Social Security and Medicare Sustainability
Description
Questions about the long-term financial health of Social Security and Medicare remain unaddressed amid partisan shutdown battles. Despite their critical importance, these fiscal challenges receive minimal bipartisan attention as the national debt rises.
Centercratic Position:
Establish tripartisan commission with binding authority to ensure long-term solvency. Consider combined approach: raise payroll tax cap on high earners, adjust cost-of-living formulas, means-test benefits for wealthy recipients, and gradually raise retirement age indexed to longevity. Protect benefits for current retirees and those near retirement.
Republican Position:
Generally oppose benefit cuts and tax increases while expressing concern about long-term sustainability; minimal concrete proposals.
Democratic Position:
Oppose benefit cuts and retirement age increases; support expanding benefits funded by raising taxes on high earners.
Applicable Principles
Our nine founding principles are the foundation for everything we propose. The principles highlighted below are the ones that speak most directly to this issue.
Principle 1
Safeguard Our Democratic System
Govern through compromise, not domination. Reject extreme tactics by special interests and defend the Constitution for everyone.
Principle 2
Limit Terms for Accountability
Impose term limits on public office to prevent
entrenchment and ensure representatives remain accountable to voters.
Principle 3
Protect Election Integrity
Guarantee transparent, fair, and nonpartisan elections. Uphold certified results and let voters decide outcomes through lawful processes.
Principle 4
One Law
for All
for All
The law applies equally to all.
Independent courts ensure fair process and protect basic rights.
Principle 5
Debate with Facts and Dignity
Conduct fact-based debates with respect. Acknowledge disagreements. Prohibit
personal attacks and bad-faith tactics.
Principle 6
Seek Unity Through Broad Support
Build policies that earn broad, lasting support.
Where consensus is out of reach, respect that
communities will find their own path.
Principle 7
Govern with a Balanced Approach
Reject both government overreach and government
absence. Provide essential services, measure
results, end what fails, and enforce fiscal discipline.
Principle 8
Defend
Our Freedom
Our Freedom
Unite with allies to deter
aggression and defend free
nations against military,
cyber, and economic threats.
Principle 9
Exemplify Global Leadership
Demonstrate American and democratic values through dignified, restrained, and humane leadership at home and abroad.
Everything we do flows from our nine core principles
Please visit Our Principles page to learn more.