Reply #26: Rich, middle class benefit could drop

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-bush29.html

WASHINGTON -- President Bush, trying to set off a depth charge under Social Security negotiations, on Thursday proposed asking future middle- and higher-income retirees to accept smaller benefit checks than they're currently slated to receive.

In a prime-time news conference, Bush said a system in which benefits for low-income workers ''grow faster than for people who are better off would solve much of the solvency problem'' facing the government retirement program.

''I propose that future generations receive benefits equal to or greater than the benefits today's seniors get,'' he said.

But a White House fact sheet suggested that changes include smaller benefits than currently planned for all but lower-income future retirees.

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