Letter: Challenges facing the Social Security system

I agree with Kelly Bullis’ main points on the challenges facing the Social Security system and the impact on the lowest income seniors. He argues that no one should pay any tax on Social Security income.

Here is where I disagree: First, he correctly points out the discrepancy between single and married individuals. Why not focus on raising the threshold for taxing benefits? I propose using the Federal Poverty Level guidelines as they are adjusted for inflation every year.

I support exempting single and married income equal to 500 percent of the FPL. The current FPL for an individual is $15,060 and 500 percent of FPL would be a total income of $75,300 for singles; $150,600 for couples.

Second, the interjection of aid to Ukraine has political overtones irrelevant to the tax on Social Security income. It might help if readers understood that the current amount of aid to Ukraine is less than .5 percent of the federal budget; less than 6 percent of total military spending.

It sounds like a lot, but it needs mathematical context, not political. Social Security is the second largest part of the federal budget, second only to defense.

As an individual living on Social Security and a small pension I am deeply concerned about the future of Social Security for my children. There are many issues we should be focusing on within Social Security rather than adding nongermane political arguments into a discussion about fairness or long-term solvency of Social Security.

Katherine Kneer

Carson City