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Gloria Blake was one of about 50 senior citizens who discussed fixing Social Security with U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, at the Stamford Government Center on Thursday. Blake, in agreement with her peers, was not concerned for herself but for her children and grandchildren.
We are having less and less children, Blake said, explaining that Social Security will not be able to fund itself with the current system.
Himes agreed with Blake and told the seniors that Social Security can currently fund itself until 2026. But the government wants a solution, such as raising the age to qualify, before then. He also said immigration could offset the decreasing population but didnt want to delve into that issue.
Blake also expressed her concern with Medicare. She is a member of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging and works in a doctors office, and she has seen inefficiencies with the social insurance program in person. Its not working. There are 1 million reasons they arent accepting treatments for people, she said of Medicare.
Himes shared a plan from U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to revamp Medicare. Though Himes does not agree with it and believes it can become more personable, Himes credits The Ryan Plan with getting Congress to seriously discuss changes.
Thursdays meeting at the Government Center was one of many Himes has set up with senior centers throughout Fairfield County while Congress is out of session to discuss Medicare and Social Security with his constituents. He also assures the attendees that they wont be affected by any plan changes, but the generations after them will be affected.
What do you think of the current Medicare and Social Security programs? How can they be improved? Share your thoughts and ideas below or email them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo, tbuzzeo@mainstreetconnect.us.
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