Gutknecht on Social Security

04/01/2005

Dear Friends,

Because of the spring district work period, I had the opportunity to travel across Southern Minnesota. I was pleased to make public appearances in Wabasha, Winona, La Crescent, Mankato, Adrian, Fairmont, St. James and Madelia. I always enjoy meeting with constituents and learning about their concerns.

Social Security is not in crisis. It is generationally challenged. Please read “Going to ‘war’ over Social Security,” by Ruben Navarrette, Jr.

http://www.gil.house.gov/eline/eread1.htm

The great communicator, Ronald Reagan, is surely rolling in his grave. This Administration is engaged in a great sales promotion, doing a 60 city tour...and losing ground.

Why?

Two reasons, I think. First, they haven’t thought the issue through. Second, they’ve oversold benefits and underestimated costs in the past.

Personal savings accounts are a good idea. But they won’t, by themselves, solve the problem. The President needs to help connect more of the dots.

On the credibility front, consider the prescription drug benefit under Medicare. Many seniors are still cool to the idea and the cost estimates are now staggering. Any wonder why his adversaries are having a field day demonizing his ‘plan’?

- Congressman Gil Gutknecht