I read the plight of Mary Moore (“Rent hikes pushing tenants out of homes in Clark County, around Washington,” The Columbian, Dec. 14) and her struggles to find housing she can afford. Her $1,600 Social Security benefit cannot cover rising rents, so at age 69, she is forced to work full time. Yet many politicians, and their wealthy donors, see Social Security as an “entitlement” that must be addressed (read “cut”) to boost the economy.
A low-ball estimate suggests that 12 percent of older men and 15 percent of older women rely solely on Social Security for their income. They have no pensions or other income streams, and likely very little savings.
For 2023, earnings subject to the Social Security tax are capped at $160,200. The very wealthy pay nothing more on income over that cap, nor will they ever have to rely on Social Security for their cozy retirements. So, folks, we only value the work you’ve done all your life if you made millions. Otherwise, you’re just a drag on our national prosperity.
