Mary Rieder (D)
Social Security
Preserving Social Security and Medicare will be my top priority in Congress. I believe that all Social Security reserves must be kept in a "lockbox" - safe from government spending. The reserves should be invested at market rates, and the interest earned should be re-invested as well. Furthermore, I believe that 35% of any general revenue surplus should be used to bolster the Social Security and Medicare reserves. I do not support any plan to "privatize" Social Security, or create individual savings accounts that would replace the current program. The retirement age to receive full benefits should be returned to 65, and early benefits must remain available at age 62. The Social Security system must be strengthened to improve benefits for older women living in poverty.