By Jim Hall
If our government would take a page from big business, it would offer early Social Security retirement to those in the work force, who presently have jobs and are 55 years old or older. This would be an offer, not a mandate. Those who take the offer could not re-enter the work force for three to five years from the point of accepting the package. Many in the age group are prepared economically to take up such an offer. This would open millions of jobs for those folks who are in need of employment and in the situation and age group of supporting minor children. This would also relieve an overtaxed unemployment benefit system. The cost of this, I think, would be offset by the states not having the burden of finding funds to help get the larger families aid to get through this downturn in the economy.
The fairness of this to all of us taxpayers would be the use of funds that so many working folks have paid into the Social Security program, and are not paid out to them, due to their deaths, before or shortly after qualifying for their benefits. Such a package would bring a percentage of those taking this offer a chance to spend part of their time doing volunteer work in needed areas, a positive activity during their retirement years, which would also have a positive effect on overcoming this downturn we all are facing. Our schools, hospitals and community organizations would all benefit from such a plan, finding volunteer labor force to help. A chance to retire early, when a person”s health would afford a more active and enjoyable retirement, would be a great incentive to take up such an offer for those in a position to retire early. Just something to ponder.
Jim Hall
Clearlake Oaks
