[LCN Newscast] Social Security, Two Views

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Social Security, Two Views
- Johnny Isakson
- John Lewis (town hall meeting, 2005 Feb 26)

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Thursday, February 3, 2005

Isakson Praises Bush, Urges Congress to Tackle Social Security
Reform

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) today used his
first speech on the Senate floor to praise President Bush's
willingness to tackle Social Security Reform and urged his
colleagues to take action on this pressing issue.

"We should not reject this debate out of hand. We should embrace
it," Isakson said. We shouldn't reject personal investment. We
should encourage it."

Isakson criticized those reluctant to admit Social Security is
in crisis. He also urged his colleagues to act now and
strengthen Social Security for their children and grandchildren.

"I heard someone in opposition to reform last night criticize
the president for saying it's their money," Isakson said. "They
said it's not their money; it's my mother's money. Well that's
what's wrong with the system."

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Rep. John Lewis Hosts Social Security Town Hall Meeting

February 8, 2005 - President Bush recently outlined his plan to
privatize Social Security. Congressman John Lewis will hold a
town meeting to allow 5th District residents to hear from
experts on Social Security and decide how they feel about the
President's proposal.

Social Security is not in crisis. The government's own analysis
found that even with no changes, Social Security could pay the
full benefits originally promised until at least 2042, and pay
very substantial benefits thereafter. In the long term Social
Security does need some changes so that it will continue to meet
its obligations after 2042. However, incremental fixes will
preserve the program so that future generations can continue to
depend on it.

As a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I will
work to ensure that Social Security continues to provide
dependable monthly incomes, not just for the current generation
of retirees, but for all Americans across the generations.  We
must strengthen Social Security, not destroy it.

I want to know your views. Please join me on Saturday February
26, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Loudermilk Center (40 Courtland
Street) for a Town Hall Meeting on Social Security.

Sincerely,

Congressman John Lewis
Georgia's 5th Congressional District