Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) today unveiled a report detailing the impact of President Bush’s Social Security plan on the families of the Ninth Congressional District.  Congressman Lynch requested the study from the House Committee on Government Reform.

Among the findings:

  • All workers within the Ninth District who are younger than 55 and earn more than $20,000 would see a reduction in benefits.
  • Of the 290,000 workers in the District, 75% would lose part of their benefits.
  • More than 146,000 workers would lose 10% of their benefits.  At least 67,000 would lose 20%.
  • The average benefit cut for workers in the District between the ages of 35 and 55 would be $2,640 annually.  That figure increases to $6,960 for workers under 35.
  • In total, workers in the Ninth District stand to lose nearly $20 billion.  Three quarters of those cuts would come from people earning between $30,000 and $90,000 per year.

Congressman Lynch also noted that benefits may be cut for widows and surviving children.  Although the new proposal has not yet detailed the change in benefits, more than 18,200 surviving spouses and children in the Ninth District currently receive benefits.

"Social Security is not in crisis,” said Congressman Lynch, citing the Congressional Budget Office’s recent finding that Social Security can continue paying full benefits until 2052.  "There is no need to make rash decisions that will obviously place a financial burden on millions of people.  We have the time and opportunity to make meaningful reforms that will protect and strengthen Social Security for generations to come.  I’m hopeful that common sense will prevail and Democrats and Republicans will come together to provide for the long-term security of American retirees.”

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