2005 Social Security Reform and Personal Retirement Accounts Resource Page
Updated 03/07/2005
The page contains links to references, legislative material, and other items related to the Social Security reform and Personal Retirement Accounts debate for 2005.
Congressional or Social Security Administration Resources
Centrists.Org and CentristPolicyNetwork.Org Analysis or Commentary
Congressional or Social Security Administration Resources:
2005 Social Security Trustees Report Reaffirms the Need for Action on Social Security Reform
03.23.2005 || The Social Security Trustees released the annual report on the financial condition of the Social Security system this morning. The report shows that not only are the problems facing Social Security getting closer, but once the problems begin they will snowball quickly and place a rapidly growing burden on the economy and future taxpayers.
Centrists.Org and CentristPolicyNetwork.Org Analysis or Commentary:
A Preliminary Analysis of Sen. Hagel's Social Security Proposal
03.23.2005 || Sen. Chuck Hagel has introduced a serious Social Security reform proposal. It would gradually phase-in voluntary personal accounts and corresponding reductions in defined benefits. More importantly, the plan includes “tough choices” to restore the solvency of the Social Security system.
Reality Check on Social Security Reform: Personal Accounts Do Not Provide a Painless Solution
03.11.2005 || Anti-tax activist Peter Ferrara has been claiming that the Social Security reform plan he developed demonstrates that individual accounts can solve the problems facing Social Security without benefit reductions or revenue increases. If that sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.
The Kolbe-Boyd Social Security Reform Bill
02.02.2005 || The Kolbe-Boyd bill is a model of centrist legislation. The proposal combines fiscal responsibility with progressive benefit changes that improve the safety net functions of the system and the wealth-building potential of personal Social Security retirement accounts. The Kolbe-Boyd approach does a better job of limiting and "paying for" its transition costs than other reform plans with personal accounts, which is extremely important as U.S. budget problems worsen.
Progressive Approaches to Benefit Changes In Social Security Reform
1.26.2005 || The New York Times reports that the Bush administration is considering proposals which would make benefit changes to close the financing gap facing Social Security in a progressive manner. Such a change would satisfy a key centrist criterion: Hold down costs, but strengthen the safety net.
Is Social Security's Financial Future In Jeopardy? Three Perspectives, Similar Conclusions
1.25.2005 || Centrists.Org and The Alliance for Worker Retirement Security co-hosted an event featuring Steve Goss, Doug Holtz-Eakin, & Dave Walker. The panelists discussed their respective estimates and perspectives of the size and nature of financial challenges facing Social Security. Click here for their presentations: Steve Goss, Doug Holtz-Eakin (CBO Report), Dave Walker. Transcript coming soon! Original Event Announcement.
Updated Detailed Issue Summary: Social Security
1.20.2005 || Issue Summaries are an up-to-date, on-line reference on topics studied by Centrists.Org.
Commentary: Moment of Truth for Social Security
01.07.2005 || Centrists should be heartened by a memo from a senior White House official acknowledging that individual accounts are not a magic bullet that will solve the challenges facing Social Security on their own.
