Local Chain Against Chained CPI Cuts
Primary tabs
Demonstrators gathered in front of the Rochester Federal Building at noon on July 2 2013 in solidarity with a national day of action organized by the Alliance of Retired Americans calling for a “Human Chain Against Chained CPI” which is an attempt at cutting Social Security by reducing cost-of-living allowance. While there were not enough demonstrators to form a chain around the building, there were certainly enough to take a chain to the arguments in favor of the cuts. The crowd ranged in age from teens to 80's. This is not an issue that only affects senior citizens.
Congressional Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) was not able to attend but sent a letter of support which was read to the crowd. “Social Security did not cause our deficit and should not be used as a bargaining chip in any deficit reduction deal.” Unfortunately almost all Congressional Republicans, several Democrats and President Obama do not share Rep Slaughter's convictions. That's why constituents need to be out in force.
Here are some little-known facts about the proposed cuts. Keep in mind that Social Security is fully and independently funded by payroll taxes. It contributes nothing to the deficit.
-
The Chained CPI is not just a simple technical change without any impact. It is an immediate cut to the benefits we have earned.
-
It is not just a small cut. Switching to a chained CPI would compound benefit reductions resulting in an annual benefit that is roughly $1000 lower by the time a citizen reaches 85
-
We need a higher Cost Of Living Allowance, not a lower one. The current COLA does not accurately account for large health care costs for seniors and the disabled.
There are better alternatives!
-
Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has introduced a bill called the Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 (S 567). It would require the establishment of a price index that accurately reflects costs faced by senior citizens, including health and nursing home care.
-
Simply closing offshore tax loopholes used by large corporations to avoid paying American taxes would make up for 10-20 times the amount of the proposed Social Security cuts. Unlike Social Security, these loopholes have a direct cause and effect on the deficit.
-
A universal single-payer health care system would control costs and not allow them to fall unduly on seniors.
It bears repeating once again: Social Security has nothing to do with the deficit.
Rev James Swarts reads letter of response from Rep Louise Slaughter's office.
