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Mark Begich on Social Security

Democratic Jr Senator

 


Treat “Notch babies” equally with all other seniors

Q: The Senior Citizens League members are to a large extent Notch babies--those individuals who receive lower Social Security benefits because they were born in the years 1917 and immediately thereafter. Do you support Notch Reform?

A: Yes, Mark Begich believes that all our seniors should be treated equally under Social Security.

Source: Senior Citizens League Guide to the 2008 US Senate Campaigns , Oct 10, 2008

Adjust Soc. Sec. cost of living by consumer price index

Q: We strongly believe that the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that seniors are currently receiving does not accurately reflect how they must spend their money. Do you support COLA Fairness, based on the consumer price index (CPI) for seniors?

A: Yes, Mark Begich believes that we must make cost of living adjustments based on the consumer price index so that it adequately supports America’s seniors.

Source: Senior Citizens League Guide to the 2008 US Senate Campaigns , Oct 10, 2008

No privatization; no individual investment accounts

Q: Do you support Social Security Reform or Privatization?

A: Begich believes that we must shore up the Social Security Trust Fund so that Social Security is viable far into the future. Begich also strongly opposes privatization of Social Security which could cut benefits to our seniors and skyrocket the national debt. This is a critical safety net for America’s seniors. We cannot jeopardize it by siphoning off funds for individual investment accounts that most seniors will not benefit from.

Source: Senior Citizens League Guide to the 2008 US Senate Campaigns , Oct 10, 2008

Elderly are entitled to solvent & reliable Social Security

Mark believes all elderly Americans are entitled to affordable health care, prescription drugs and a solvent and reliable Social Security system. He opposes any initiative to privatize Social Security or Medicare. Mark will work to reduce health care costs for older Alaskans by increasing Medicare reimbursements and creating new incentives for doctors and health care professionals to participate in Medicare.
Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, www.begich.com , Aug 19, 2008

Sponsored keeping CPI for benefits instead of lower "Chained CPI".

Begich co-sponsored Resolution on CPI

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION expressing the sense of the Congress that the Chained Consumer Price Index (CPI) should not be used to adjust Social Security benefits.