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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Survey: Americans Willing to Pay to Keep Social Security Solvent

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Tuesday, November 4, 2014   

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new survey from the National Academy of Social Insurance finds broad support across party lines and several generations for the value of Social Security, even when it comes to paying slightly more to expand benefits.

The survey of Americans 21 and older found three out of four "value" Social Security, with 86 percent agreeing the current program does not provide sufficient income for beneficiaries.

Stephen Gorina, a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance, says the long-standing federal program has broad support.

"Large numbers of people, including many Republicans whom you might not expect, were willing to pay a bit more to ensure Social Security is solvent well beyond the next 75 years," he says.

The study was based on an online survey conducted in June of more than 2,000 Americans aged 21 and over. Gorin says an August survey of voters found similar support.

"Of likely 2014 voters, 79 percent said they'd like to see it expanded," says Gorin. "As important as Social Security is, the benefits are not luxurious, so many people believe the benefits need to be expanded."

Gorin says the new survey also found more Americans willing to make tradeoffs to enhance Social Security, like the gradual increase of one percent over 20 years on the Social Security tax rate.

"Somebody earning $50,000 a year might wind up paying 50 cents a week more each year," he says. "That would be matched by the employer, and that would go a long way to ensuring the stability of the Social Security Trust Fund."

He says most of those surveyed want to see a package of fixes that would support and expand Social Security for 75 years and beyond.


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