FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Rob Asbell, Communications Director, 912.265.9010
February 15, 2005 Jennifer Hing, Press Secretary 202.226.2345
Congressman Kingston to
hold Town Hall Meetings on Social Security reform
Valdosta, Moultrie, Savannah, and Brunswick
WASHINGTON,
DC - U.S. Representative Jack Kingston (R/Ga-1) invites the public
to attend Town Hall Meetings throughout the 1st District to discuss
Social Security reform. A schedule of the meetings is below.
"I am holding these workshops so people can talk to me about
Social Security," Congressman Kingston said. "As we begin
the debate in Congress, I want to make sure that I know about people's
thoughts and concerns."
President Bush has proposed allowing young workers to have voluntary
personal accounts which would work the same way as the federal government's
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is currently used by nearly all
federal employees and every Member of Congress and has paid rates
of return ranging from about 6% to over 11% in the last 10 years.
On the other hand Social Security pays about 2% rate of return. The
accounts are monitored and regulated to provide additional safety,
plus, they will not take away from surviving spouse or disability
benefits as the proposal only allows 4% of payroll taxes to be diverted
to the accounts. Allowing this option gives young people the opportunity
to enjoy the security of Social Security and establish a good nest
egg.
"In 2018 Social Security will be paying out more money than it
is bringing in. The debt will be so bad that by 2042, benefits will
have to be cut by 27-percent unless we make reforms," Congressman
Kingston said. "We can make reforms without raising taxes, cutting
benefits, or changing the program for people 55 years or older."
Congressman Kingston invites the public to offer any thoughts or questions
they may have prior to Congress beginning the reform process.
"A number of proposals have been introduced in Congress, but
hearings have not yet begun," Congressman Kingston said. "It
is important for all of us to come together on a bipartisan basis
to discuss any changes to the program. I look forward to seeing everyone
and hearing their ideas and concerns. My goal is to make this a win-win
for all generations."
The schedule for Congressman Kingston's Town Hall Meetings on Social
Security reform is as follows:
Valdosta
Friday, February 18
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Pound Hall Auditorium at VSU
North Campus
1500 N. Patterson St.
Moultrie
Friday, February 18
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
City Commissioner's Chambers
21 1st Ave. N.E.
Savannah
Tuesday, February 22
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Armstrong Atlantic State University
University Hall 156
Brunswick
Tuesday, February 22
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
St. Marks Towers
Parkwood Drive at Glynn Avenue
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Congressman Jack Kingston 2242 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515
Register for Congressman Kingston's e-mail updates at www.house.gov/kingston
