2012 Penn. Senate Debates: on Social Security

Bob Casey: Stop these crazy proposals to put benefits in stock market

Casey's opponent, Republican Tom Smith, has said he'd let a temporary reduction in the Social Security payroll tax expire in January. He wants taxpayers to be able to divert Social Security taxes into private investment accounts. Smith also says future Medicare beneficiaries should have the option of getting a government check to help buy private coverage.

Tom Smith: Let Social Security payroll tax reduction expire in January

Tom Smith: AdWatch: divert payroll tax into privately managed accounts

Casey's opponent, Social Security payroll into privately managed investment accounts. Meanwhile, Casey's attack that Smith supports tax breaks for the wealthy is based on Smith's support for a revenue-neutral flat tax--instead of a system of graduated tax rates on higher income--and the elimination of taxes on capital gains. Casey's Medicare claim refers to a plan unveiled last year in the House of Representatives by Rep. Paul Ryan.