Imagine if Social Security's sacred guarantee wasn't on the chopping block, but rather, it was fully funded for decades to come. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) claims that cracking down on mega-rich tax dodgers could keep the New Deal program whole until the end of this century. Wyden estimates that the ultra-wealthy are avoiding nearly $2 trillion in taxes every 10 years. That's enough to keep Social Security whole till the end of this century.

But what if this assumption is wrong? The hearing also highlighted the need for smart, fair ways to raise revenue and fund the Social Security Trust Fund. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) emphasized that there are solutions that would both extend Social Security solvency indefinitely with zero benefit cuts and make our tax system fairer.

The latest trustees report shows that Social Security is positioned to fully pay all benefits and administrative costs until 2035 and is 90% funded for the next quarter century. But what about the remaining 10%? Shouldn't we be concerned about the long-term sustainability of the program?

In conclusion, Sen. Wyden's proposal to fund Social Security until 2100 by closing tax loopholes seems like a tantalizing solution. But let's not jump to conclusions. We need to critically examine the assumptions, potential consequences, and long-term implications.

Tackling Social Security's Future: Can Closing Tax Loopholes Fund the Program Until 2100?

Actions