Social Security is a retirement-security program that has, over the years, provided vital assistance to millions of American seniors, as well as to disabled persons and the families of workers who have passed away. I believe that promises of retirement assistance must be kept and have fought measures, like the 1993 Social Security tax hike, that erode seniors’ benefits.
Of course, Social Security is especially important to Arizonans. According to 2006 data from the Social Security Administration, approximately 940,000 Arizonans receive Social Security benefits – about 15.25 percent of the state’s population.
The problem is, within the next 10 years, by 2017, the Social Security system will begin paying out more in benefits than it receives in payroll taxes. If nothing is done to address this imbalance, Social Security’s promise of retirement security will be jeopardized. The President is correct to warn of this risk and to urge action to head it off so that Social Security will continue to be available for our grandchildren.
Recognizing that Congress would not pursue the proposals he offered in 2005, the President has encouraged those with other ideas for strengthening Social Security to offer them for discussion. Ultimately, any reform plan will require bipartisan support and the support of the American people. Congress must move carefully and deliberatively on any proposals affecting Social Security, but it must move soon.
