Congressman Paul Gosar and Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist Mr. Jack Burns address constituents in Bullhead City on September 13. Photo by Kane Wickham
BULLHEAD CITY – Congressman Paul Gosar made time for his constituents in Bullhead City last week when he stopped in for a brief forum on Social Security. There was much talk of issues like insolvency and alterations being suggested for the agency that provides a lifeline to many retirees.
Gosar brought with him Arizona Public Affairs Specialist Jack Burns. They spent two hours explaining the current state of affairs with Social Security in America and also answering questions about how the agency works and ways to better help local residents with their issues concerning Social Security. Bullhead City Mayor D’Amico and around 100 residents showed up for the event.
The Congressman explained that contrary to hyperbole in the media surrounding the agency, the Social Security administration is sound and carrying out its mission as planned. They stated that no major changes are expected anytime soon in that regard.
Gosar lamented that benefits are not seeming to keep up with inflation, and he expressed hope that things might improve either by adjustments to the agency or by a reduction in inflation.
The Congressman laid out his plan for keeping Social Security solvent into the future which includes lowering wasteful spending in Washington, eliminating the reductions on benefits for those who continue to work after retirement, and ending taxation on Social Security benefits. The talk was well received.
Many residents had questions about their own personal situations, many of which were addressed. One such question asked by Roger from Bullhead City was, “If I have enough work credits to retire before I turn 62 why can’t I retire early?” The Congressman and the agency spokesman both agreed that it is a valid question and one they have heard before. Some people start working early in their lives and work nonstop earning the level of credits needed to retire long before they reach the minimum age for drawing on their Social Security benefits which is currently 62. They did not have an immediate answer but stated that it is an issue they need to look further into.
Gosar and Burns both distributed cards to the assembled group as a means to reach them directly for more in-depth help with further questions concerning benefits. They encouraged anyone who has such questions to reach out to either of them.
The two-hour forum was very well received by all and many left with a renewed perspective on the Social Security Administration.
If you have a question regarding your Social Security benefits, and are a constituent of Arizona’s 9th District, reach out to Congressman Gosar at his Goodyear office, 623-707-0530, or his Washington office at 202-225-2315.
Kane Wickham
