Candidate wants to take away Social Security

Seniors in the 6th District of the U.S. House of Representatives should know that Jeanne Ives wants to take away their Social Security. She calls "Social Security a failed system" even though there are some 64 million Americans who rely on Social Security (about 1 of every 6 U.S. residents).

Social Security beneficiaries include disabled people (16%) and young survivors (3%) of deceased workers. Women make up 96% of Social Security survivor beneficiaries because they live longer than men. Without Social Security benefits, 40% of Americans 65 and over would have incomes below the poverty line. Social Security provides at least 50% of the income for most elderly Americans. For 25% of seniors, it provides at least 90% of their income.

Social Security also helps reduce economic disparity among seniors of color who are less likely than whites to be offered workplace retirement plans and who experience lower lifetime earnings than whites and have higher disability rates.

The average SS retirement benefit in June 2019 was $1,470 a month, modest by international standards. the U.S. ranks in the bottom third of developed countries. This is not an entitlement program, since the American worker has already paid in those benefits. The money is due them.

Ives says in her campaign literature that she favors SURS (State Universities Retirement System) as a replacement for Social Security, a system failing its recipients now. The early retirement benefit is one of the reasons why Illinois' five state-run pension funds, which include SURS, are in dire straits with a record-high pension debt of $111 billion in 2015 according to Illinois Policy Institute. 50% of SURS, more than 52,600 can't afford the bill. And, we can't afford a candidate, Ives, who thinks we do.

Rosemary Beutell

Wheaton