Fact Check: 85% of Americans prefer tax hikes over benefit cuts for Social Security.

Fact Check: "85% of Americans prefer tax hikes over benefit cuts for Social Security."

What We Know

A recent survey conducted by the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), funded by AARP and other organizations, found that 85% of Americans support raising taxes to preserve Social Security benefits rather than cutting them. This survey included responses from over 2,200 adults and indicated strong bipartisan support for maintaining or increasing benefit levels, even if it necessitates higher taxes for some or all Americans (source-3). The survey results reflect a growing concern over the financial stability of Social Security, especially as projections indicate that the program's trust funds may face significant shortfalls in the coming years (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that 85% of Americans prefer tax hikes over benefit cuts for Social Security is substantiated by multiple sources. The NASI survey, which is a credible source given its backing by AARP and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, reveals that a large majority of Americans across various demographics (including political affiliation) are against cutting Social Security benefits. This sentiment is echoed by Rebecca Vallas, CEO of NASI, who noted that the survey results show a rare consensus among Americans on this issue (source-3).

Moreover, the urgency of the situation is highlighted by the Social Security Administration's report, which indicates that without legislative action, benefits could face cuts of up to 17% by 2035 due to funding shortfalls (source-2). The survey's methodology, which included a "trade-off analysis," adds to its reliability by assessing how much respondents value different policy options, making it more robust than simpler survey methods (source-3).

However, it is important to consider potential biases in the survey's funding sources. While AARP is a well-respected organization advocating for seniors, its vested interest in Social Security could influence the framing of questions or the interpretation of results. Nonetheless, the overwhelming support for tax increases to maintain benefits is consistent across various reports and analyses (source-4, source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that 85% of Americans prefer tax hikes over benefit cuts for Social Security is True. The evidence from the NASI survey, supported by other reputable sources, clearly indicates that a significant majority of Americans favor raising taxes to preserve Social Security benefits rather than facing cuts. This reflects a widespread recognition of the importance of Social Security for economic security among the American populace.

Sources

1. 85% of Americans Willing to Raise Taxes to Save Social ...
2. Social Security Administration releases new trust fund ...
3. Survey Finds Support for Raising Taxes for Social Security
4. Raise Our Taxes To Save Social Security, Say a ...
5. Americans support tax hike to protect Social Security
6. Raise our taxes to save Social Security, say 85% of ...
7. How Everyday Americans Would Fix Social Security
8. Raise our taxes to save Social Security, say a whopping ...