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Hillary Clinton on Social Security

Social Security is a social insurance program officially called "Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance" (OASDI), in reference to its three components. It is primarily funded through a dedicated payroll tax. The debate over social security is largely in how and who will control these accounts. The candidates offer many prescriptions which run the spectrum between private and public control of social security.

The issues

Hillary Clinton strongly opposes privatizing social security through personal Social Security accounts

"So, you know, social security has long-term challenges we have to address. When George Bush became president, there was a plan in place that was rejected to keep social security solid until 2055 paying benefits. And now, after going back into deficit, it's down to 2041 because, you know, money is taken from the social security trust fund to keep the government going, and that needs to stop."

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"When I'm president, privatization is off the table...cutting benefits isn't the answer and raising the retirement age isn't the answer."

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We've got to make sure that nobody ever tries to privatize Social Security, something that I've fought tooth and nail with many of you to prevent.

2007 AFL-CIO Democratic primary forum Aug 8, 2007

Hillary Clinton strongly opposes raising the earnings cap on Social Security, which is currently $102,000

Her refusal to support higher Social Security taxes on the wealthy is a perfect example [of avoiding criticism from Republicans]. "For the life of me, I don't understand what my opponents are trying to achieve," she said. "It is potentially a trillion-dollar tax increase."

Time Magazine, November 19, 2007

I'm not putting anything on the table (rasing the cap above $97,500) until we move to fiscal responsibility.

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