America Boosts Public Workers' Social Security, at a Cost

The U. S. Senate recently passed a bill to raise Social Security payments for many retired public service workers. This includes teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other state and local employees. The bill will end long-standing cuts to their benefits, but it may add $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years. Critics warn this could speed up the date when Social Security can't pay full benefits. The changes also come at a time when the Social Security Administration is short-staffed. Some senators objected, saying the program needs a long-term fix. However, supporters argued that tweaking the law now is a step in the right direction.

The bill eliminates two rules that cut Social Security for those with other pensions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said it's about time for these retirees to get what they deserve. Senator Sherrod Brown agreed, noting these workers serve the public and pay into Social Security. The agency that runs Social Security is at its lowest staffing level in 50 years, with just 56, 400 employees handling a larger population. President Biden will next decide whether to sign the bill into law.

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