US Senate candidates in 9 key races quiet about Social Security benefits cliff

Without congressional action, Social Security faces an automatic 22% benefit cut in 2032, yet most candidates in competitive Senate races have no detailed policy proposals posted and many declined to specify changes when asked by States Newsroom. Budget experts Maya MacGuineas and Shai Akabas both said candidates understand the problem but are avoiding details until after the midterms.

Among responses gathered: Mary Peltola proposes eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits for Alaska seniors; Ashley Hinson's campaign says she'll protect benefits while cutting 'waste, fraud, and abuse'; Adam Hamilton cited bipartisan interest in lifting the payroll tax cap above $184,500; Susan Collins' campaign cited past legislative work but offered no forward-looking plan.

MacGuineas noted lifting the payroll cap alone, the most commonly cited fix, would not solve the shortfall on its own, and warned that a bipartisan package is more survivable politically than a solo proposal, which invites easy attack from the opposing side.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.