Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Call Rep. McCarthy: No Cuts to Social Security

Dear MoveOn member,

This week the national deficit commission will conclude its work and make its final recommendation. And it's not looking good.

The chairmen of the commission released a preliminary proposal that centers around deep cuts to Social Security.1 And news reports indicate the commission is still leaning strongly in this direction.

There are smart, progressive ways to tackle the deficit—-by growing the economy and making sure the richest 2% of Americans pay their fair share. But too many in Washington want to use the deficit as an excuse to cut Social Security and create more giveaways for the rich.

Congress will have to vote on any recommendation for it to become law, so it's critical that they know voters won't stand for cuts to vital programs like Social Security.

Can you call Rep. McCarthy right away? Tell her to reject any plan that cuts Social Security. Ask her to support real solutions—like ending Bush's millionaire tax bailout—to cut the deficit.

Here's where to call:

Representative Carolyn McCarthy
Phone: 202-225-5516

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FHNY_04&cp_id=1494&id=25325-10220574-6UCdvCx&t=1

The deficit commission was supposed to come up with balanced solutions to cut the deficit. But instead, they're intent on slashing health care for seniors and veterans, and cutting Social Security benefits—including for current retirees. And all those cuts are used to pay for lower taxes for the rich. It's just plain wrong.

And not only is cutting Social Security horrible policy, it's terrible politics too. Poll after poll shows that voters strongly reject cutting Social Security to deal with the federal deficit and prefer measures that would ensure that the rich pay their fair share of taxes.2

The people who want to cut Social Security are spreading lots of myths meant to make you think there is a looming crisis. Well, it's not true—there is no Social Security crisis. The program's trust fund will have a $4.3 trillion surplus by 2023, and can pay all of its obligations for decades to come.3 Also, legally it can't contribute to the deficit—it only ever gives out benefits it can pay for.4

Please call Rep. McCarthy today and ask her to reject any plan that cuts Social Security. 

Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Daniel, Anna, Duncan, and the rest of the team

1. Fiscal Commission Co-Chair's Proposal,
http://www.fiscalcommission.gov/sites/fiscalcommission.gov/files/documents/CoChair_Draft.pdf.

2. "Poll: Voters Would Rather Tax The Wealthy Than Cut Social Security," Talking Points Memo, November 10, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=180213&id=25325-10220574-6UCdvCx&t=2

3. "To Deficit Hawks: We the People Know Best on Social Security," New Deal 2.0, June 14, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89703&id=25325-10220574-6UCdvCx&t=3

4. "Social Security is sustainable," Economic and Policy Institute, May 27, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=89707&id=25325-10220574-6UCdvCx&t=4

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