State of New Mexico Archives: on Social Security


David Clements: Keep promises for seniors; significant reforms if younger

We must keep our promises to seniors and not change benefits for those who are currently receiving or soon will receive Social Security or Medicare. Individuals who have paid into these programs for much of their lives have made decisions based on promised benefits, and those promises should be kept. For younger people, such as those in their 20s, 30s & 40s, these mandatory programs are unsustainable & unreliable. We must begin to phase in significant reforms for the benefit of future generations.
Source: 2014 N.M. Senate campaign website, ClementsForNM.com Feb 18, 2014

Jay Block: Eliminate state taxes on Social Security & veteran pensions

As your Governor, unlike the current Governor, I will push immediately for the elimination of state taxes on social security income benefits. I will also immediately push to eliminate the tax on veteran pensions. We want to attract retirees and veterans to New Mexico to grow our economy. Putting your money back in your pocket vs. giving it to the government to mismanage and waste it is not an option in my administration.
Source: 2021 N.M. Governor campaign website BlockForNewMexico.com Jun 10, 2021

Steve Pearce: We must improve the rates of return on Trust Fund

The two sparred over Social Security. "I think that privatization of Social Security is a very bad idea," Udall said. "I don't agree with Steve Pearce's approach that privatization is the way to go. I think privatization is really a step to undermine Social Security."

Pearce said the big problem with Social Security is that Congress has robbed funds from the program and needs to refund them so the program can remain solvent.

But when Udall charged Pearce had continuously voted for privatization, Pearce challenged him. "Tell me one piece of legislation," Pearce said, later adding, "You're making stuff up. Tell me one vote, one bill." Udall said Pearce was a supporter of Pres. Bush's plan to privatize social security, which ultimately failed.

Pearce said Social Security has a rate of return of about 1% and supports giving retirees the option of having targeted funds like members of Congress have. "We must improve the rates of return, otherwise Social Security will never work," he said.

Source: 2008 N.M. Senate Debate reported in Silver City Sun-News Oct 19, 2008

Tom Udall: Privatization of Social Security is a very bad idea

On issues important to senior citizens, the two sparred over Social Security. "I think that privatization of Social Security is a very bad idea," Udall said. "I want it to be there for my children and grandchildren when they retire. I don't agree with Steve Pearce's approach that privatization is the way to go. I think privatization is really a step to undermine Social Security and I would do everything I can to fight against it."

Pearce said the big problem with Social Security is that Congress has robbed funds from the program and needs to refund them so the program can remain solvent.

But when Udall charged Pearce had continuously voted for privatization, Pearce challenged him. "Tell me one piece of legislation." Udall said Pearce was a supporter of Bush's plan to privatize social security, which ultimately failed.

Pearce said Social Security has a rate of return of about 1%, & supports giving retirees the option of having targeted funds. "We must improve the rates of return," he said

Source: 2008 N.M. Senate Debate reported in Silver City Sun-News Oct 19, 2008

  • The above quotations are from State of New Mexico 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)
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org!
Click for details -- or send donations to:
1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140
E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org
(We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026