Skip to content

MassRetirees.com

Increase font size  Decrease font size  Default font size 
You are here:   Home arrow Social Security arrow Defeat Of Mandatory Soc. Security Ongoing
Defeat Of Mandatory Soc. Security Ongoing PDF Print E-mail
MARCH 2001 - Association Continues Work With CPRS - In addition to our work with CARE on the GPO and WEP during the 107th Congress, the Association will continue its affiliation with the Coalition to Preserve Retirement Security (CPRS) on mandatory Social Security coverage for all newly hired public employees. CPRS, whose current chairman is Thomas Lussier (executive director of the Teachers' Retirement Board), has as its primary and ongoing goal to defeat any proposal that would mandate Social Security for new public emloyees.

It's estimated that mandatory SS would cost the Commonwealth and municipalities well over a whopping $2 billion over 10 years.

"We must keep a watchful eye on mandatory Social Security, as we did successfully during the 106th (Congress)," comments Association Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "Proponents, like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), will undoubtedly be at it again."

AARP Study Criticized

A year ago, we reported that the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) paid the Boston College Center of Retirement Research to conduct a study on mandatory Social Security, which AARP strongly supports.

Finally completing its study, the BC Center has prepared a report, which, not surprisingly, finds that mandating coverage for all state and local employees will help Social Security. According to CPRS, whatever relatively small and short-lived help to Social Security could be derived from mandatory SS, it would be overwhelmed by enormous costs nationwide - estimated at $26 billion over the first five years for Mass and the other states that would be forced to assume it.

"It's interesting that the study does not address the cost issue head-on, but apparently sidesteps it by focusing more on what's fair or equitable if most, but not all, employees are in Social Security," comments Hill. "What's somewhat ironic is the study's observation that states, like Mass, are in a better position than in the past to assume the massive costs, particularly in light of the recent downturn in the economy."

President George W. Bush is on record against mandatory Social Security. Texas is among the states, with Mass, that would be fiscally hurt by mandatory SS.

 
< Prev   Next >