Ahead of this week’s Democratic debates, Social Security Works has created an infographic tracking each candidate’s position on protecting and expanding Social Security.
The following is a statement from Social Security Works President Nancy Altman, who is available for print, radio, and television interviews, in anticipation of the debates:
“The first two primary debates are a perfect opportunity for candidates to discuss their commitment to a key plank of the Democratic Party platform – expanding Social Security’s modest benefits to address our country’s looming retirement income crisis.
Every current or former member of Congress who will be on stage and has taken a position has endorsed expanding Social Security benefits – with the notable exception of Vice President Joe Biden, who has been open to benefit cuts in the past. Biden must make clear to voters if he remains open to cuts, or if he now supports expanding benefits alongside President Obama and the rest of his party.
Perhaps because nearly every candidate is united in support of expanding, not cutting benefits, Social Security hasn’t yet been a major focus in the Democratic primary. But the issue is too important for silence.
Rep. John Larson’s Social Security 2100 Act would increase Social Security’s modest benefits and keep the program strong for the rest of the century and beyond. It has 210 co-sponsors, almost half the House of Representatives. This morning, Larson announced that the House Ways & Means Committee will be voting on the bill in September, which means that it should pass the House this year. Consequently, there’s a very real chance this bill could become law âۥ if the right person is in the White House.
Over 16,000 activists have signed a petition calling on NBC’s debate moderators to ask candidates a simple question: If you’re elected President, and Congress sends the Social Security 2100 Act to your desk, will you sign it?
Voters deserve to know the answer.”
Source: https://socialsecurityworks.org/2019/06/26/social-security-democratic-debates/
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