The remaining major Republican presidential contenders managed to escape their debate prior to this week’s Florida primary without being asked to answer a single question about Social Security. That’s remarkable, considering the state’s aging population and the outlandish statements the candidates have made about the program. But they aren’t the only ones getting a pass [...] [...more]
When the oldest baby boomers start turning 66 this year, they’ll be eligible to file for full Social Security benefits. But pollsters say many Americans plan to work well past that age, reflecting tough economic times and a general desire to reshape the idea of retirement. What will working longer mean for the Social Security [...] [...more]
Here’s a political proposal that sounds reasonable: Fix struggling government entitlement programs by cutting the benefits of rich people, who don’t need them anyway. How about it, Jon Huntsman? “Well, let me just say on entitlements – across the board, I will tell the upper income category in this country that there will be means [...] [...more]
The social safety net that protects seniors already is frayed, but expect politicians to try poking some new holes in the mesh during the 2012 campaign season. This year, lawmakers and presidential candidates have batted around proposals to privatize Social Security, raise its retirement age or reduce cost-of-living adjustments. Medicare privatization has been pushed in [...] [...more]
The Republican Party has staged a mind-numbing 18 presidential debates this year, and more questions and answers lie ahead as the primaries and general election get into high gear in the new year. The future of Social Security and Medicare will be central issues in the 2012 election. The ongoing debate about income inequality also [...] [...more]
