Bernie: "It is unacceptable that senior citizens and disabled veterans will get no COLA this year."

[madfloridian]

It is unacceptable that senior citizens and disabled veterans will not be receiving a cost-of-living adjustment.

Strengthen and Expand Social Security

Social Security has a $2.8 trillion surplus. It can pay every benefit owed to every eligible American for the next 19 years (and more than three-quarters after that).

Social Security’s assets aren’t “just paper,” as conservatives sometimes put it. Social Security invests in U.S Treasury bonds, the safest interest-bearing securities in the world.

These are the same bonds wealthy investors have purchased, along with China and other foreign countries. These bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, which in our long history has never defaulted on its debt obligations.

Right now a billionaire pays the same amount of money into Social Security as someone who makes $118,500 a year. That’s because there is a cap on taxable income that goes into the Social Security system.

[cantbeserious]

1. Know Thy Enemy - Oligarchs, Corporations, Banks And Their Media Minions And MIC Henchmen

The establishment will work to grind every last ounce of life and money out of the people.

[katmondoo]

2. Yes and I get little enough to survive

[Scarsdale]

108. Raise

I am almost 80. I think if SS gets no raise, then politicians should not get one, either. My house taxes went up, plus home insurance. Food costs are rising, my Supplemental Insurance for Medicare raises the price yearly. Maybe this is part of the "death panels" $carah Payme was sceeching about? Choke us off so we can not afford to eat.

[markmyword]

109. Expand and Increase Payments!

If the average S.S. Payment is $1200, that is BEFORE medicare deducts $104 or higher from your check, that's BEFORE part D takes $45 from your check. In reality seniors are suppose to live on
$1051.
The average apartment around me is in the $900- 1500 range, food prices keep going up. Our property taxes keep going up and up. We're on a fixed income!

Prescription drugs are a fortune. I had to buy supplemental health insure, that's another $115-135 a month if you're lucky!

Just to pay health expenses to the government: $104 part A, $45 part D, supplemental insurance
$113 this year! What exactly do people have to live on?

Out of that $1200 check you would have $938!

We ARE the RICHES country in the world and yet our seniors are the poorest!!!!!

I'd like to see congress live on that!

If we weren't in all these wars, if we weren't the world's police force, if we weren't sending money to refugees millions Obama just sent , if we weren't wasting taxpayers money on all these witch hunts, Bengahzi, Planned Parenthood, trying to over turn Obama care, we just MIGHT have money for our seniors!!!!

Seniors SHOULD get more money for 2016!!!!

If seniors get no increase, then no automatic pay raise for Congress, in fact we should reduce their salaries, they haven't done their job!

[Thinkingabout]

3. What actions has Bernie taken to change this?

[kath]

8. When in her campaign has HRC said anything about poverty?She throws a bone to the middle class every

once in a while, but does she give two shits about the poor? Has she said anything about hungry children?

I have seen very little evidence that she gives a shit about any of this. She is a huge supporter of the oligarchy, the status quo and the war machine.

[Thinkingabout]

10. You must be listening to someone else talking, she has talked about income inequality and wanting to

reform Social Security and to guarantee the future of Social Security. Again, what is Bernie doing about changing Social Security so we get a raise every year.

[Geronimoe]

31. What has Hillary done?

besides working on TPP and having TransCanada lobbyist write the State Departments' enviornomental impact findings for XL Keystone Pipeline>?

[Thinkingabout]

67. She was a sponsor while she was in the Senate to increase the minumum wage of which was the last

increase to $7.25. She also sponsored a bill which would have tied future wage increases to increases to Congress, it did not pass. You can search for the bills she has sponsored and below is a link to her stand on the issues. There are many more issues than Keystone.


http://www.ontheissues.org/hillary_clinton.htm

[LiberalArkie]

35. In the past HRC always wanted to help with income tax credits and such.

With my SS income I don't have to pay income tax so all of the plans put out so far do not include me.

[Ccarmona]

36. What's your Point?

Sen. Sanders is just one of 535 senators and House Representatives. He has proposed legislation, but he can't unilaterally turn his proposals into law.

[Thinkingabout]

70. I have heard these stories before, my question was what is he doing about the current situation. It

requires sponsoring bills and working with the other members of Congress to get this accomplished.

[passiveporcupine]

39. Do you know how?

she has talked about income inequality and wanting to reform Social Security and to guarantee the future of Social Security

Does she have specific plans? How will she guarantee the future of SS? By raising the qualifying age? By reducing benefits? Please tell me how she plans on securing the future of SS.

[Thinkingabout]

69. One thing she is looking into increasing the max cap paid on FICA and Medicare which will provide

for SS to live past 2037. There was SS reform which provided for SS past the 2012 to 2017 which increased the full retirement from 65 to 67. It is still available for a reduced SS at age 62.

[passiveporcupine]

122. was she responsible for the recent FICA tax increase?

(the “taxable maximum”) will increase to $118,500 from $117,000 for 2015

http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/compensation/articles/pages/fica-social-security-tax-2015.aspx

A whopping 1500 increase in taxable income for people making over 118K a year. Wow...that's gotta help a lot.

One thing she is looking into increasing the max cap paid on FICA and Medicare which will provide

for SS to live past 2037.

So how much of an increase is she proposing? The cap needs to go a lot higher than that.

[A Simple Game]

91. Wanting to "reform Social Security."

Such a Republican way of stating her position. But it does seem fitting in this case. Good catch Thinkingabout.

So what do you think about Hillary's position in regards to "reforming Social Security?" Or is it still too vague to tell?

[Thinkingabout]

93. RW talking point, do you feel the same about Sanders reform ideas?

"Wanting" applies to all issues proposed by any candidate, Congress has to pass these reforms before a president can sign the final bill, so yes wanting to reform SS is the proper answer just as many other issues proposed by any candidate.

[A Simple Game]

95. There is no wanting "reform" from Democrats as a whole. There is a

wanting to "reform" from Republicans as a whole. The Democrats want to fix the current system that works very well and has for quite a few years. Most Democrats, and Bernie too if you don't see him as a Democratic candidate, mostly see only the need to increase the level of funding for Social Security. Reform is a word normally used by Republicans in place of privatization which has, rightly so, lost most of it's luster in the last few years. But behind all of the "reform" is the lack of enthusiasm to repay the debt the government owes the Social Security Administration, in case you didn't know that. Repaying that debt would most likely require raising income or other taxes.

"Wanting" was never the key word and I bet you knew that.

Bernie's ideas are out there for any voters that cares enough to educate themselves about the candidates.

[Thinkingabout]

98. Your post #91 Wanting to "reform Social Security."

Did you know there has already been a reform which extended SS from 2012 to 2037? It was accomplished by increasing the max cap and extending full retirement from 65 to 67. The early retirement age is still 62 with penalties for early retirement. Hillary has given her position on SS also. I will probably not be here to see how a reform to SS helps future generations but I want SS to still be available, this is why Democrats wants reforms. In fact I am a direct recipient of the last reform since I am currently receiving SS, waited until full retirement age and I survived.

[passiveporcupine]

119. I'm so glad you survived.

My brother-in-law did not...he died last year at 66 (heart attack), and my cousin's husband did not...he died the year before at 65 (ALS), and my ex did not. he died this year on July 4th (heart attack) at 66 years of age. Both my brother-in-law and my ex were still working, waiting for retirement. Of course my cousin's husband was unable to work the last year of his life.

Extending the time to get on SS is not only wrong, it hurts those left behind because if you die before you are on SS, I don't know if your family gets any SS benefits from your deceased spouse. Many people are living longer, but not all of us, and many of those who are, do not have the quality of life, or health, that allows them to continue working longer.

Just another bad republican idea.

[Thinkingabout]

120. Currently SS can start at 62 with a reduction in benefits. Your cousin's husband was probably on

disability which is a benefit of Social Security. Those left behind such as dependent children receives benefits. SS is not a perfect system but if there are not any funds left by the time future generations are ready to start their benefits who is this going to hurt? So far I am taken care of until 2037, then what? Think that might hurt?

[passiveporcupine]

121. You are still alive. You have options and you don't know what the future holds for SS

My BIL didn't. My Ex didn't. They needed full retirement, yet neither were healthy enough to be working.

[Thinkingabout]

124. Did you know until the reforms in the 80's the funds would have been out by 2012?

They increased the max cap and extended full retirement of those born after 1938 on a graduated scale from 65 to 67. Benefits could still start at a reduced rate at 62. They have predicted this would carry this out until around 2037. I realize some people don't care about future generations but I do. There will have to be some more adjustments to provide past 2037. The Republicans wants to stop SS and Medicare as it is, we have to fight to keep it.

[passiveporcupine]

123. Of course he was

Your cousin's husband was probably on disability which is a benefit of Social Security.

But he had to be dying to get on it before 67. Nice retirement.

[Thinkingabout]

125. He could have begun at 62 with a reduced benefits.

[passiveporcupine]

126. Why would anyone do that and take less money

Unless they had no other choice?

He needed his good insurance benefits for himself and his wife from his job. If he went on Medicare, his wife would have been left without insurance. She did not yet qualify for Medicare. He also wanted to get as much out of his retirement funds as possible (which meant staying till he was eligible to retire. He also did not know at 62 that he was going to come down with ALS at 64, and then he still continued to work as long as he could because he had excellent health care benefits, for both himself and his wife.

Now do you have any other useful ideas, or other ways to make yourself look silly?

See, this is the republican attitude. Someone says they are living in poverty and need health care they can't afford and you guys automatically say it's because you made bad choices in your life.

This guy was doing very well, had a great job, his home was paid for, he was looking forward to retirement with his wife and kids and then bam...out of nowhere, his life is turned upside down.

This can happen to anyone. This is why we need better care for our elderly and disabled. Even with good insurance, I'm sure they paid a ton of money trying to keep things as normal as possible for him in his last year. Now his wife has less to live on into her old age. I can only pray that she stays healthy.

[Thinkingabout]

127. What is with the comments making me look silly?

Perhaps it is not known to lots of people if you do have a disability you are not penalized as much, perhaps he should have checked in with the SS office to see what the benefits are. Everyone has to make their own decisions, lots tabs Ss at 62 because it takes lots of years to even the amount of waiting until one is full retirement.

One of Hillary's concerns is elder care.

[passiveporcupine]

128. It's never a good idea to settle for less SS money and retire early

unless you are wealthy enough to live with that lowered benefit. For many that is a real hardship. My sister had to apply early at 62 because she could not find work to keep herself afloat. She lives in poverty. She barely makes it as it is, and now she will get less SS retirement payment for the rest of her life because she was forced to take it early with a penalty.

So do tell me what a great opportunity this is. It sure as fuck has not worked out well in my family.

[Thinkingabout]

129. Everyone has to make this judgement for themselves. Is the tge sister who was

Married to the deceased brother-in-law?

[passiveporcupine]

130. No.

different sister.

[passiveporcupine]

136. agreed, everyone has to make this judgement for themselves

But is shouldn't be so diffictult, and leave so many unprotected because of mental or physical health problems.

And you have to make this judgement too. The judgement of who will actually protect and improve Social Security for seniors and disabled in this country.

And Hillary is not the one who will do that.

[1939]

99. You are not entitled to a "raise" every year.

You are supposed to get a COLA adjustment every year.

No COLA increase this year despite an apparent increasing cost-of-living for seniors mean there is something wrong with the COLA methodology the executive branch uses to calculate the cost-of-living for social security recipients (like me). That is what needs to be fixed.

[merrily]

105. Agree. COLA for OASDI should include things less wealthy seniors and disabled actually need to

survive, not things like plane tickets.

[1939]

114. Food prices are the worst things in growing my bills NT

[merrily]

115. And not included in the COLA at all because they are deemed too volatile.

However, that is a fairy tale. The COLA is calculated on the basis of the prior year. A year's average should give a fair picture. And, by the time the extra money is included in the check, the recipient has already spent it.

[1939]

117. Food "volatile" and fuel "not volatile"

Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot?????

[merrily]

104. LOL. She's heading toward means testing, which will make it like welfare and

therefore easier to eliminate.

[George II]

48. Sanders is a member of Congress, he's in a position to try to do something about this....

....has he?

[Mnpaul]

102. Yes he has

WASHINGTON, March 12 – As boxes of petitions signed by 2 million Americans were hauled into the Capitol today, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced legislation to expand benefits and strengthen the retirement program for generations to come.

The Social Security Expansion Act was filed on the same day Sanders and other senators received the petitions gathered by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

The bill would:

Increase Social Security benefits by about $65 a month for most recipients.
Increase cost-of-living Adjustments for Social Security recipients.
Provide a minimum Social Security benefit to significantly reduce the senior poverty rate.
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-calls-on-congress-to-strengthen-and-expand-social-security

[George II]

107. That was more than 7 months ago, and has gone nowhere since....

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s731

Prognosis: 1% chance of being enacted

[merrily]

106. What did the Clintons do?

[sabrina 1]

15. Why don't you go check his excellent legislatiive record and see what he has accomplished on behalf

of the people. Ask yourself why, eg, he received the highest award from Veterans for what he accomplished for them.

What did Hillary accomplish in her eight years in the Senate? I know, do you?

This isn't a good question for her supporters to ask. They might not like the comparison.

[newfie11]

55. +infinity

[fasttense]

94. As Chairman of VA affairs he got passed some of the best legislation ever to reform the VA medical

System. I am a retired military member and I can tell you the difference between the VA before Bernie got his legislation through and after is like night and day. I use to wait for months and months before the VA would see me. Now if they can't see me in 10 days, I get a referral to a local agency for treatment. And they now cover everything when before they just covered my legs that were injured in the Navy, they now offer mammograms and colonoscopy. And the people who work there seem much more competent and friendly.

And Bernie got this legislation through when RepubliCONS were busy obstructing everything.

[merrily]

103. What actions did the Clintons take?

[NervousGuy]

4. Medicare premium goes up, forcing consumers to actually lose some money on SS benefits.

Not good.

[Thinkingabout]

11. This will not affect everyone.

[SoapBox]

26. As in who?

Medicare premiums up...SS payments stay the same...that appears like a net lose.

If you are talking millionaires or billionaires, that are taking both, they really wouldn't give a crap.

But millions, living from dollar to dollar, any net decrease isn't good.

And all I heard about was, no COLA due mostly to lower gas prices...hell, that doesn't mean squat to hundreds of thousands of seniors, that don't drive anymore!

All while other costs go up.

So...who?

[DURHAM D]

40. If SS stays the same Medicare premium

can not go up. iows - It will remain the same for 2016 - $104.90

[Thinkingabout]

66. There will be increases for Medicare using the mean testing and federal employee retirees.

Those of means have been paying larger amounts for many years.

[DURHAM D]

73. True but I believe that is less than 5% of

Medicare beneficiaries.

[Thinkingabout]

74. More than likely you are correct. It is not new to have those of means paying more for Medicare.

[DURHAM D]

75. Yep. I had to pay a much elevated amount for two

years after I sold investment property.

[Thinkingabout]

77. Watch out now, you are going to get named as the enemy.

[DURHAM D]

79. Guess I am not really worried.

I average 45-50 hours a week on various community service projects. My siblings do the same. Guess it is because our parents set the example.

Sometimes I think I should go back to work so I can get some rest but I actually enjoy trying to make a difference.

[Thinkingabout]

80. You did not sound scared, good for you, another of those who cares for others, understand about

the parents, they was not rich with wealth but always willing to help, I love helping others.

[Thinkingabout]

64. Those who have means and Federal workers and another group i can't recall right now.

It was stated at the on the news at the time they said for the others was not going to have an increase. This isn't the first time Social Security has not increased also, it depends on COLA.

[1939]

100. Means testing

If you make enough money in retirement, you can pay as much as $350 per month per person for Medicare Part B and that will probably go up each year..

[passiveporcupine]

131. That is still pretty cheap for insurance for most people.

And part A is still covered 100%, right?

For people without any insurance, they don't get hospitalization or doctors and tests.

I've always thought Medicare should be means tested. I've always though SS should too. it's not really a retirement program. It's a government secured security blanket for those of us who have had bad enough luck in life that we have no retirement program, and ti's all that is left to live on. It has saved the lives of many elderly over the years. But it has probably killed some too, as it was insufficient.

If we were like other enlightened countries, we would be giving every citizen a basic income. Not like $600 a month like some SS recipients have to live on. Who the hell can live on $600 a month if that is your only income?

[passiveporcupine]

37. I checked google

And it looks like Medicare is not going up in 2015.

But it still hurts to not get a cost of living increase. Because all other costs sure are going up.

[Thinkingabout]

96. Medicare will be going up in 2016 for those of means and some federal workers, there is also another

group of which I do not recall at the present time.

[Buns_of_Fire]

116. From what I could tell, if one is currently receiving Social Security AND Medicare,

the Medicare premiums can't increase. I think it's called the "hold harmless" provision.

But, if you ARE currently getting SS, but NOT yet eligible for Medicare until next year or beyond, your premiums WILL increase.

I'm currently on SS, and coming up on Medicare (they've already sent me the card 'n' everything!). BUT -- the effective date on the card reads: 01/01/16. So, I'm not sure if I'm considered enrolled as of the date they sent the card, or the date that it becomes effective. Either way, the premium for me doesn't kick in until next year.

So I'm merrily proceeding on the assumption that I'm gonna get boned come January. I think it's called "the maintenance of a positive attitude by the assumption of a negative result" -- a classy way of saying "those who expect the worst can never be disappointed." We shall see.

[1939]

118. Medicare premiums can increase

If you have saved for your retirement or sold your business and are living on the dividends and interest. You can pay well over $300 per person per month and that isn't "held harmless" by lack of a COLA.

[passiveporcupine]

112. You can just call me the idiot of the day

Why was I looking at 2015 instead of 2016? Now I have to check out how bad the news is for me.

[MineralMan]

5. As a Social Security recipient, I'd love an increase in my monthly deposit.

Under current rules for calculating the COLA, I will not get one for 2017, it appears.

If a Republican is elected as President, it's likely that my monthly payment will decrease. So, I'm going to be voting for the Democratic nominee for President and every other office on the ballot.

If Bernie is that nominee, then he'll get my full support, but I doubt if he would win, depending on who the GOP nominee turns out to be. So, I'm supporting Hillary Clinton in the primaries.

In the meantime, a deposit will appear in my checking account on the fourth Wednesday of every month. It helps.

[elleng]

9. I, too, am a Social Security recipient.

I would like an increase too, but recognize the 'cost of living' issues, for example, cost of gas decreases, daily expenses of most decrease, one of the ironies of our lives.

I support Martin O'Malley for President, and I'd like to know why you (and others?) 'doubt' that Bernie would win if he is the Democratic nominee.
'

[MineralMan]

14. Frankly, all the GOP would have to do,

assuming they had a viable nominee (someone besides Trump), would be to constantly run ads showing Bernie saying, "No. I'm a Democratic Socialist." That would ensure that he lost the election, I'm afraid, given the lack of political knowledge of the vast majority of voters. Socialist is a dirty word, still.

Hell, I'm a real socialist, philosophically. If this country were a Democratic Socialist country, I'd be overjoyed. I'm also someone who has followed politics since I was a teenager in the early 60s, and know for a certainty that will not happen during my lifetime. There is zero chance that anyone who identifies as a Democratic Socialist to win enough states to get a majority in the Electoral College. Zero.

We do elect Democrats to be President, though, from time to time. I think we can do it in 2016, once again. It will be fairly close, but I think we can do it. But someone who declares that he is a Democratic Socialist? Not a chance in Hell. Not even close. That's the sad reality. I wish it were not the case, but political reality is what it is.

That's just my opinion, of course. Others will disagree with that opinion.

[elleng]

17. Thanks, you confirmed my suspicion,

even tho I'm not sure you are correct, IF ONLY Dems would use propaganda as successfully as repugs do.

Martin O'Malley has no such baggage, NOR does he have the baggage that comes with hrc.

[MineralMan]

20. Martin O'Malley will not be the Democratic nominee.

He's a very nice guy and I like him just fine, but he is too far back in the pack to have a prayer of becoming the nominee. I can think of several people who would do an outstanding job as President, but none of them could even begin to get enough support to be nominated.

It's admirable to support the candidate you prefer most. I'd gladly vote for Martin O'Malley if he were the nominee. I will not have that opportunity, however. That will become more and more obvious in the coming couple of months. Every four years, one or two people rise to the top in being considered to be presidential possibilities. This year, rising to the top is more difficult than ever. Lacking national name recognition from the beginning is not a promising quality, and I'm afraid that's O'Malley's dilemma.

When it comes to electing a President, I'm an extreme pragmatist. Presidents have to have national support from the beginning, since all 50 states vote on that office to provide the electors needed for a President to win. In Congressional races, anything is possible. Here in Minnesota, we have one Muslim Democratic House member and a former SNL cast member as a Senator. Neither could have been elected anywhere but where they ran.

Our only national election is unique. We elect a President and Vice President in every state. That means that nobody too far to any side of the political spectrum has a prayer. It's too diverse of a country for that. Getting a majority of electoral college voters is a very difficult matter, and only a few presidential elections have really been landslides. In 2016, there will be no landslide, I predict. Once again, the center of mass will elect the President.

So it goes here. I don't see a change coming in the near future, so I'll miss any such change. Any presidential election could easily be my last.

[Fawke Em]

33. There are plenty of smart Democrats who know how to turn a phrase and

develop effective sound bytes.

But, as you well know, the media does not give lip service to Democrats as much as Republicans, so it doesn't matter how good Democrats are at getting out their message, they don't have as much access to the "mainstream" media as Republicans. The mainstream is owned by big corporations who really aren't "left" or "right." They are denizens of the status quo realm. They don't want changes to their gravy trains, so they support right-leaning establishment candidates no matter what letter is beside their names.

[elleng]

38. Yes but

the 'smart' Democrats have 'religiously' avoided taking ANY lessons from George Lakoff and framing and choosing their vocabularies in pro-Dem ways. Drives me NUTS!

With decent framing we could do much better than we do, maybe even pick up some House seats!

I do suspect that with the help of writers such as you, even a 'socialist' can be elected, but I do grant that it IS a hurdle Dems would have to overcome. (Talking about the General election now.)

[IokuA]

57. So basically you believe everything Bernie Sanders stands for but you don't have the courage to

Nominate him, our last real hope as a people to have someone representing us. If that's the case, we as a people deserve what we get because as one nation we are cowards.

[MineralMan]

81. I did not say that, nor is it true.

My choice of whom to support is more complicated than that, anyhow. It's not about courage or cowardice at all. Elections are about who governs, and that only. Someone who does not elected does not govern. So choosing a candidate to support is not just about agreeing with positions.

[A Simple Game]

92. I will never understand the people that say they are for and want something then

in the next breath say they will vote against gaining it to the point of supporting the complete opposite. Then in another breath wish it were not the case and wonder why the country never changes.

I really don't think any amount of explanation could give me an adequate answer. Just how can anyone ever expect to get what they state they are for if in every chance for change they continue to oppose it by supporting the opposite and voting against it?

[passiveporcupine]

132. because voting for change often means paying more in taxes

and most people are just too focused on themselves to see if that is good or bad. It's just automatically bad if it affects them.

[A Simple Game]

137. I know a pot smoking nitrous oxide sniffing male that hates change, go figure. n/t

[treestar]

6. It is a cost of living increase

calculated by a formula. The cost of living has to increase for there to be an increase.

I am not against raising the benefits, but raise the benefits rather than complain there is no cost of living increase under the present law.

[MineralMan]

16. "Law" is the operant word here.

To change how the COLA is calculated would require a new law, and Congress would have to enact that law. No President can change Social Security COLA calculations. The law exists to prevent that, as one of its primary reasons for being. The law protects Social Security from executive changes for a very good reason.

Now, if we could elect a Democratic President and strong majorities in both houses of Congress, that COLA law could be changed to be more fair and equitable, or even raised wholesale. That would be a wonderful situation in many ways. Sadly, I don't see that as a possibility in 2016. Not by a long shot.

[madfloridian]

18. I keep remembering we had to fight our own party on Chained CPI

Hard to forget stuff like that.

[MineralMan]

21. We do not have Chained CPI.

Despite all of the wailing and gnashing of teeth, it was not a viable proposal.

We should be, and are, very cautious about changes in Social Security. I never expected Chained CPI would happen. Not for a minute. It was a sort of Sword of Damocles thing. There it was, hanging over everyone's head. It didn't happen, and wasn't really likely to happen.

I think there needs to be change in the way COLA is calculated, though. Including fuel costs in the calculation is a problem, since that fluctuates so much for non-economic reasons. Medical costs, on the other hand, should be included, since they rise faster than inflation and apply more to SS recipients than many other costs. We need a better formula, one that is more closely aligned with the expenditures of SS recipients than society in general.

Most of all, though, we need a removal of the cap on the wealthy's contribution to the fund. That's the change that is most needed.

[treestar]

29. Yes and there is no reason we (and Bernie) could not advocate for a better way of

calculating the COLA. It's all dreams until we get another Democratic Congress/President and keep it that way for more than one two year period.

[JoePhilly]

101. +1

[treestar]

27. This is true

I'm in favor of new laws that increase the benefits beyond COLA. That's a dream right now, but it could happen, and sooner if we don't allow the Republicans to have Congress and the Presidency too. That might see repeals of what we do have in the form of social safety net.

[aidbo]

7. "Social Security is the most successful anti-poverty..

..program in history. We must strengthen it, not destroy it."

[passiveporcupine]

133. 100%

But, we would not need it if we had a basic income and single payer health care.

[madfloridian]

12. This was Hillary's plan in conjunction with DLC in 2006.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/1637

At the 2005 national conversation in Columbus, Ohio, DLC Chair Gov. Tom Vilsack asked Sen. Hillary Clinton to lead a year-long project to shape an economic opportunity agenda for the country. Over the past year, the American Dream Initiative has engaged political, business, labor, civic, and intellectual leaders in an effort to address the central economic challenge of our time -- saving the American Dream.

The recommendations of this Initiative, presented at the DLC's 2006 National Conversation in Denver, Colo., are the work of many of the brightest leaders and thinkers in the Democratic Party and the country. Under the leadership of Sen. Clinton, DLC Vice Chair Sen. Tom Carper, and Gov. Vilsack, a broad and unprecedented coalition of progressive think tanks took part in developing this agenda: the Democratic Leadership Council, the Progressive Policy Institute, the Center for American Progress, NDN, and Third Way. In addition, this coalition solicited input from other groups focused on the future of the American Dream, including Hope Street Group, a nonpartisan public policy network of private-sector professionals.

.......An aging society has no choice but to act. Just as FDR ushered in the Social Security system in the last century, we need to make new provisions for economic security in this one. That means asking every employer to give workers the chance to save, and challenging every American to make the most of it.

I think the accounts she spoke of would be separate from Social Security.

American Dream Accounts. Americans deserve to know that a lifetime of work will ensure a secure retirement. We need a new approach that requires every employer to open a retirement account for every worker; enrolls workers automatically unless they opt out; increases their contribution automatically over time unless they direct otherwise; gives employees the advice and guidance to allow them to invest wisely; and enables workers to take their pensions with them when they change jobs.

I get uneasy feelings when words like personal accounts, private accounts (Bush), Dream accounts....are applied to Social Security.

[passiveporcupine]

41. Exactly

I don't think Hillary's idea of guaranteeing SS is the same as mine. And I'm one of those people living entirely on SS, no other source of income. So anything she does to help the future SS recipients that doesn't also help the current ones would be a problem for me.

[jwirr]

13. Hopefully Bernie and others will present a bill in Congress to

fix this and then get every single Democrat to vote yes. At least then it will be clear who cares and who does not care.

[Nye Bevan]

19. Yes, a billionaire pays the exact same amount into SS as someone making $118,500.

But then when he reaches retirement age he draws the exact same benefit as the guy making $118,500. Seems pretty fair.

[LiberalArkie]

25. very fair, because to him it is only cigar money. My SS deposit is my sole income as it

is with a lot of people.

[SoapBox]

28. Exactly!

Like my now passed Mom.

Every dime WAS important to her.

[daleanime]

32. Don't know why people insist on picking on the wealthy....

It's not like the system is stacked in their favor or anything.

[passiveporcupine]

42. Nothing "progressive" about that is there?

But then I don't expect Hillary or her supporters to be "progressive", or even to support progressive taxation to progressive programs of any kind for society.

[Nye Bevan]

47. About the quickest way to end Social Security as we know it

would be to attempt to convert it from a retirement savings program to a progressive system intended to redistribute wealth. Social Security has survived in its present form because it is generally perceived as "fair" by those of all income levels, even billionaires. On the other hand, we know what even Democrats do to "welfare as we know it".

[passiveporcupine]

49. all republican talking points

[Nye Bevan]

72. Ummmm.... "end welfare as we know it" was a Clinton/Gore "talking point":

http://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/10/us/the-1992-campaign-the-ad-campaign-clinton-promising-a-changed-party.html

[That Guy 888]

86. Did "ending welfare as we know it" help the poor or hurt the poor? n/t

[pinebox]

110. Clinton was no progressive

and you seem to forget that.

[StarzGuy]

22. Yes, this is sad news as an SSDI recipient, but why isn't anyone talking about...

...the fact that in 2016 unless congress acts we will be cut by 20%.

And for me I will lose my apartment that I can barely afford now.

What shall I do? Live under a highway overpass?

I was denied section 8 housing because I had just a tad over the income requirements.

I will need to reapply when the 20% cut goes into effect. But, such housing in Flagstaff, AZ is at a premium and even if I were to qualify I'd be put on a waiting list.

What shall I do in the mean time? I suppose I could use the law that states no one on disability can be evicted from an apartment until????hell freezes over? The stress that this impending issue is getting to be overwhelming.

I don't think I'm going to survive this.

[CountAllVotes]

30. That issue was dealt with last year

Pres. Obama dealt with it as a rider on the budget for 2016 last October 2014.

There is no "cut" and you might try keeping up with the news as difficult as it can be.

Worry not until you see something in writing and stop spreading something called PANIC which is ill-advised for those that are elderly and/or disabled! Nice try though ...

[daleanime]

34. Actually, one of the first things this republican congress did after taking office...

was to set the stage to attack SS though SSDI.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwjO_ZSvkcrIAhUM4mMKHb6EAFo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politico.com%2Fstory%2F2015%2F01%2Frepublicans-target-social-security-114382&usg=AFQjCNE9MWxcpc5Wb03IOGa0iNMl3MWQ5w&sig2=UwWr0bLTucoSz87A_9xQ1w

Link is Politico, or just Google-republican congress SSDI.

[passiveporcupine]

43. and you might try keeping up with the news as difficult as it can be

Oh nice!

[passiveporcupine]

56. Good intentions

delivered with snark are not good intentions.

And I'm not the one you should be addressing.

[CountAllVotes]

65. sorrry

Deleted the post.

[passiveporcupine]

134. thank you

very considerate!

[irisblue]

85. "...stop spreading something called PANIC ..." mean comment

[Uncle Joe]

23. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, madfloridian.

[madfloridian]

24. Bernie has introduced legislation to address the problem.

Sen. Sanders has introduced legislation to end this absurdity, by lifting this cap so that everyone who makes over $250,000 a year pays the same percentage of their income into Social Security as the middle class and working families.

This would not only extend the solvency of Social Security for the next 50 years, but also bring in enough revenue to expand benefits by an average of $65 a month; increase cost-of-living-adjustments; and lift more seniors out of poverty by increasing the minimum benefits paid to low-income seniors.

https://berniesanders.com/issues/strengthen-and-expand-social-security/

[newfie11]

58. If only the damn Repugs would vote for it

We know how that will turn out.
Moving to Mexico might be my next move!

[RichVRichV]

61. This is one area I'm a little confused on.

Is he talking about raising the cap from $118.5k to $250k or eliminating the cap entirely?

[Enthusiast]

44. Kicked and recommended!

[BeanMusical]

46. Kick and R

[CharlotteVale]

50. Bernie is the only one I can trust on SS.

[newfie11]

59. Same here!

[azmom]

52. We need an organized movement to get

Anything passed. Bernie is the only one organizing and leading such movement.

Latinos for Bernie!

[liberal_at_heart]

53. Freezing COLA is the first step in cutting it. It is the least controversial way of doing it.

It's a way for them to cut it without getting their hands dirty, but let there be no mistake about it it is a cut. Medicare costs are due to go up, prescription costs are going up, rent and food are already very expensive. We are going to have more and more seniors not taking vital medications just to get by. Bernie is right. This is unacceptable.

[Recursion]

84. It's a formula that was set into law decades ago

I don't get why people act like somebody made a decision here.

[newfie11]

54. I so agree

Not that it matters a hill of beans!
Go Bernie

[Spitfire of ATJ]

60. Stupid to index to the price of gas considering many of these people haven't driven in years.

[CountAllVotes]

68. +1,000 !!!

n/t

[ctsnowman]

90. Exactly!

[mike dub]

62. K&R

Thanks, madfloridian. Sharing to my facebook.

[PoliticAverse]

63. "These are the same bonds wealthy investors have purchased" - actually they aren't.

Social Security purchases "Special Issue Securities" which are different from those available to the public.

http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/ProgData/specialissues.html

http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/ProgData/fundFAQ.html#&a0=1

By law, income to the trust funds must be invested, on a daily basis, in securities guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the Federal government. All securities held by the trust funds are "special issues" of the United States Treasury. Such securities are available only to the trust funds.

In the past, the trust funds have held marketable Treasury securities, which are available to the general public. Unlike marketable securities, special issues can be redeemed at any time at face value. Marketable securities are subject to the forces of the open market and may suffer a loss, or enjoy a gain, if sold before maturity. Investment in special issues gives the trust funds the same flexibility as holding cash.

[reformist2]

71. Interesting point, but it could be exploited by opponents. The bonds are just as guaranteed as any.

[Stonepounder]

97. Every time I see the 'just pieces of paper' thing my blood starts to boil!

You know what? That $20.00 bill in my pocket is also just a 'piece of paper' as well!!

I guess there are those that just don't get the idea of 'full faith and credit of the United States'.

What a bunch of "morans".

[in_cog_ni_to]

76. No COLA, but by Gawd Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medicare supplemental insurance went up $54 a month!

Last edited Sat Oct 17, 2015, 06:08 PM - Edit history (1)

The shit just never stops hitting the fan. If they can't screw you one way, they'll screw you TWO ways!

Remember, this is happening under Hope and Change and the same guy who offered up Social Security as a bargaining chip to the Teabaggers - when they hadn't even asked for it. If Democrats think this is sitting well out here in reality land, they had better think again. They'll be paying for it at the at the polls.

THIS IS ANOTHER REASON WE NEED BERNIE.

[left on green only]

78. Right Now I Am Living At Just Barely Below The Poverty Line

Because of that, I qualify for Medi-Cal which pays for all of my medical expenses, beyond what Medi-Care will cover. My Medi-Cal benefits for each year are usually in the thousands of dollars because my health pretty much sucks.

My social worker warned me that this year's COLA might just barely put me over The Poverty Line, which would essentially then mean that I would become excluded from receiving Medi-Cal benefits, and then would no longer be able to afford to pay for all of the costs that Medi-Care does not pay for. Therefore, I would cease my ability to receive medical care, all because of a pittance in increased benefits that would have been the result of COLA.

There is a whole lot of stuff that is fucked up in this society, besides just COLA.

[busterbrown]

82. Just fucking awful...

In this day in age, you going through this kind of crap..
It’s beyond words..All I can say is, keep pushing...I feel for you more than you can imagine..

[left on green only]

83. Thank You For Writing That

Your feelings for me are much appreciated. But if truth be told, I live in California which has one of the best social safety nets in the country. There are so many people in this country (spelled RED STATES) who are so much worse off than I am, simply because their elected leaders have no concern (or worse) for their well being. I have made it this far mostly just fine, and every day I feel so lucky.

The latest potential lifesaver for the poor and the elderly has been the inability of the House Of Representatives to be able to elect a new leader. As Rachel Maddow pointed out, that might possibly mean that John Boner will be forced to stay on in his position as Speaker and eventually be forced to form a coalition with the House Democrats, in order to govern. If that happens, the government will remain funded and my social security checks and Cal-fresh (food stamps) will not cease.

[JDPriestly]

87. Great video.

But I have two comments.

First, the percentage of seniors living below the poverty line has to be higher than that. They are raised above it by subsidized housing, food stamps and other programs that, like Social Security, Republicans would cut if they possibly could. Some "moderate" Democrats would also cut those programs -- protesting that they don't want to -- but "compromising" and cutting them.

Second, if we raise the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, we will also collect higher payroll taxes because a percentage of that wage hike will be paid as payroll taxes to fund Social Security.

Finally, I strongly agree with Bernie that the cap should be raised on the income subject to the payroll or Social Security tax.

[Lunabell]

88. But we need to cut taxes for the wealthy!

And eventually it will trickle down!

[msanthrope]

89. So where is his bill? COLAS are Congress's purview. Where is the bill?

Here is a primer.....

[PoliticAverse]

111. S. 731: Social Security Expansion Act - Referred to Committee on Mar 12, 2015

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s731

[msanthrope]

113. 1% in .chance of being enacted.....

Thank you for making my point.

[bobGandolf]

135. Pure B.S.

Any member of congress who wants to push S.S. cuts is committing politic suicide!