LETTER

How to kill social security

 

The Associated Press has reported the Trump administration is circulating a tax reform proposal that would permanently undermine Social Security by eliminating its primary funding source.

It’s a reversal of Trump’s campaign pledge not to touch Social Security – and it would pave the way for future benefit cuts by forcing Congress to find new sources of funding for Social Security each year.

This is a sneak attack on Social Security. “Tax reform” would reportedly eliminate most employee contributions to Social Security and replace the funding with general revenue. This simple change would make Social Security funding part of the regular budget process, leaving it open to cuts and other attacks each year at the hands of the right-wing Republicans who currently control Congress. This tactic could be used anywhere.

This is part of a broader tax reform that would also drastically cut taxes for Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies. It’s a backward proposal that would further tilt the playing field in the American economy in favour of the ultra-rich.

Josh Nelson
CREDO