Why aren’t candidates talking about Social Security?

Wisconsin AARP says it’s time to start asking that question

It might be time to start demanding more information about Social Security.

The Wisconsin AARP says voters in general need to be more demanding about the future of the program that impacts nearly everyone in the nation.

Social Security trustees reported this week on the health of that program, as well as the Medicare trust fund.

Jim Flaherty with the Wisconsin AARP says, while both programs will remain in good health for a number of years to come, long-term solution plans for both should be something that voters demand from both presidential and congressional candidates.  ‘

If you notice, nobody running for office this fall is talking about Social Security. That’s a problem, says Flaherty.

“You pay into it,” Flaherty said. “You do. And I do. And all your listeners, our paychecks every week, have money taken out for Social Security. 

“We deserve that money to be there for us when we retire.”

Flaherty’s organization has been goading candidates into divulging future plans for Social Security.

“Social Security is a program that we have all been paying into our entire life,” Jim Flaherty with the Wisconsin AARP said. “It’s not an “entitlement,” it’s an earned benefit.”

But, panicking about the latest social security projections may be a bit premature.

“Social Security can pay full benefits until the year 2034,” Flaherty said. “At that point (it) can still pay 75 percent of the benefits going forward.”