A new survey shows how vital Americans feel Social Security is. (photo: Molly Theobald via aflcio / Flickr)
Feb 01, 2013
While recent proposals from lawmakers and corporate CEO 'extremists' have put Social Security benefits on the chopping block, Americans are coming out in strong support of the vital program. They are saying: Preserve it. Fund it. Strengthen it. Raise our taxes for it.
The results come from a survey (pdf) released Thursday from the nonprofit, nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, and highlight the stark contrast between the support Americans have for the program and the austerity proposed as "a minor tweak" that would cut needed benefits to millions.
Some of the findings from the survey:
- 82% agree it is critical to preserve Social Security for future generations even if it means increasing Social Security taxes paid by working Americans, and 87% want to preserve Social Security for future generations even if it means increasing taxes paid by wealthier Americans.
- Nearly 3 in 4 Americans (72%) say they have a favorable view of Social Security, and a favorable view is shared across income brackets and ages
- 84% believe current Social Security benefits do not provide enough income for retirees
- 89% said Social Security benefits are more important than ever, and 75% said we should consider raising benefits
- A trade-off analysis, which looked at different packages, found the highest level of support for a package that eliminated the cap on earnings that are taxed for Social Security, gradually raised the Social Security tax rate workers and employers pay, raised the minimum benefit so that a person could retire at 62 and not be poor, and, in contrast to the "chained CPI" proposals, increased Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to more accurately reflect the level of inflation experienced by seniors
"My Republican colleagues in Congress and some Democrats are attempting to use the deficit crisis as an excuse to cut Social Security benefits. That is wrong," Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said on Thursday at news conference with a coalition of seniors, veterans and labor organizations in support of strong Social Security benefits.
Not only is it "wrong"; the survey results show how it would fly in the face of Americans' wishes.
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
While recent proposals from lawmakers and corporate CEO 'extremists' have put Social Security benefits on the chopping block, Americans are coming out in strong support of the vital program. They are saying: Preserve it. Fund it. Strengthen it. Raise our taxes for it.
The results come from a survey (pdf) released Thursday from the nonprofit, nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, and highlight the stark contrast between the support Americans have for the program and the austerity proposed as "a minor tweak" that would cut needed benefits to millions.
Some of the findings from the survey:
- 82% agree it is critical to preserve Social Security for future generations even if it means increasing Social Security taxes paid by working Americans, and 87% want to preserve Social Security for future generations even if it means increasing taxes paid by wealthier Americans.
- Nearly 3 in 4 Americans (72%) say they have a favorable view of Social Security, and a favorable view is shared across income brackets and ages
- 84% believe current Social Security benefits do not provide enough income for retirees
- 89% said Social Security benefits are more important than ever, and 75% said we should consider raising benefits
- A trade-off analysis, which looked at different packages, found the highest level of support for a package that eliminated the cap on earnings that are taxed for Social Security, gradually raised the Social Security tax rate workers and employers pay, raised the minimum benefit so that a person could retire at 62 and not be poor, and, in contrast to the "chained CPI" proposals, increased Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to more accurately reflect the level of inflation experienced by seniors
"My Republican colleagues in Congress and some Democrats are attempting to use the deficit crisis as an excuse to cut Social Security benefits. That is wrong," Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said on Thursday at news conference with a coalition of seniors, veterans and labor organizations in support of strong Social Security benefits.
Not only is it "wrong"; the survey results show how it would fly in the face of Americans' wishes.
While recent proposals from lawmakers and corporate CEO 'extremists' have put Social Security benefits on the chopping block, Americans are coming out in strong support of the vital program. They are saying: Preserve it. Fund it. Strengthen it. Raise our taxes for it.
The results come from a survey (pdf) released Thursday from the nonprofit, nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance, and highlight the stark contrast between the support Americans have for the program and the austerity proposed as "a minor tweak" that would cut needed benefits to millions.
Some of the findings from the survey:
- 82% agree it is critical to preserve Social Security for future generations even if it means increasing Social Security taxes paid by working Americans, and 87% want to preserve Social Security for future generations even if it means increasing taxes paid by wealthier Americans.
- Nearly 3 in 4 Americans (72%) say they have a favorable view of Social Security, and a favorable view is shared across income brackets and ages
- 84% believe current Social Security benefits do not provide enough income for retirees
- 89% said Social Security benefits are more important than ever, and 75% said we should consider raising benefits
- A trade-off analysis, which looked at different packages, found the highest level of support for a package that eliminated the cap on earnings that are taxed for Social Security, gradually raised the Social Security tax rate workers and employers pay, raised the minimum benefit so that a person could retire at 62 and not be poor, and, in contrast to the "chained CPI" proposals, increased Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to more accurately reflect the level of inflation experienced by seniors
"My Republican colleagues in Congress and some Democrats are attempting to use the deficit crisis as an excuse to cut Social Security benefits. That is wrong," Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said on Thursday at news conference with a coalition of seniors, veterans and labor organizations in support of strong Social Security benefits.
Not only is it "wrong"; the survey results show how it would fly in the face of Americans' wishes.
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.