Generations United Supports the Obama Administration Social Security Principles

The White House put forward six principles for Social Security reform, none of which suggest benefit cuts of any kind. In fact, the Administration doesn’t appear to embrace any recommendations for Social Security reform from the Deficit Commission. The Commission had called for a higher retirement age and a scaling back of benefits.

Here are the six principles:

1. Any reform should strengthen Social Security for future generations and restore long-term solvency.
2. The Administration will oppose any measures that privatize or weaken the Social Security system.
3. While all measures to strengthen solvency should be on the table, the Administration will not accept an approach that slashes benefits for future generations.
4. No current beneficiaries should see their basic benefits reduced.
5. Reform should strengthen retirement security for the most vulnerable, including low-income seniors.
6. Reform should maintain robust disability and survivors’ benefits.

We encourage the White House to hold firm and protect Social Security for all generations.