If nothing is done to strengthen Social Security’s finances, starting in 2034, Social Security will only be able to pay roughly 80% of benefits owed. Thankfully, there’s a fiscally responsible easy solution to this future shortfall that doesn’t impoverish seniors or their families: Make the wealthy pay their fair share! Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced the Social Security Expansion Act of 2023, which would increase benefits by $2,400, extend the lifespan of the Trust Fund by 75 years and do much more to solidify this bedrock of working-class prosperity. And, it’s completely paid for by scrapping the payroll tax cap on incomes over $250,000―meaning that millionaires and billionaires would finally start paying more of their fair share. In the House, Rep. John Larson has previously introduced the Social Security 2100 Act: A Sacred Trust, which would affect just the top 0.4% of wage earners. It would fulfill the promise of our Social Security system by improving benefits for millions of seniors living in poverty and extending the lifespan of the Trust Fund―once again, paid for by making the wealthy pay more of their fair share. Instead of Republican proposals to raise the retirement age or directly cut benefits, Congress needs to scrap the Social Security payroll tax cap on the wealthy. That means that while working people won’t pay a dime more in Social Security contributions, millionaires and billionaires will finally be paying their fair share all year long. Good!
