Senior Citizens and Social Security

Our seniors deserve a secure retirement. I will work to ensure that all generations have a safe and prosperous retirement by preserving our Social Security system. I OPPOSE privatizing Social Security, lowering benefits, or raising the retirement age for current retirees or those approaching retirement. The government MUST deliver on its promises and the promise to senior citizens is one that I respect, cherish, and will keep.

I support increasing the amounts that workers, non-working spouses, and families can contribute to IRAs and 401(K) retirement programs tax-free to help families help themselves.

In recognizing the realities of the demand on our budget entitlement programs have, we must begin now to address the long term security and stability of Social Security. For Americans 40 years old or younger, we need to look at the realities and would support adjusting the retirement age or would support offering private accounts to those that voluntarily sign up. I would support a 1 year increase in the retirement age, phased in, for those 40 and younger, to not exceed a 5 year increase in the retirement age at which to receive full Social Security benefits.

At its inception, Social Security was a private program and was never intended to mingle funds with the general budget. For too long, politicians have used the Social Security Program as a source of funds other than for what it was intended. I believe we need to return to those principles and take the power out of the politicians to mishandle funds that are supposed to be held for the future of those that have paid into the fund.

I oppose Social Security benefits to illegal aliens.

I support mandatory, extensive prison time and stiff financial penalties for criminals who prey and take advantage of our senior citizens.