Wisconsin: Social Security and Retirement

• Need for Change in Social Security System
• Purpose of Social Security Program
• Solvency Measures
• Privatization of Social Security
• Political Aspects to Social Security

Need for Change in Social Security System

Amount of Change Needed in Social Security System

1 "Some people feel that major changes are necessary to preserve the system of today's younger workers when they retire. Other people feel that, at most, minor adjustments are necessary to do this. Which of these two positions is closest to what you think?"

Purpose of Social Security Program

Purpose of Social Security Program

1 "Which of the following comes closest to how you look at Social Security? Is it mostly a required insurance program in which workers invest in their own retirement, or is it mostly a taxpayer funded program to provide retired people at least a certain standard of living?"

Solvency Measures

Social Security Program Solvency Measures

1 "A number of other ideas have been suggested to try to raise more money to pay future retiree benefits. Please tell me if you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose each of the following..."

Privatization of Social Security

Support for Privatization System

1 "Under the current system, workers and employers pay social security taxes, the government manages the program, and everyone who has the same work history gets the same benefits. President Bush has proposed a new system where each worker would set up an account and decide how much some of the money is invested. Their benefits would be based in part on how well those choices worked out. Do you strongly favor this change, somewhat favor it, somewhat oppose it, or strongly oppose it?"

Privatization Impact on Money in Social Security System

1 "If something like this system is put into place, do you think there will be more money overall available to pay Social Security benefits for the typical retiree in the future than if the government collects all the money and decides how it will be used, less money for benefits, or about the same?"

Projected Impact of Privatization on Personal Retirement Plans

1 "Compared to the present system, if you had been able to invest some of the money you and your family pay in Social Security taxes over the last few years, do you think your own retirement plans would be in better shape, worse shape, or about where they are now?"

Projected Impact of Privatization on Personal Family

1 "And do you think you and your family would do better, do worse, or do about the same with a system of private accounts?"

Privatization Plan Voluntary or Compulsory

1 "If such private accounts were set up, do you think everyone should have to take part, or should something like the present system remain an option?"

Support for Limits on Benefits and Costs

1 "Do you think each person should get the full benefit or cost of their investment choices, or should there be a limit so no one could do too badly even if that means others' benefits are lower?"

Political Aspects to Social Security

Reasons for Partisan Disagreements Over Social Security

1 "There has been a lot of disagreement between President Bush and the Democrats in Congress over this issue. Do you think the two sides honestly differ over the best way to protect Social Security, or are they basically playing politics?"