M Matters:GOP Justifies Weakening Social Security Disability Program Using Right-Wing Media's Smears

[Omaha Steve]

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/01/14/gop-justifies-weakening-social-security-disabil/202143




Blog ››› January 14, 2015 9:21 PM EST ››› OLIVIA MARSHALL

Congressional Republicans are borrowing from years of right-wing media attacks on federal disability benefits to justify their recent attempt to snarl funding for Social Security programs.

On January 6, Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a change to legislative rules that restricts the historically routine transfer of tax money from the Social Security retirement fund to the Social Security disability program. Such transfers have helped keep both Social Security programs solvent. In practice, the rule change makes these reallocations nearly impossible by requiring that they be "accompanied by 'benefit cuts or tax increases that improve the solvency of both funds.' " As the Los Angeles Times' Michael Hiltzik explained, because the disability fund is on track to "run dry as early as next year," this could mean "disability benefits for 11 million beneficiaries would have to be cut 20%."

In a January 6 statement justifying the rule change, Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) called the disability program "fraud-plagued." And during a January 14 event in New Hampshire on the long-term future of safety-net programs, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) claimed many who receive disability benefits are "gaming the system" and downplayed disabilities, saying, "over half of the people on disability are either anxious or their back hurts. Join the club."

FULL story at link.

[AC_Mem]

1. Dear Rand Paul

F@ck you.

Karma is a bitch, and one day you may find yourself in a position where you need help to live. When that day happens, just pull yourself up by your boot straps.

My god, are republicans even human?

<shaking my head over the democrats who did not vote.>

[MohRokTah]

2. It takes literally YEARS to get approved for SS disability payments.

Many disabled people give up and NEVER receive payments because of how difficult it is.

[AC_Mem]

3. Btw

Does everyone remember the Tea Partiers? I would venture to guess that a high percentage were on SS Disability benefits. Bet they will be pleased to see their checks slashed.