Marketing Real Social Security Reform

The Republicans in Congress need some fresh ideas for marketing their efforts to reform this program that is headed for a fiscal train wreck. The emotion displayed by most Social Security (SS) recipients needs to be neutralized in a constructive manner in order to have an adult conversation on this topic. Below are several suggestions to aid in this effort.

Common Sense Approach:
This must be the overriding theme to the delivery of the reform proposals. Combine that with stopping the growth of the crushing debt we are leaving for future generations. The term Ponzi scheme should not be used, but the term “pay as you go” should be used to explain why they track then number of workers per retire. Graphics of the change in ratio would be helpful to cement the image into the minds of the electorate.

Balance Sheet:
All current benefit recipients would be mailed a balance sheet showing their total contributions and their benefits paid to date. It may be easier to show contributions on an annual basis as well as benefits paid on an annual basis. My estimates show that current recipients over the age of 78 are well past their breakeven point. This should take a lot of the emotion out of their arguments when they see their own numbers.

Demographics
A visual graph of the live expectancy, retirement age, and birth rate should be used to explain how much things have changed since 1935. By making it visual, it has a better chance at getting through to those that can’t or won’t listen to a bunch of numbers. Most people are visual learners.

Audit All Recipients:
All current benefit recipients would be subject to an audit to confirm that they did indeed contribute the minimum 40 quarters. It might be interesting to see how many are not qualified. Citizenship should be a key part of this audit. This can be sold by the argument that many familiar organizations undergo a periodic audit, from corporations, churches, civic organizations, and even the Body Scouts. This is merely common sense.

Partial Privatization Options:
Make this optional for current recipients and those over 40, but make it mandatory for those under 40. The “partial” amount could be optional as well, anywhere from 30 to 70 percent. Let the individuals pick their own level. In addition, eliminate all SS taxes for all workers born after 01 Jan 2000. Instruct them that they are on their own and that at least 10% of every paycheck should wind up in a 401K or an IRA.

Means Tested
Due to the degree of debt we face, we may want to put this on the table. Why do multi millionaires need to get a SS check each month? This could be used as a bargaining chip as long as the formulae are clearly defined (in less than 200 pages) and explained.

Social Security Disability
Benefits to the recipients of the SS Disability Insurance would also be audited by a third party to ensure all on the take are truly disabled. The rules for declaring someone disabled would need to be shared with the public and then reviewed and reapproved by Congress.

Summary;
The theme of “common sense solutions” needs to be the basis of every interface with the electorate. The audits can be sold as prudent business practices, something that could apply to other areas of government as well. The Republicans must go on offense, but to do so, they need a solid playbook that includes simple graphics that the electorate can comprehend.

The Heritage Foundation has excellent charts that could be used as a basis for many of the graphics.

Show them with the visuals, make it personal with the balance sheet, and manage the program with common sense.