Room for Debate: Should Social Security Taxes Affect All Wages?

Tap the Wealthy to Support a Program for All

Theda Skocpol, professor of government

High earners like me stop paying Social Security taxes in the spring. We should pay on all our salary like most employed Americans.

Don't Raise or Eliminate the Cap

Andrew G. Biggs, American Enterprise Institute

Eliminating the cap would make Social Security a welfare plan; and raising it would hurt the economy and do nothing to put the budget on a sustainable track.

An Affordable Step for a Vital Program

Heather Boushey, Center for American Progress

With incomes stagnant and the middle class needing economic stability, debate on Social Security must include lifting the earnings cap.

More Revenue, but Less Political Support

James Lee Wetzler, former New York tax commissioner

For the first time, some, including influential opinion leaders, would get a bad return on what they pay into Social Security.

The Only Path for Elderly Citizens

Dorothy A. Brown, tax law professor, Emory

Social Security keeps more than 21 million seniors out of poverty each year. Don't cut their benefits, repeal the wage cap.

A Modest Rise Is Fine, but It's Not a Panacea

C. Eugene Steuerle, Urban Institute

Social Security actuaries say that even with a benefit cap eliminating the tax cap wouldn't end the program's deficit.