Social Security and Medicare represent a promise that the federal government has made to its workers and elderly population since 1935 and 1965. It is the responsibility of Congress to ensure that the trust funds underpinning those systems remain stable and healthy in the long-term.

In recent years, it has become painfully obvious that there are serious issues at the core of funding for Social Security and Medicare. Although there is no threat of insolvency for well over a decade, Congress must work to address the shortfalls now in order to prevent a crisis in the future. As we do so, I believe the focus of our work should be on the solutions that present the most upside in the very long-term. While budgets are often made in a 10-year context, Social Security and Medicare funding must regain solvency beyond the 75-year window we currently project.

This funding is undoubtedly going to be rife with tough choices and hard decisions, but today’s workers have the same right to Social Security and Medicare benefits as today’s beneficiaries. We must ensure that both populations are able to receive the benefits they were promised.

For more information concerning my work and views on Social Security and Medicare issues, please contact me.