Opinion

Protect COLAs for Social Security

Posted November 06, 2011 11:00 pm

It was good news for seniors when Social Security recently announced a 3.6 percent cost of living adjustment. This will help retirees in our area to pay their bills. But I’m worried that this good news may not last long. The congressional “supercommittee” must find $1.2 trillion in federal spending cuts by Nov. 23.

As a retired secretary, I am troubled by reports that this committee may lower future Social Security COLAs. Many seniors are already hanging on by a thread. Social Security did not cause the budget deficit — the program is funded by the payroll taxes we paid all our working lives — and that’s why I am mad that some politicians want to cut Social Security in order to keep giving away tax breaks for the rich and for big corporations.

I urge the Illinois congressional delegation to protect Social Security for current and future retirees.

Barbara Franklin

President

Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans

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