A coalition of progressive groups wanted to claim early ground for the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, so they went to
Iowa, with a poll.
New data shared with Salon ahead of its release shows that a whopping 70 percent of Iowa voters oppose “the recent White House proposal to cut the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits, resulting in a worker at age 75 receiving $658 less in benefits per year.” Just 14 percent support that plan, while another 10 percent aren’t sure.
The Public Policy Polling survey, sponsored by Democracy For America (DFA), the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), Social Security Works (SSW) and Credo Action, also found that Iowa voters are more than twice as likely to support a Social Security expansion plan introduced by Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin as to oppose it, with 52 percent in favor and just 21 percent opposed.
This shouldn't come as a shock. What's true for Iowa is true for
Texas and for
Kentucky and for
75 percent of all American voters.
Social Security works. Americans love and want to keep it because it's the most effective long-term government program the nation has ever had and because it's saved generations of Americans from devastating, humiliating poverty. But for many, it isn't enough, because it's not keeping up with inflation on the goods and services that seniors and disable people use, because it's based on wages that haven't increased in decades, and because the great recession has emptied out market-based retirement funds and home equity.
The people who currently and who will soon live on Social Security sure understand that. It's something politicians are going to have to get, and soon. That goes for Hillary and whoever is out there thinking about challenging her, and it goes for every member of Congress in office now. Cut Social Security at your own peril, or be a hero and champion its expansion.
Please join with Daily Kos and Campaign for America's Future by signing our petition telling every member of Congress to increase Social Security benefits by passing The Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013.