John,
How many right-wing catchphrases can a Senator use in one interview to try and cut and defund Social Security?
On the same day that Donald Trump called for permanent cuts to Social Security’s dedicated funding, Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) went on CNBC and falsely claimed that two-thirds of our federal debt is driven by our earned benefits even though Social Security is independently funded by payroll contributions and has never contributed a penny to the debt.
He used the word “insolvency” even though Social Security has a $2.9 trillion trust fund.
And, he said it’s time for an “adult conversation,” which has always been Wall Street code for cuts -- not just to Social Security, but to Medicare and Medicaid as well![1]
Read Frank’s email below about Donald Trump and the GOP’s attacks on our earned benefits. And then chip in $5 or more today to protect the future of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid!
We cannot allow the GOP to use a national crisis to destroy these critical services.
Thank you,
Craig Johnson
Digital Director
Americans for Tax Fairness
[1] "GOP senator: It's time to have 'adult conversation' about cutting safety net programs," The American Independent, April 8, 2020
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Frank Clemente
Date: Fri, Apr 9, 2020
Subject: Social Security has a $2.9 trillion trust fund. So why is the GOP claiming “insolvency”?
John,
Social Security’s future is protected by its dedicated funding―often called payroll contributions or the payroll tax, which is paid equally by employers and workers. As long as there are payroll contributions, no one can take away Social Security.
But what if payroll contributions were cut or eliminated?
This week, despite previous claims of wanting to protect Social Security and Medicare, Donald Trump finally put his cards on the table, saying, “I would love to see a payroll tax cut.... There are many people who would like to see it as a permanent tax cut.”[1]
We cannot let this happen. In the midst of a pandemic that is disproportionately impacting elderly and disabled Americans and people of color, to even consider undermining or destroying Social Security and Medicare is cruelty, plain and simple.
Donate $5 today to fight back against Donald Trump’s attacks on our earned benefits.
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On the same day as Trump’s attacks, we saw Republican Senator Kevin Cramer (ND) incorrectly claim “that two-thirds of our debt, at least, is driven by … entitlement programs and other things.” He went on to falsely use the word “insolvency,” saying it was time for an “adult conversation”―meaning he wants to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.[2]
We’ve been told for years by the so-called adults in the room that the only way to “save” Social Security and Medicare is through cuts. But the reality is that when Donald Trump, wealthy members of Congress feathering their own nests, and others in the top 1% start paying their fair share, we can protect and strengthen these critical programs for generations to come.
Pitch in $5 or more today to fight back against right-wing attacks on our earned benefits. In the midst of a pandemic, we must look for ways to support those in need, not pull the rug out from under them.
Social Security has a $2.9 trillion trust fund. It has never added a penny to the debt or deficit. We cannot allow Wall Street and their stooges in Washington to use a pandemic to cut and undermine our earned benefits.
Thanks for fighting back!
Frank Clemente
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness
[1] "Trump Call for Permanent Payroll Tax Cut Is 'Code for Gutting Social Security's Dedicated Funding,' Say Critics," Common Dreams, April 8, 2020
[2] "GOP senator: It's time to have 'adult conversation' about cutting safety net programs," The American Independent, April 8, 2020
