Social Security News 7-23-12

Social Security News, Monday, 07-23-12

 

NBC News (NAT)

Obama in Florida: Romney's Medicare plan would hurt seniors

7-23-12

Shawna Thomas and Mike O’Brien,

President Barack Obama wasn't addressing only seniors when he attacked Mitt Romney’s stance on Medicare on Thursday in Florida; he was also focusing on those voters who, he warned, would face a radically different Medicare system if Republican plans were imposed.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/19/12840313-obama-in-florida-romneys-medicare-plan-would-hurt-seniors?lite&__utma=14933801.2046836403.1342463591.1342921122.1342931244.17&__utmb=14933801.2.10.1342931244&__utmc=14933801&__utmx=-&__utmz=14933801.1342463591.1.1.utmcsr=%28direct%29%7Cutmccn=%28direct%29%7Cutmcmd=%28none%29&__utmv=14933801.%7C8=Earned%20By=msnbc%7Ccover=1

 

The Hill (DC)

Donation to Manchin is new fodder in feud between Norquist, Sen. Coburn

7-22-12

Alexander Bolton

“Coburn says he gave money to Manchin (D) because Manchin supports Simpson-Bowles, a $1 - 3 TRILLION tax hike,” Kartch wrote in another tweet.

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/239373-donation-to-manchin-is-new-fodder-in-feud-between-norquist-sen-coburn

 

Campaign for America’s Future

Instead Of A Bad "Grand Bargain," Let's Make A "Deal For All"

7-20-12

Isaiah J. Poole

Their resolution calls for a "Deal for All" that would protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; contain "serious revenue increases," including corporate tax loopholes and higher tax brackets for the highest-income earners; significant reductions in defense spending; and "strong levels of job-creating Federal investments in areas such as infrastructure and education."

http://www.ourfuture.org/blog-entry/2012072919/instead-bad-grand-bargain-lets-make-deal-all

 

CERP

The One Percent Want Your Social Security and Medicare and Steven Pearlstein Is Trying to Help

7-22-12

Dean Baker

Steven Pearlstein, the Washington Post business columnist, often writes insightful pieces on the economy, not today. The thrust of his piece is that we all should be hopeful that a group of incredibly rich CEOs can engineer a coup.

http://www.cepr.net/index.php/blogs/beat-the-press/the-one-percent-want-your-social-security-and-medicare-and-steven-pearlstein-is-trying-to-help

 

Daily Kos (NAT)

Young People - Don't Buy the Lie about Social Security

7-23-12

One of the biggest frustrations we face as Social Security advocates is countering the huge amount of money and political propaganda invested to convince America’s young workers that they have to destroy Social Security to save it.  Going back as far at the 1980’s the strategy by those opposed to Social Security’s existence has been clearly articulated…they needed to undermine young people’s confidence in the program before Gen X and Y have a chance to see first-hand how important Social Security will be to their financial security.

http://www.dailykos.com/blog/Social%20Security%20Defenders/

 

The Augusta Chronicle (GA)

10th District Congress candidate Simpson says Social Security, veteran's retirement are possible cuts

7-22-12

Walter C. Jones

Congressional hopeful Stephen Simpson said Sunday he would consider cuts in some benefits for retirees as ways to balance the budget.

Simpson made his comments in a half-hour grilling from reporters at an event put on by the Atlanta Press Club and televised statewide by Georgia Public Broadcasting. It was to have been a debate for the 10th Congressional District Republican nomination, but incumbent U.S. Rep. Paul Broun said he had to participate in Naval Reserve drills

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/government/elections/2012-07-22/10th-district-congress-candidate-simpson-says-social-security

 

Huffington Post (NAT)

The Fiscal Cliff and the Political Chasm

7-22-12

Robert Kuttner

Question of the Day: How can the Fiscal Cliff be giving aid and comfort to the Bowles-Simpson crowd? The cliff would create a major economic contraction; so would Bowles-Simpson.

The "fiscal cliff" is Beltway shorthand for a combo of automatic tax increases and budget cuts set to go off Jan. 2. The timing of the two is a coincidence.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-kuttner/fiscal-cliff-political-chasm_b_1693626.html

 

Huffington Post (NAT)

The Fiscal Cliff and the Political Chasm Austerity's Big Winners Prove to Be Wall Street And The Wealthy 

7-23-12

Zach Carter

As for the 2010 Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction plan, it is often described by Beltway insiders as a "centrist" proposal that could "bring the country together" and improve the economy. In fact, Simpson-Bowles is yet another austerity program that would cut Medicare and Social Security while securing tax breaks for corporations and the well-off, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/austerity-wall-street_n_1690838.html

 

Wall Street Journal (NAT)

When to Take Social Security

7-20-12

KELLY GREENE

Growing numbers of financial planners are helping clients figure out the most advantageous time to begin collecting Social Security. There are many considerations, including the tax impact, whether one spouse already has started collecting, income from ongoing work and income from tax-deferred accounts such as a 401(k) or an individual retirement account.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444097904577535101786678944.html

 

Federal Times (NAT)

Explaining annuities under CSRS Offset

7-23-12

Staff

The longest-serving feds are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System. Those hired in 1984 or later are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System. In between are those covered by CSRS Offset, a hybrid that combines CSRS and Social Security.

http://blogs.federaltimes.com/federal-retirement/2012/07/23/explaining-annuities-under-csrs-offset/

 

Daily Press (VA)

Social Security, Romney and Bain, Budget 101

7-22-12

Woody James

Since I will be 66 this fall I recently applied for Social Security.

What a pleasant experience it was dealing with the knowledgeable and very competent personnel of the Social Security office in Newport News. After filing on line for my full Social Security benefits Sunday night I was surprised to promptly receive a telephone call from them on Monday morning. They were able to answer all of my questions and address any concerns that I had as well as telling me the exact amount of money that I will receive each month.

http://articles.dailypress.com/2012-07-22/news/dp-nws-edt-letsmon-0723-20120722_1_romney-and-bain-social-security-responsibility

 

The Sacramento Bee (CA)

Social Security Q&A

7-23-12

Staff

Q: I can't find my Medicare card and I need a replacement. Do I need to come into the office?

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/23/4651235/social-security-qa.html

 

Business Insider (NAT)

Social Security: Trust Funds, Actuarial Balance, Sustainable Solvency

7-22-12

Staff

Social Security arithmetic isn't hard. Tedious perhaps and with counter-intuitive results but once certain terminological obstacles are swept away not requiring advanced math skills. But oy that terminology! This post proposes to start demolishing those conceptual barriers

http://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-trust-funds-actuarial-balance-sustainable-solvency-2012-7

 

Huffington Post (NAT)

7-23-12

WATCH: Working Past Retirement Age, From Maria Bartiromo

Maria Bartiromo, anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell" and financial author, recently joined me on Mondays with Marlo and she told me how it is becoming ever-more common for people to work past the age of retirement.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/138b4cb584fc7cf6

 

U.S. News (NAT)

Tips on Social Security Spousal Benefits

7-23-12

Many people are living longer lives, nest eggs are exposed to investment turmoil, and government benefit programs face mounting financial and ideological pressures. Against this backdrop, the stakes are high for making smart moves about when and how to claim Social Security benefits.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-best-life/2012/07/23/tips-on-social-security-spousal-benefits

 

 

Politics

 

Washington Post (DC)

James Holmes, suspect in Colorado massacre, appears in court

7-23-12

James Holmes, his hair dyed bright reddish-orange, appeared in court Monday in connection with the movie theater massacre he allegedly carried out last week, and a judge set July 30 for the filing of formal charges against him.

Wearing a maroon prison jumpsuit, Holmes, 24, stared blankly ahead for the most part, sometimes looking down or closing his eyes, as he sat silently beside an attorney. He appeared unshaven and expressionless during the brief court appearance.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/2012/07/23/gJQAa3oN4W_story.html?hpid=z1

 

Politico (DC)

Gun control calls appropriate now?

7-22-12

Following the Colorado shooting shooting tragedy Friday, gun control advocates are calling for a renewed examination of the nation’s firearms laws. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg are among the most outspoken on the issue.

Is a push for stricter gun laws appropriate in this time of grief and sorrow?

http://www.politico.com/arena/

 

Politico (DC)

Report: Huma Abedin gets police protection

7-23-12

KEVIN ROBILLARD

Huma Abedin, a top aide to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is under increased police protection after a New Jersey man threatened her, the New York Post reports.

Abedin, who is married to former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.), was threatened after Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) accused her of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. The suspect “is described as a Muslim man,” according to the Post, and has been questioned by the New York Police Department and the State Department.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0712/78836.html

 

New York Times (NAT)

At Caterpillar, Pressing Labor While Business Booms

7-22-12

Steven Greenhouse

When it comes to dealing with labor unions, Caterpillar has long taken a stance as tough as the bulldozers and backhoes that have burnished its global reputation. Be it two-tier wage scales or higher worker contributions for health insurance, the company has been a leader in devising new ways to cut labor costs, with other manufacturers often imitating its strategies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/23/business/profitable-caterpillar-pushes-workers-for-steep-cuts.html?_r=1&hp&gwh=91CB340D6CC514B53AAFA4822EB88559

 

Reuters (NAT)

Senate Bill Aims To Give SEC More Power To Punish Wall Street Crimes

7-22-12

Sarah N. Lynch and Alexandra Alper

U.S. Senators are planning to introduce a bipartisan bill on Monday to give the country's securities regulator the authority to seek tougher fines for alleged Wall Street criminals.

The bill, sponsored by Rhode Island Democrat Jack Reed and Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley, would boost the penalties that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission can seek from firms and individuals accused of wrongdoing and triple the cap on funds the agency can seek from repeat offenders.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/22/senate-bill-sec_n_1693791.html