Strengthening Our Retirement System

By A. R. "Cecy" Groom

It is important that we do all that we can to preserve Social Security for those who need it into the next century.

The integrity of this program must be preserved without raising current payroll taxes. What the Social Security System needs is sound administration of funds. Administration Trustees attributed the solvency of Social Security to the year 2032 to a strong economy. The report should also state how it is currently managed.

I am opposed to risking our retirement system on the stock market as I would oppose gambling my retirement account in Las Vegas.

Social Security should not be used to support other government programs, but should be treated as a true retirement and security system. It must guarantee the payment of benefits without increasing eligibility requirements and without the burden of heavier taxes to both the participant and the contributing employer. As it is, Payroll taxes are the current strangler of employees and small businesses.

The STRS and PERS retirement funds work very well for our public employees because it is specially earmarked for that purpose only. The Social Security System must be restricted and earmarked in the same manner.

As a Congressperson, I will work very hard to enact laws that will insure the integrity of this program and oppose any measure that would increase eligibility requirements and reduce medical care for the elderly.