Ron Klink on Social Security

Former Democratic Representative (PA-4, 1993-2001)

Social Security bridges the generations; keep it as is

Congressman Ron Klink calls Social Security “a sacred bond between the generations.” As vehemently as Santorum wants to change the program, Klink wants to maintain it in its current form. “All of a sudden, Rick Santorum and many others are saying what I pay is my money,” Klink said. “Instead of bridging and uniting the generations and having them take care of each other, it’s dividing the generations.”

Klink points out that the program is expected to be solvent for the next 37 years. At most, he believes there are “some slight changes that can be made,” but wants nothing that would alter the current structure. He views Santorum’s proposals as needless and risky. If the bull market becomes a bear, Klink says, the federal government would be left with no choice but to make up for people’s investment shortfalls rather than to leave seniors destitute. “We do not need the drastic kinds of changes that will destroy the system that the senator and others are proposing,” Klink said.

Source: Jill Zuckman, Boston Globe, p. A12 May 15, 2000

Voted NO on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits.

Vote to pass a bill that would reduce the percentage of Social Security benefits that is taxable from 85 to 50 percent for single taxpayers with incomes over $25,000 and married couples with incomes over $32,000. The revenues that would be lost for the Medicare trust fund would be replaced by money from the general fund. Reference: Bill sponsored by Archer, R-TX; Bill HR 4865 ; vote number 2000-450 on Jul 27, 2000

Voted YES on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox.

Amending the Social Security Lockbox bill to require that any budget surplus cannot be spent until the solvency of Social Security and Medicare is guaranteed. Reference: Motion to Recommit introduced by Rangel, D-NY; Bill HR 1259 ; vote number 1999-163 on May 26, 1999

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