The war on Terrorism has made federal deficits likely for at least three years.  That is the gloomy prediction of the White House budget director.  Deficits in the tens of billions caused by an economic recession and the costs of war are predicted through 2005.

How do we pay for Notch Reform estimated to cost about $45 billion over the next four years?  Legislative initiatives to correct the Notch have been around far longer than budget surpluses.  In fact, a version of the Notch Fairness Act was first introduced before the era of budget surpluses by conservative former House Representative, Mark Neumann (R-WI).  The Notch Fairness Act would provide those born from 1917 through 1926 their choice of either an improved monthly benefit or a lump sum of $5,000 payable over a four year period.

To pay for Notch Reform, Neumann advocated measures such as stopping Social Security disability benefits to drug addicts and alcoholics who claimed disability on the basis of their addiction, a measure which has since saved Social Security millions of dollars.  In addition, Neumann was a member of a group who called themselves “Pork Busters.” According to Senator John McCain, an estimated $15 billion will be spent on pork projects in fiscal year 2002--more than enough to pay for Notch Reform benefits this year.  There is also plenty of room for improvement in reducing the rate of improper Social Security payments that totaled about $4 billion in 1999 (the most recent year for which there is data).

Notch Reform does not have to become a casualty from the war on Terrorism—but government fiscal irresponsibility should be.  There are two versions of The Notch Fairness Act.  One version would pay for Notch Reform out of a budget surplus, but H.R.97 introduced by Ralph Hall (D-TX) would cut wasteful spending.  This is an election year.  The entire House of Representatives and one third of the Senate are going to be asking you for your vote.  Your repeated contact with Members of Congress by letter, phone, fax, and e-mail asking for their co-sponsorship of H.R.97 Notch Fairness Act can make the critical difference for passing Notch Reform in 2002. 

February 2002