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Dennis Kucinich on Social Security

Social Security is a social insurance program officially called "Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance" (OASDI), in reference to its three components. It is primarily funded through a dedicated payroll tax. The debate over social security is largely in how and who will control these accounts. The candidates offer many prescriptions which run the spectrum between private and public control of social security.

The issues

Dennis Kucinich strongly opposes privatizing social security through personal Social Security accounts

"I want everyone to understand this, that Social Security is rock solid through the year 2042 without any changes whatsoever. As president, I'll see to it that there will be no privatization. Wall Street wants to get its hands on Social Security to fuel the growth of their speculation, but Social Security is solid, and we need to make a commitment to the long-term security of Social Security."

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It needs to be said very clearly here that privatization is off the table. There will be no privatization when I'm elected president. I'll block any effort. Social Security, as a matter of fact, is a better investment now than the stock market. There's a higher return. There's guaranteed cost-of-living increases. Privatization you have to worry about the value of your account.

Democratic Debate at Pace University in Lower Manhattan Sep 25, 2003

Dennis Kucinich is neutral on raising the earnings cap on Social Security, which is currently $102,000

I am against raising the retirement age, against raising the cap on taxable wages, and against means-testing for benefits.

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You know of course we ought to be raising the cap in order to protect Social Security, which is solid through 2040 without any changes whatsoever.

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