Esch Draws Strong Contrast on Social Security
Aug 14, 03:07 PM CST
NEBRASKA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2008
For More Information:
Eric Van Horn
(402) 434-2187
On Social Security’s 73rd Birthday, Esch advocates
fulfilling our commitments to Nebraska’s seniors.
OMAHA, Neb. – In early July, John McCain called Social Security, the most effective anti-poverty program in U.S. history, an “absolute disgrace.” Nebraskans like Jim Esch disagree.
Esch, the Democratic nominee for Congress in Nebraska’s 2nd District, spoke to reporters today reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that all Americans can retire with dignity. Esch’s comments – which came 73 years to the day after President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law – focused on making small, effective changes to the Social Security system instead of a drastic switch to the risky privatization scheme advocated by President Bush, John McCain, and incumbent 2nd District Congressman Lee Terry.
“This is an issue that really defines leadership,” said Matt Connealy, Executive Director of the Nebraska Democratic Party. “In a time of uncertainty in the economy, we need leaders that stand up for the basic welfare of present and future retirees. Social Security provides the economic bedrock our seniors need, and Jim Esch has shown that he’s committed to keeping that foundation strong.”
President Bush, John McCain, and Lee Terry have all advocated a Social Security reform plan that would replace a national shared trust fund with private accounts. Their proposal promises to greatly increase administrative costs and to unnecessarily jeopardize the safety net on which thousands of Nebraska seniors rely. A recent study by the Institute for America’s future warns that the Bush-McCain-Terry privatization scheme could plunge 59,000 Nebraskans into poverty and would cut benefits by over $137,000 over the course of a single Nebraskan’s lifetime.
As an alternative, Esch advocated strengthening the existing Social Security system by raising the taxable income cap above $102,000. The plan would not only provide sustainable funding for Social Security but also maintain America’s commitment to present and future retirees.
The full report by the Campaign for America’s Future can be found here.
– by Eric Van Horn | Send this to a friend
