATTACK

Commentary by

Pat Gooden, President, CSEA Retirees Local 912

Rochester, N.Y.-- In February 2010, President Obama established the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. Their charge is to reduce the federal budget three percent by 2015. One might ask how they plan to do this. The answer: do not raise taxes but cut entitlement programs. The NCFR sees Social Security as an entitlement program.

The Social Security program contributes absolutely nothing to the national debt. It is self sustaining and currently has a surplus of 2.4 trillion dollars with no shortfall until 2037-- which will then correct it with employee contributions.

Alan Simpson, Co-Chair of the Commission, called recipients of Social Security “greedy geezers” and “the lesser people.” The fact is, fifteen percent of all Social Security recipients are under 65. Former Sen. Simpson also led a campaign in 1995 to cut the Social Security cost of living increase (COLA). He is set firmly against any entitlement programs and sees them as being handouts. Interestingly enough, Simpson's own lucrative federal pension and his preferred treatment as a former US Senator seem to be exempt from this category.

Other members of the commission come from various backgrounds, including co-chair and Chief of Staff to President Obama Erskine Bowles; and Bruce Reed, who is the Executive Director and holds the position of Chief of Domestic Policy to the President. Of the other eighteen members, 6 were appointed by the President, 6 by Democrats and 6 by Republicans. The Commission must come to a consensus of opinion with 14 of the members. It will take five votes to block changes to Social Security. Once the final report is completed, it will go to Congress for an up or down vote.

Some of the ideas being discussed are decreasing the yearly cost of living raise and extending the retirement age to 70. Just imagine being a prison guard at age 70, a snow plow operator or a Mental Health Aide. To retire earlier would significantly reduce one’s benefits by as much as 50 percent.

Willie Sutton, the notorious bank robber, when asked why he robbed banks stated, “Because that’s where the money is.” It appears now that SS is one big bank with tons of cash and ready to be plucked by big business interests.

Politicians who believe that if the rich get richer, they will take care of everyone. This theory hasn’t worked and we all know it. The economically defined wealthy class had significantly increased over the past years while the working class has seen drastic decreases.

It is unclear at this time what other measures are being considered, but it is clear that Social Security may very well be in jeopardy.

It is extremely important that all people who pay into the Social Security system understand that this commission has the power to affect all present and future retirees futures as well as other recipients. The final report will go before a possibly lame duck congress, depending the on the November election results. We need to be vigilant in finding out where the candidates and present members of Congress stand on this issue.

This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. It is not a union, gender or racial issue. It is a quality of life issue for all.

We cannot idly stand by and expect someone else to care for this problem. Everyone should call their representatives now and continue to let them know that all Americans are opposed to any reduction in benefits.