Social Security is one of the most successful and beloved public programs Americans have created. Designed to prevent elders from having to rely on charity or suffer the numerous indignities of poverty, the program has been embraced by most Americans regardless of political affiliation.
Due to the current economic crisis and the political threat to privatize or allow reduced benefits from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, we need to assure full funding for the minimum pension guaranteed by Social Security and the critical services covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
At minimum CBO should score the impact of removal of all payroll caps as regards the stability and possible lowering of the age for eligibility for Social Security benefits and the viability of Medicare/Medicaid.