Social Security Notch 

In 1977, Congress enacted changes to the Social Security system tying benefits to inflation starting at the arbitrary date of 1916.  The legislation was intended to improve the system’s financial state, but instead, caused lasting disparities for the people born between 1917 and 1926.  This is just plain wrong.  If you are a “notch baby” it may mean you have less money than your neighbor born just one year later or earlier to put toward your bills, health care, and other necessities.  This is simply untain and should be changed.

In this Congress (108^th), I have again co-sponsored H.R. 97, the Notch Fairness Act which would allow notch babies to choose either lump sum payments over four years totaling $5,000 or an improved benefit computation formula. This bill is pending before the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on the Budget.

I continue to support just compensation for Northern Michigan’s notch babies.  There is no question that those who were born between 1917 and 1926 are not being treated in the same manner as people that were born either before or after them. This is an issue of fairness and I will continue to work for an even handed solution!

The best interests of senior citizens in our communities are a priority for me.