State of Nebraska Archives: on Social Security

Ben Sasse: Entitlement reform needed: guilty of generational theft

The candidates were asked how they would work with Democrats to reduce the deficit. Sasse, a former top health and human services aide under President George W. Bush, said both Democrats and Republicans in Washington have to understand that much of the nation's debt is the result of the growth in entitlements. However, Sasse did not say what entitlements he would cut or how he would go about changing Social Security and Medicare. "We're guilty of generational theft," said Sasse, president of Midland University in Fremont.

Osborn also indicated that he would support entitlement changes, but he did not give any specifics.

Bob Kerrey: Raise payroll cap & raise retirement age to 69

The two also disagreed on how to reform federal programs like Social Security and Medicare. Kerrey's plan would expand the payroll tax to higher income levels and would gradually increase the age of eligibility for benefits to 69 in 2075. Fischer's plan would increase the retirement age for people who are now younger than 40 and would limit benefits for the wealthy.

Kerrey said "there's a grain of truth" in comments that America has become an entitlement nation. While he doesn't view Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries as "moochers," Kerrey said, those programs amount to a $60 trillion unfunded liability that works out to "$400,000 worth of debt for every person in the workforce."

Bob Kerrey: We must keep our commitments & do right for the future

KERREY: What she's saying, basically, is that if you're over 40, you're not going to have to participate in the solution. The question is not: Are we going to keep our commitments? But the question is: Are we going to do the right thing for our future? The most moving moment of my political career was in Lincoln, Nebraska, on 6 June 1994, with men who had landed on the beaches of Normandy 50 years earlier. And we celebrated them as heroes, not because they avoided risk but because they took risks. And the question is: Are we going to be remembered in the same fashion? And if we do it the way Senator Fischer is talking about, I promise you, we won't.

FISCHER: Well, I wasn't in government when those commitments were made.

Bob Kerrey: Entitlements are $60 trillion liability; must do something

KERREY: We've got a commitment we can't fund. And it's simple math. It's a $60 trillion unfunded liability with $400,000 worth of debt for every single person in the workforce. We made a commitment that we can't keep. And the question is, what are we going to do about it? And if we don't do something about it, we'll end up like Greece relatively soon.

Dave Domina: It's not an entitlement; and it shouldn't be privatized

A: Domina said Social Security's earning cap is too low. He said Social Security should not be called an "entitlement" and the program should not be cut or privatized. "It is a promise that was made to the people of the United States," Domina said. "It was earned by many who count on it. It must be protected."

Dave Domina: Keep promises made to the elderly

It was the first official meeting since the primary election between Democrat Dave Domina and Republican Ben Sasse. The forum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was held in front of high school juniors attending American Legion Cornhusker Boys and Girls State.

Domina, a lawyer, said his campaign will focus on keeping promises made to veterans, the elderly and others through programs such as Social Security, Medicare and veterans' benefits plans. "We have sharp differences, Mr. Sasse and I, on each and every one of those points," Domina said.

Sasse, the president of Midland University, said politicians have overpromised, and it's time to talk about how those promises "fundamentally didn't add up."

Deb Fischer: Look at means testing & higher retirement age

Fischer spoke about possible changes to Social Security, while noting many lawmakers won't take a stand on the topic. "We need to look at means testing. We need to look at (raising) the eligibility age," she said.

Deb Fischer: Raise retirement age & limit benefits

The two also disagreed on how to reform federal programs like Social Security and Medicare. Kerrey's plan would expand the payroll tax to higher income levels and would gradually increase the age of eligibility for benefits to 69 in 2075. Fischer's plan would increase the retirement age for people who are now younger than 40 and would limit benefits for the wealthy.

Both candidates strived to take cautious, balanced positions when asked whether America has become an entitlement nation. Fischer distanced herself from Mitt Romney's statement in which he said 47% of Americans don't pay income taxes and many feel entitled to government support; Fischer said, "People sometimes need help and government should be there for them."

Deb Fischer: Don't change benefits for people over the age of 40

KERREY: What she's saying, basically, is that if you're over 40, you're not going to have to participate in the solution. The question is not: Are we going to keep our commitments? But the question is: Are we going to do the right thing for our future?

Don Bacon: Adjust long-term policies for future generations

Jane Raybould: Fight against reductions in benefits

Social Security can last--but only if it's properly taken care of. Jane will fight for Social Security reform, and fight against reductions in benefits, so we can keep our promise to seniors who have worked hard and played by the rules.

Medicare is a lifeline for so many Nebraskans, and we must fight to protect it. As the cost of health insurance and health care rises, seniors are particularly impacted-- more can be done to help those who have contributed to the program and earned their benefits. Slashing funding for Medicare is the last thing Nebraskans need.

Mike Johanns: Honor our commitment on Social Security

Scott Kleeb: Strengthen, not privatize, Social Security

Scott Kleeb strongly believes that we have an obligation to safeguard Social Security so that it remains a viable safety net for Americans retiring today, 10 years from now, 50 years from now, and beyond. Scott will:
• Strengthen, not privatize, Social Security. Scott Kleeb knows that the Social Security program began as a public service for those who built this great nation. Privatization of this program serves Wall Street, not Main Street--and it certainly does not serve America's seniors. Scott will work across the aisle to strengthen Social Security.
• Ensure SSA offices remain open. Access to Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices is critical for seniors to get the assistance they need to access much-needed benefits. But budget cuts have led to SSA office closures that force seniors to travel longer distances for service. Scott Kleeb will make sure seniors have access to the resources they need to get the benefits they have earned.

Steven Larrick: Increase Social Security tax on higher income individuals

Larrick supports the following principles regarding Social Security:
• Support proportional increases of Social Security benefits based on the cost of living index.
• Larrick adds, "We can assure the health of our Social Security system if we slightly increase the tax on higher income individuals."

Jim Pillen: Exempt Social Security income from state taxes by next year

Dan Osborn: Remove cap on Social Security contributions

Peter Ricketts: Social Security benefits should be completely tax free