It would have been refreshing if the three GOP candidates from Maine’s 2nd Congressional District had broken with conservative orthodoxy about Social Security (“Republican congressional hopefuls seek changes in Social Security,” Sun Journal, July 7).
Unfortunately, Eric Brakey, Adrienne Bennett and Dale Crafts have bought into longstanding falsehoods that threaten to undermine this nation’s oldest and most successful social insurance program. They also are seriously out of step with the public on this issue. Poll after poll shows that voters across party lines and age groups want Social Security protected, without benefit cuts.
The 344,000 Mainers on Social Security cannot afford a reduction in benefits, now or in the future. Instead, Congress can increase revenue flowing into the system, mostly by asking the wealthy to begin paying their fair share in payroll taxes (currently capped at $137,700 in annual wages).
Contrary to the 2nd District GOP contenders’ claims, Social Security will be there for today’s younger workers if voters elect members of Congress who pledge to protect and strengthen Social Security — not cut and privatize it.
Max Richtman, president and CEO
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Washington, D.C.
Copy the Story LinkSend questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.