Issue Position: Seniors

Issue Position

Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders rely on Social Security and Medicare. These men and women worked hard for decades and paid their fair share to support these vital programs. There are those that have repeatedly called for dramatic cuts to Social Security and Medicare even though the individuals who rely on these programs are often the most vulnerable in our community. I will fight every day to preserve these vital programs. I believe that no senior should have to choose between eating or paying bills. We need to protect and support our senior citizens.

Social Security is the backbone of our safety net and represents a fundamental promise -- that a lifetime of hard work will be rewarded with a secure and dignified retirement. The program has never missed a payment in 81 years and two out of every three retirees rely on Social Security for a majority of their income. This year, Social Security turned 81 years old and we should commit ourselves to protecting the program from misguided cuts and attacks and turn our focus on expanding it so it provides a better quality of life for beneficiaries. Today, benefits average $14,600 per year for all beneficiaries and only replaces 40 percent of a worker's wages. I am committed to expanding Social Security benefits in a responsible manner that will secure it's long term future so all Americans can continue to enjoy the critical benefits offered by this landmark program.

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