Sen. Mikulski on SS Cuts: "Promises made must be promises kept."

[kpete]

Sen. Mikulski's response to Daily Kos:

Dear Mr. Gleim:
Thank you for contacting me about Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. It's good to hear from you.

I share your concerns about reducing Social Security benefits for retirees by using a "chained-CPI" to determine cost-of-living-adjustments.

The "chained-CPI" assumes consumers will substitute lower-cost items for what they normally purchase. The "chained-CPI" is wrong because seniors have costs like prescription drugs and visits to the doctor that often don't have lower-cost alternatives.

I consider Social Security to be a profound commitment made by our government to millions of Americans who have played by the rules and contributed to the success of this country.

Americans who have paid a portion of their salaries into Social Security over their lifetimes depend on it when they retire. Promises made must be promises kept. Social Security is not the cause of the budget deficit and should not be harmed in the name of deficit reduction.

I strongly believe that Congress must not balance its budget on the backs of seniors. That's why I've spoken on the Senate floor against "chained CPI" and joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Senate leadership opposing these harmful cuts to Social Security benefits.

You'll be glad to know, that "chained CPI" was not included in the bipartisan fiscal cliff agreement. I want you to know that I will continue to work hard to protect Social Security from any possible cuts. Rest assured that your concerns are my own.

Again, thanks for contacting me. Please let me know if I can be of help to you in the future.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/04/09/1200311/-Sen-Mikulski-on-SS-Cuts

[byeya]

1. A darn good senator. Keep at it Barbara!

[LiberalEsto]

2. Thank you, Sen. Mikulski

from one of your constituents in Maryland.