Bayh's canned response re: social security

Thought you all might be interested. I sent him and
email with questions on where he stood on social security reform. I tried to make my questions very straightforward, so he didn't have an idea of whether I was pro or against. I didn't give any opinion, just some questions (do you think there is a crisis? If so, when and what magnitude? if you think there is a problem, what solutions do you support? Specifically, where do you stand on private accounts? etc.) Here is the form letter I got back:

Dear:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the privatization of
Social Security. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on the future of
such an important program.

Social Security is among the most successful federal
government programs ever enacted, responsible for meeting many
of the needs of America's retired and disabled population.
According to the Congressional Research Service, approximately
45.5 million people receive some form of Social Security benefit,
of which 71.9 percent are over the age of sixty five. The average
Social Security benefit amounts to about $10,000 a year and 20
percent of beneficiaries receive $7,000 a year or less. For most
beneficiaries, this benefit is an important source of income. Social
Security benefits account for more than half of total income for
almost two-thirds of beneficiaries over age 65. And Social
Security represents 90 percent or more of total income for almost
one-third of elderly beneficiaries.

As you know, the Social Security system is projected to
have long-range funding problems under its current structure. In
fact, the Social Security Board of Trustees estimates that over the
next 75 years the system's expenditures will exceed its income by
14 percent on average and by 2042 the Social Security Trust Fund
will be exhausted. Concerns about the future of Social Security
have led to much congressional debate on possible reforms to the
program, ranging from restoring the system's long-range solvency
with as few changes as possible to totally revamping it toward
private-sector pension models.

Vigorous debate continues to take place over proposals to
create personal retirement accounts, also referred to as
"privatizing" Social Security. Proponents of personal retirement
accounts suggest that allowing individuals to invest a portion of
their payroll taxes in the stock market would result in greater
returns on the money, providing an increased financial yield for
retirement. However, opponents of personal retirement accounts
believe that subjecting Social Security to the risks of the stock
market could lead to reduced benefits for many recipients. In
addition, they raise the question of how the transition to a system
of personal accounts could be financed given the reemergence of
budget deficits. Finally, they note that individuals may not make
wise investment decisions, as their timing for acquiring and selling
the investments may be poor.

As a member of the Special Committee on Aging, I have
been carefully evaluating the various proposals for long term
Social Security reform. I believe that all aspects of reform must be
reviewed to ensure that the long-term viability of the Social
Security system is restored. Please be assured that I will keep your
views in mind as I continue to work with both sides of the aisle to
formulate a long term solution to ensure that Social Security is able
to meet its long term commitments to retirees and future
generations.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information
I have provided is helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can
provide additional details about legislation and state projects that
may be of interest to you. I value your input and hope you will
continue to keep me informed of the issues important to you.

Best wishes,






Evan Bayh
United States Senator

EB/ DM

Sincerely,

Evan Bayh

***

How can you take so long to say nothing? and what's with the two signatures, get a proof-reader.

:puke: And people actually WANT him to run for president ???


:wtf:


:hippie:

and exactly what did he say?

Any correspondence I have ever received from Bayh has beat around the bush(pardon the pun). He is a fence rider.

filibuster judicial nominees. If my memory serves me correctly (which it might not), he took part in the filibuster. Mixed signals....

I'd like to see the original Bayh letter. If you have no objection to sharing it, please contact me.
thanks

I didn't get a hard copy