Reforming Social Security - by Charles P Blahous (Hardcover)

About the Book

Blahous contends that Social Security is ill-equipped to withstand the effects of an aging population and will impose excessive tax burdens upon future Americans unless its course is changed. Far from a doomsday tract, however, the book provides instances of proposals that would satisfactorily avert this course, if only the political will is mustered to implement them. Blahous argues for the program developed by the National Commission on Retirement Policy, but also offers positive descriptions of plausible alternatives as well as unsparing criticism of those who would cook the books in defense of either current law or high-cost alternatives. Reforming Social Security is sure to disturb ideologues from all parts of the political spectrum, because of its frank willingness to expose the costs of different approaches as well as the self-interest so often pursued by interest groups, political actors, and Social Security experts. An important analysis for the general public as well as policy makers and others concerned with social security issues.

Book Synopsis

Blahous contends that Social Security is ill-equipped to withstand the effects of an aging population and will impose excessive tax burdens upon future Americans unless its course is changed. Far from a doomsday tract, however, the book provides instances of proposals that would satisfactorily avert this course, if only the political will is mustered to implement them. Blahous argues for the program developed by the National Commission on Retirement Policy, but also offers positive descriptions of plausible alternatives as well as unsparing criticism of those who would cook the books in defense of either current law or high-cost alternatives. Reforming Social Security is sure to disturb ideologues from all parts of the political spectrum, because of its frank willingness to expose the costs of different approaches as well as the self-interest so often pursued by interest groups, political actors, and Social Security experts. An important analysis for the general public as well as policy makers and others concerned with social security issues.

Review Quotes

"Chuck Blahous is the voice of sanity and reason in the Social Security debate. His insight and in-depth knowledge of Social Security ensure him a seat at the table when Congress and the president finally get around to fixing--as they must--our nation's most successful antipoverty program."-U.S. Representative Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) Cochair, National Commission on Retirement Policy

"For any citizen who is interested in reading about the inside politics of how the Social Security debate has evolved, this is a must read. As the author rightly points out, the Social Security program is still widely misunderstood--both by the public and the legislators who oversee the program. I encourage anyone who wants to know how laws are created, or how political rhetoric can prolong a problem, to read this book."-Senator J. Robert Kerrey (D-Nebr.)

"In the polarized political atmosphere on Capitol Hill today, this book is a source for a more meaningful debate on how we preserve and protect Social Security for America's 77 million baby boomers and beyond. This author understands that we must get past the extreme positions that have served to blur one of our most important policy issues."-Senator John Breaux (D-La.) Cochair, National Commission on Retirement Policy

"This book should be required reading for every member of Congress before a vote is cast on Social Security reform. It navigates the minefield of accounting tricks, logical fallacies, and the political temptations of feel-good' solutions in order to drive home its fundamental point: Our grandchildren's future is in jeopardy unless we face some tough facts."-Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) Cochair, National Commission on Retirement Policy

"This is a critically important and timely book. There isn't a person more knowledgeable about both the politics and finances of Social Security than Chuck Blahous. With a true insider's perspective, he succeeds in educating and informing, while also dispelling the most egregious, but persistent, myths surrounding Social Security. A must read."-Bradley D. Belt Senior Adviser, CSIS Executive Director, National Commission on Retirement Policy

?[a] valuable resource for anyone interested in floowing upcoming developments related to the newest commission on social security reform appointed by President Bush in May 2001.?-Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

?Blahous has produced a timely, comprehensive, accessible, and opinionated review of the issues involved in financing Social Security after 2020....Interested readers will find this a sound addition to the literature. Useful index. All collections.?-Choice

?This book is an interesting and important book for policy makers to read. It will help them understand the complex, intricate policy issues involved in social security reform and, it is hoped, will help them become committed to reforming the system for the better.?-Journal of Social Service Research

"Ýa¨ valuable resource for anyone interested in floowing upcoming developments related to the newest commission on social security reform appointed by President Bush in May 2001."-Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

"[a] valuable resource for anyone interested in floowing upcoming developments related to the newest commission on social security reform appointed by President Bush in May 2001."-Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

"Blahous has produced a timely, comprehensive, accessible, and opinionated review of the issues involved in financing Social Security after 2020....Interested readers will find this a sound addition to the literature. Useful index. All collections."-Choice

"This book is an interesting and important book for policy makers to read. It will help them understand the complex, intricate policy issues involved in social security reform and, it is hoped, will help them become committed to reforming the system for the better."-Journal of Social Service Research

About the Author

CHARLES P. BLAHOUS III is currently Executive Director for the Alliance for Worker Retirement Security in Washington, D.C./e He served from 1996-2000 as Policy Director for the office of Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), where he was responsible for managing the senator's major legislative policy initiatives, including pension reform, Social Security reform, Medicare choice, and budget reform.