To: The United States House of Representatives and The United States Senate

Co-Sponsor the Strengthening Social Security Act (S.567)

I am asking that you co-sponsor Senator Tom Harkin's (D-IA) Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013, S. 567, that is currently in front of Congress. This is a move in the right direction to strengthen the Social Security system.

Why is this important?

The GOP and some Democrats are offering up "entitlement" benefits to be considered on the next budget showdown. We cannot let this happen! We earned these benefits and the Social Security Systems works and needs to be strengthened, not cut.

On 2/1/2010 I quit my VERY GOOD paying job that provided health insurance, retirement, vacation and sick pay to care full-time for my severely disabled and medically fragile granddaughter. She is on Medicaid. Without Medicaid I could not afford her 4 anti-seizures medications and she could literally die without medical intervention.

I worked and paid into Social Security for 32 years prior to quitting in 2010. I am only 49 years old and I am very worried about my future as I age. I spent my savings, I have no pension. I will be depending on Social Security in my future.

The good news is that Senate Social Security champions like Tom Harkin not only have said no to cuts, they've put forward a commonsense plan to expand Social Security. Before Sen. Harkin's Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 can get a vote, it needs more co-sponsors.

Following are some benefits of S.567:
1. Phase out the current cap of $113,700 to ensure that millionaires and billionaires pay the same rate on payroll taxes as the rest of us.
2. Uses the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) which more accurately reflects increases for seniors. This formula will amount to approximately $70.00 more a month for beneficiaries helping those in the middle and low income distribution.
3. Extends the solvency of the Social Security System. The trust is not in crisis, but this will help the long-term financial condition for current and future generations.

I am asking that both Senator Tester and Senator Baucus co-sponsor this bill right away. If we can get every Democratic senator to co-sponsor this bill, the media, Senate and House Republicans, and President Obama will get this message loud and clear: Social Security cuts are off the table.