Ted Deutch aims to save Social Security by soaking wealthy Americans
Politics & money: After the House passed the For the People Act of 2019, Ted Deutch vowed he would fight to get ‘money out of politics.’

Ted Deutch
The proposal is likely to meet stiff opposition from Republicans.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch is looking to address Social Security’s solvency issues by boosting the amount contributed by wealthy Americans.

Deutch joined U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii in introducing the “Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act” on Wednesday. The legislation would remove the annual contributions cap for the fund, which sits at $132,900 in 2019.

Typically, Americans contribute 6.2 percent of their paycheck to Social Security. But that’s only for earnings up to $132,900. Deutch’s bill would remove that ceiling.

However, the proposal is likely to meet stiff opposition from Republicans.

“Social Security remains one of the most important programs for about 63 million Americans, including most American seniors who depend on it as their main source of income,” Deutch said.

“Rather than chip away at the program, we’re proposing a way to strengthen this pillar of retirement security and disability assistance by making sure all Americans, including those top income earners in our country, pay the same rate into Social Security.”

“For many seniors living in Hawaii on fixed incomes, Social Security benefits have not gone far enough to help them make ends meet and have not kept pace with the rising costs of consumer goods,” Hirono added. “Social Security is the cornerstone of retirement and a safety net for millions of families who rely on the program every day to survive.

“I am proud to join Congressman Deutch in reintroducing this legislation as we continue our fight to strengthen and improve Social Security and to ensure that seniors and others who rely on this critical program receive the benefits they deserve.”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) says benefits are expected to be paid out in full until 2037. At that time, its reserves will run out.

The SSA estimates that “continuing taxes are expected to be enough to pay 76 percent of scheduled benefits. Thus, the Congress will need to make changes to the scheduled benefits and revenue sources for the program in the future.”

One potential change, as Deutch proposes, is increasing the flow of money into the fund.

But an alternative method, proposed by Republicans, is reducing the amount of Social Security benefits to be paid out. The GOP, which passed tax cuts at the end of 2017, will likely resist forcing rich Americans to pay more.

Still, Deutch argues the cap prevents those Americans with larger incomes from putting in their “fair share.”

“By scrapping the cap we can ensure all Americans contribute their fair share to retirement security and disability benefits for one another,” Deutch said.

Ryan Nicol

Ryan Nicol covers news out of South Florida for Florida Politics. Ryan is a native Floridian who attended undergrad at Nova Southeastern University before moving on to law school at Florida State. After graduating with a law degree he moved into the news industry, working in TV News as a writer and producer, along with some freelance writing work. If you'd like to contact him, send an email to [email protected].


4 comments

  • Kevin

    April 10, 2019 at 8:45 pm

    Not only should they remove the $132,900 ceiling, they should tax all rich individuals at 75%. Let the rich choke on taxes.

  • BJohn

    April 11, 2019 at 9:07 am

    “Soaking?” Seriouly? And I’ll just bet you think you are an unbiased journalist. What’s your issue exactly with having wealthy people pay the same taxes the rest of us pay?

  • Rich

    April 11, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Kevin, pieces of trash like you should be taken out back and shot.

  • Eric Rodriguez

    April 12, 2019 at 10:38 am

    Rich, comments like that can get you thrown in jail.

    The cap should be lifted, but it won’t be. The rich have won, our government is theirs now.

Comments are closed.


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