Whoever makes it to Congress unlikely to tackle future of Social Security

One of the issues that most needs addressing for Americans probably won’t get touched at all after today’s elections.

Politicians generally stay away from tough decisions on Social Security, which is scheduled to run through the remaining $2.9 trillion in its trust fund by 2034.

Lisa Lamkins with Wisconsin AARP says maybe don’t believe the hype about what happens after that.

“There are a lot of people who want you to believe that the sky is falling,” Lamkins said, adding that payroll deductions at their current amounts will still pay Social Security benefits after the trust fund runs dry.

“There will still be payroll taxes coming in — enough to pay 75 percent of benefits,” she said.

While AARP and many other groups have been urging voters to the polls because of the future of Social Security and Medicare, few expect even the most reform-minded new members of Congress to push for comprehensive changes to the programs.