Story Archives of 'Social Security'

Some politicians down in D.C. want to boost the retirement age to the age 69, as a way to keep social security in the black. The idea is also raising a huge debate in Congress and among the public over how long people should have to work and if working longer is the best way to solve our social security woes. We?ll raise the debate ourselves with Jim Schulz, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the Florence Heller Graduate School at Brandeis University. Dr. Schulz's most well known book is "The Economics of Aging" and he is currently working on the book "The Baby Boomers and the Merchants of Doom", and Martha Phillips, board member and former Executive Director of the Concord Coalition.

In his twelfth town hall meeting this year, Congressman Jeb Bradley swapped solutions with Merrimack residents on social security, immigration, and energy policy.

His colleague, Representative Charlie Bass, held similar events in the second district and often met criticism.

But the Merrimack crowd was far more supportive.

NHPR’s Kerry Grens has more.

President Bush began stumping for his social security overhaul plan in five states that voted for him in the last election.

But when he came to New Hampshire, he was coming to a state that didn't support him for president.

And it's clear, the average Granite Stater doesn't share the White House's views on the national pension system.

The members of the state's all-Republican congressional delegation agree something must be done.

But they're not quite unified on what that something should be.

One thing they do know is they'll likely have a lot of convincing to do, when it comes to voters in New Hampshire.

NHPR Correspondent Julie Donnelly reports from Washington.

President Bush set out across the country last week, promoting his plan to overhaul what's been called the "third rail" of politics. We'll look at how he's crafting his message, and how it will play politically--with Congress, interest groups, and the public. Laura's guests are Dean Spiliotes, research fellow at the department of politics at St. Anselm College and Linda Fowler, professor of government at Dartmouth College.

It?s a top priority for President Bush in his second term? He says it will allow personal control over our hard earned money, but many are still not convinced that this would be the best way to manage this program that supports Americans in their golden years. We'll weigh pros and cons of privatizing Social Security and look at the risks, rewards and responsibilities involved. Laura's guests are Stephen Gorin, A Professor of Social Work at Plymouth State University and Max Pappas, Director of Policy for Freedomworks, a DC grassroots organization for lower taxes, less growth and more freedoms.