Dear Editor:

When threats to Social Security hit the streets, seniors cry foul, as these funds are their critical retirement savings/revenue stream. They worked hard for these funds, contributed into their growth directly (FICA) and indirectly (taxes). They trusted their government to protect these funds so they did not need to worry about food, medicine, or the ability to remain in their homes.

The first amendment to the 1935 Social Security Act phased in two additional benefit categories — dependent benefits and survivor benefits. This transformed Social Security from a retirement program for workers into a family-based economic security program — structured to provide old-age benefits and to make adequate provision for the aged, the blind, dependent and crippled children, maternal and child welfare, public health and administration of unemployment compensation laws.

Congress is responsible for the assurance of sufficient funds to be available for all three fund accounts. Knowing that minimum wage had been the key to sufficiency, congress failed in its duty beginning in 2010 when it stopped increasing the minimum wage. Their inaction is a major cause of inequality and especially adds risk to SSI funds for children — at the death of a parent — often falling on military veteran families. Only two presidential candidates, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley, endorse Social Security expansion.

Expanding Social Security has been ongoing under the Advisory Council’s recommendation and incorporated in the 16 amendments passed between 1939 and 1996. It was fluid and relied on the increase in wages that generated an increase in the GDP every time the minimum wage rose.

COLA, assumed to be based on “cost-of-living,” turns out to be cost-of-living only if it is less than the rise in wages. Political suppression of minimum wage significantly reduces the revenues in the Social Security trust fund. Congressional wage suppression denies livable wages to the young, and reduces retirees ability to afford food, and impacts our children’s future retirement.

Wake up, America, and put those wages back on a healthy track. They are your future.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb