Senator Chuck Grassley pushed for passage of a bill Tuesday to repeal the earnings limit for Americans who are collecting Social Security. Social Security recipients currently have their benefits cut by one dollar for every three dollars they earn over the 17-thousand dollar limit. Grassley says the limit is a relic left over from the Depression era when the government tried to keep older Americans from taking jobs that younger people could fill.Grassley, a republican, says things have turned around dramatically and there is now a tremendous need for workers to fill jobs. He says older Americans have the skills need to fill those jobs.Grassley cited the example of Ron Ballinger who works at a Cedar Rapids financial processing company. Ballinger would be forced to retire in order to keep his Social Security benefits.Grassley says Americans are living longer and often need a way to supplement their income. He says many Americans in their 60’s are still taking care of their parents and need the extra income to meet expenses.The bill was debated late Tuesday and is expected to be voted upon today.
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