What I asked Bernie Sanders

Nina Tribble
Retired teacher
United Federation of Teachers, New York City

I'm one of thousands of New York City teachers who retired earlier this year. As retirees, we're naturally concerned about the future of Social Security and Medicare. When three of the candidates running for president met with the AFT executive council this week to talk about where they stand on the issues, I was fortunate to get to ask Sen. Bernie Sanders this question:

"Social Security is more than a retirement program. It is the nation's largest and, despite its modest benefits, most generous children's program. An expanded Social Security system is an important step toward addressing serious challenges facing our nation. My question to you is: Are you in favor of eliminating the arbitrary wage cap for FICA taxes—which was $118,500 in 2015—that benefits the wealthiest 6 percent, so that we ALL contribute to Social Security at the same rate on our earnings? And will you be willing to lower the eligibility age and increase the cost-of-living adjustment, which would make Social Security more viable for everyone?"

In his opening remarks and his answer to my question, I thought Sen. Sanders covered the topic quite thoroughly. I liked that he asked us to "think big." I was glad that he agreed Social Security should be expanded and that the cap should be lifted. He also talked about a separate index for cost-of-living increases tied to our actual expenses as seniors. That would increase benefits and be good for the economy. Seniors make up a large part of population but a lot of times we're left out of things, so we need to make sure that doesn't happen.

I was so pleased and excited to be one of the rank-and-file AFT members who got to participate in this part of the political process. The process for endorsing and then electing any candidate should start with input from everyone, and I'm especially thrilled that some of the first interviews the candidates did were with our union.

The only way we are going to change things in this country is through politics and legislation. If we want change, we have to come together and do something about it. Just complaining about things won't improve our situation. By voting and electing legislators who care and are willing to do something about our concerns, we can create the change we deserve and need.