Re "Republicans reverse, agree to extend payroll tax cut" (Page A8, Feb. 14): Congress and the president continue to reduce funds going to Social Security trust fund by extending the payroll tax holiday into a third year. However, Social Security's combined trust funds will run a deficit in 2022, according to President Barack Obama's budget released Monday.
This "holiday" reduces trust fund reserves and steals from one of the most essential, self-funded safety nets for financial security to pay for the spending decisions made by government today. Without sufficient reserves, benefits earned will not be paid. Changes needed to continue payments will destroy the foundation of Social Security. The short-term benefit of the payroll tax holiday brings on long-term destruction for Social Security.
If Congress wants taxpayers to have more money to spend for goods and services, then reduce for the tax rate in the lowest tax bracket and protect Social Security by ending the payroll tax holiday.
-- Dean Dal Ben, Sacramento
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