Across Party Lines, Protecting Social Security Is Top Priority: Survey

News November 01, 2024 at 01:40 PM
Share & Print

capitol in Washington DC with a Social Security card and money

Shoring up Social Security and protecting benefits should be a top priority for any incoming administration, regardless of party affiliation, according to a newly released survey by the National Institute on Retirement Security, a research group that supports pensions and other retirement programs.

Americans overwhelmingly agree across party lines that Social Security must remain a priority, with 90% of Democrats in agreement, followed by independents (88%) and Republicans (86%).

"Americans of all parties want lawmakers to act now to shore up Social Security funding and expect the next administration and Congress to solve the Social Security financial shortfall," the NIRS report states.

Americans also agree that the nation faces a retirement crisis, with Republicans reporting this sentiment at a slightly higher level (81%) than Democrats (78%) and independents (79%).

Debt levels are also preventing Americans from saving for retirement.

The poll found that 74% of Democrats, along with 68% of Republicans and 68% of independents, say that their level of debt is problematic.

"About three-fourths of Democrats, Republicans, and independents who have debt say it is preventing them from saving for retirement," the survey found.

Pension plans also get a thumbs up.

"Across the board, Democrats (81%), Republicans (80%), and independents (76%) have positive views about pension plans," the survey states.

Regardless of party, "a large share of Americans say all workers should have a pension and government should make it easier for employers to offer pensions," according to the survey.

As to long-term care insurance, the vast majority of Americans across political views say they are worried about the cost of long-term nursing care, with independents at 83%, Democrats at 81% and Republicans at 80%.

"When it comes to views about government doing more to help Americans get access to quality long-term, the overwhelming majority across the political spectrum agree that government should take action," the report states.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Related Stories

Resource Center