U.S. Congressman Jeff Van Drew
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew introduced legislation, called the "Social Security Tax Freedom Act," that would remove federal income taxes on Social Security payments, protect Social Security funding and provide much-needed relief to retirees.
"People who rely on Social Security have already more than contributed their fair share through years of payroll taxes and hard work," Van Drew said in a news release Wednesday. "They have busted their backs for decades, and now, when it is time for them to enjoy the benefits, they see portions of their hard-earned benefits reduced by even more taxes.”
Van Drew, a Republican, represents the Second Congressional District, which includes Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties and parts of Gloucester and Ocean counties. He will face Democratic challenger Joseph Salerno in the November election.
In the news release, Van Drew said it is "just outrageous" that the government "is throwing money at other programs like welfare for illegal immigrants and unnecessary foreign aid. It is about time we stop this nonsense."
"My bill would put an end to this additional and unfair tax burden. Our seniors have earned every penny of their benefits, and they should not have to see it diminished by unnecessary taxes," he said. "I am determined to protect Social Security and ensure that our older generation does not get shortchanged. I will always keep fighting to make sure they receive the financial security and respect that they have earned."
Background:
The proposed bill, if approved, would remove the requirement for Social Security benefits to be included in taxable income, which would mean that Social Security recipients would no longer have to pay federal taxes on their benefits.
It would also ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds and related funds, like the Railroad Retirement Fund, would not lose any money due to the tax repeal. The Treasury would cover any shortfall to maintain the financial stability of these funds, according to Van Drew’s release.
Click here to read the full text of the bill.
