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Notch Bulletin: Fairness Is Non-Partisan Americans are fond of thinking that ours is the fairest form of government in the world-fairest in equal treatment of all citizens. Those born during the Notch years of 1917 through 1926, however, haven't enjoyed that treatment from our government. To a Notch baby receiving lower Social Security benefits because of being born at the "wrong" time, our government seems anything but fair. Notch babies are impacted particularly hard by the problems of rising prescription drug costs and Cost-Of-Living Adjustments that don't reflect the true costs of seniors accurately. That's because they receive lower benefits than other retirees with similar work and earnings records. Our legislative system is also glaringly unfair in a way that affects our ability to correct the Notch-that being partisan politics. All too often Members of Congress fail to support needed legislation solely because a member of the other party sponsored the bill. This tends to be true of Notch Reform legislation even though it should not be the case. Over the years both Republicans and Democrats alike have supported legislative initiatives that address the Notch problem. Last year five Notch Reform bills were introduced in the House of Representatives, and one in the Senate. Two of the House bills, H.R. 148 and H.R. 568, as well as the Senate bill, S. 390,"The Notch Fairness Acts" would offer those born from 1917 through 1926, or their surviving beneficiaries, the option of choosing Lump-Sum payments totaling $5,000 or improved monthly benefits over a four-year period. The overwhelming majority of those who cosponsored the bills tend to be members of the same party as the person who introduced the legislation. In order to ensure the passage of Notch Reform, however, strong support will be needed from both sides of the aisle. Please contact your Representative and Senators to ask for their support, regardless of their party affiliation, of "The Notch Fairness Acts." "The Notch Fairness Acts" are the only Notch Reform solution that provides $5,000 in Lump-Sum payments which 80 percent of Notch victims want. Notch Reform would not have made the progress it has since 1994 were it not for the persistent efforts by TSCL members. Your contact is needed now to add more co-sponsors for "The Notch Fairness Acts" and to keep Notch Reform moving forward this year. This article first appeared in Volume 5, Issue 3 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (February/2000). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here. | ||||||||
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