Pres. Bush's Social Security Remarks Highlight Critical Distinction For People with Disabilities
May, 2005

President George W. Bush outlined parts of his Social Security plan in his nationally televised press conference on Thursday evening. In his remarks, President Bush said, "As we fix Social Security, some things won't change: Seniors and people with disabilities will get their checks; all Americans born before 1950 will receive the full benefits." The distinction drawn from his comments is subtle, but very important. The president did NOT say that people with disabilities will receive their FULL BENEFITS (as he did for seniors); he only stated that people with disabilities will get their CHECKS that is the subtle distinction.

President Bush also provided subtle distinctions in his principles outlined for the Commission to Strengthen Social Security in 2001. Two of his principles were:

• Modernization must not change Social Security benefits for retirees or near-retirees.
• Modernization must preserve Social Security's disability and survivors insurance programs.

As stated, the principles did NOT protect BENEFITS for people with disabilities. The principles, however, just protected the disability and survivors benefits programs. In fact, the Commission's final proposals in 2001 included cuts in benefits for people with disabilities. These distinctions should be noted.

Given the final recommendations of the 2001 Commission, people with disabilities cannot assume that they will be protected under President Bush's plan for changing Social Security. It is important to be aware of the subtle distinctions made by the president, members of his administration and members of Congress when commenting on Social Security in the future.

Many aspects of the President's Social Security plan are unknown, except for his very public statements about privatization. We must remain vigilant as more parts of the plan become public. Moreover, we must continue to educate our members of Congress about the importance of Social Security for people with disabilities and why we are opposed to its privatization.

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