Schakowsky Statement on the Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement in response to the 2017 Social Security and Medicare trustees reports:

“For generations, millions and millions of Americans have benefitted from Social Security and Medicare. Today’s reports show that they will be able to continue their great work for generations to come with only small improvements to both programs.

“Currently, because of the Social Security wage cap, an individual making $127,500 and an individual making millions of dollars every year pay the same amount into Social Security. If we lift the cap we can strengthen the program and expand benefits. Similarly, if we allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, we would both strengthen the program and provide relief to the millions of Americans who depend on it.

“Of course, Republicans will take this as an opportunity to bash programs that benefit millions of Americans and rehash their proposals to cut benefits, raise the age of retirement, or privatize these successful public institutions. These reports come at a time when Republicans in both chambers of Congress have proposed legislation to shorten the life of the Medicare Trust Fund and to reduce Social Security Disability Insurance.”