State of Missouri Archives: on Social Security


Austin Petersen: Let young people opt out of Social Security

I think that when it comes to Social Security a perfect example is if you want to introduce a moderate reform, obviously the government stole our money from us in the first place so they ought to pay it back. I mean, I think that's a reasonable position to take, but when it comes to how we might reform it I like the idea that if you're 18 years old you ought to be able to get an option to opt out. Let the young people opt out.
Source: Southeast Arrow on 2018 Missouri Senatorial race Nov 17, 2017

Claire McCaskill: Opposes privatization of Social Security and VA

Q: Support full or partial privatization of Social Security and VA?

Josh Hawley (R): Unknown.

Claire McCaskill (D): Opposes privatization.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Missouri Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Jason Kander: Establish contributory retirement system for state employees

Ballotpedia.org summary:The legislature passed pension reform legislation requiring state workers to contribute for the first time. Workers hired in 2011 must contribute 4% of their pre-tax salary.

Excerpts from legislation: HB 1, Public Retirement Systems: enacted new contributory tiers for those who become members of the Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees' Retirement System (MPERS), the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System and the retirement plan for judges. Until this legislation, Missouri plans were non-contributory.

OnTheIssues explanation:Missouri switched, with this law, from a pension system to a system more like federal Social Security--a pension system simply pays retirees a pension; the new retirement system tracks individual contributions.

Legislative record:Passed Senate, 25-5-4; Bill Passed House, 92-54-16, June 29, 2010; signed by Governor July 19; Rep. Kander voted YEA

Source: 2010 Missouri legislature voting records for HB 1 Jun 29, 2010

Jay Nixon: Establish contributory retirement system for state employees

Ballotpedia.org summary:The legislature passed pension reform legislation requiring state workers to contribute for the first time. Workers hired in 2011 must contribute 4% of their pre-tax salary.

Excerpts from legislation: HB 1, Public Retirement Systems: enacted new contributory tiers for those who become members of the Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees' Retirement System (MPERS), the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System and the retirement plan for judges. Until this legislation, Missouri plans were non-contributory.

OnTheIssues explanation:Missouri switched, with this law, from a pension system to a system more like federal Social Security--a pension system simply pays retirees a pension; the new retirement system tracks individual contributions.

Legislative record:Passed Senate, 25-5-4; Bill Passed House, 92-54-16, June 29, 2010; signed by Governor July 19.

Source: 2010 Missouri legislature voting records for HB 1 Jul 19, 2010

John Brunner: Gradually raise the Social Security retirement age

During a news conference, Brunner reaffirmed his plans to "cut the spending" in the federal government. When pressed for examples of his planned spending cuts, Brunner said he was looking at various proposals offered by various Republicans and conservative groups. His one specific example was a call to "gradually raise the retirement age" before people could collect Social Security.
Source: StLBeacon.org on 2016 Missouri gubernatorial race Aug 3, 2012

Lester Turilli: Privatization poses more problems than it solves

Q: Your comments on the statement, "Privatize Social Security"?

A: Social Security needs reform to keep it working for our citizens. Privatization of Social Security poses more problems than it solves. Managing and balancing the current system with corrective action is what needs to take place while maintaining the assurance of stability for our citizens.

Source: Email interview on 2016 Missouri candidacy by OnTheIssues Apr 25, 2016

Robin Carnahan: Accuses opponent of voting to privatize

Carnahan accused Blunt of voting to privatize Social Security and of once saying that Medicare shouldn't have been created. But Blunt insisted that Carnahan was flat wrong. "I did not say that (about Medicare)," Blunt said. "I have the statement right here."

"It was pretty clear," Carnahan countered.

Blunt also said he never voted to privatize Social Security. "I don't know why you think you can change the facts," Carnahan said. "The facts are the facts."

Source: Kansas City Star coverage of 2010 Missouri Senate debate Oct 15, 2010

Scott Sifton: Protect the social safety net which matters to everyone

That personal story will underscore his message of "building an economy that works for everyone in every corner of Missouri."

"That means access to quality, affordable health care, that means investment in our infrastructure in all parts of the state, improving our public schools, prioritizing job training and higher education, and of course, protecting the social safety net--social security and Medicare which matters to everyone regardless of what part of the state they're in," Sifton said.

Source: The Missouri Times on 2022 Missouri Senate race May 11, 2021

Crystal Quade: Passed bill that eliminated state tax on Social Security

Quade did point out that recent bills passed include one that continues to provide Medicaid coverage for new moms for up to a year and one that eliminates the sales tax on Social Security and provide a property tax credit for senior citizens. "That Social Security bill had great bi-partisan support with, I think, just a single 'No' vote in the entire House," Quade said. "This was a tax cut for folks who actually need it, seniors who are often on fixed incomes."
Source: KY3 Springfield News on 2024 Missouri Gubernatorial race May 9, 2023

  • The above quotations are from State of Missouri Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Social Security.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2024 Presidential contenders on Social Security:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026