Social Security Briefing“President Bush met privately at the White House Tuesday with business officials and student activists to talk about his efforts to enact changes to Social Security. The President promoted payroll-tax funded personal retirement accounts and talked about the need to improve the solvency of Social Security, according to officials who were present. “‘It underscores, I have to conclude, that he is determined,’ said National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors President Dirk Van Dongen. ‘As he has done in other places and other times, he made it extremely clear that it is a high priority.’” He’s Welcome“The pro-privatization student group Students for Saving Social Security ended their summer crash course on lobbying with a bang Tuesday. About 150 students participating in the group crammed Room 450 in the Old Executive Office Building to hear a thank-you for their efforts from President Bush. The president, who was introduced by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and Treasury Secretary John Snow, rallied the crowd for about 40 minutes.” “‘He was very upbeat and positive, sending a clear message to the kids their efforts are not going unnoticed,’ said Jade West, a top lobbyist for the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors who helped organize the event.” Constituents Remind Congress They Want Personal Retirement Accounts
 “I support personal retirement accounts for many reasons, but the most important is these accounts will be of great benefit to my children and grandchildren. These accounts would allow them to set aside a portion of their payroll taxes and invest that money into accounts that they own, allowing them to grow their own nest egg for retirement. “Personal retirement accounts are not about me as they will not affect my benefits one way or the other. These accounts are about future generations and providing them with retirement security.”
 “…many of our members of Congress will not stand up for what their constituents support. I urge my representatives and senators in Congress to support Social Security reform that includes voluntary personal retirement accounts. The proposed changes are vital to the financial security of young American workers.”
“I am in the business of helping people ensure their financial security upon their retirement. And in my professional opinion, voluntary retirement accounts are one of a number of possible solutions to the problems we face with Social Security. “Just like my clients who work hard to devise the most sensible and reliable retirement plans and make the tough decisions that must be made, our leaders must get together now and make tough decisions for this country before there is nothing left to discuss.” “We must avoid gambling away our financial futures and work together to hammer out reforms that help America and not just candidates seeking re-election.”
From The FieldOregon
|
|
