Terri Parks, Board of Directors December 26, 2011 League of Women Voters of Buffalo Niagara 1271 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo NY 14209-2401 Subject: Americas Social Security Trust Fund and Congresswoman Kathy Hochul I have been evaluating the operation of our Social Security Trust Fund (SSTF). One recommendation is that a more user-friendly name would be Americas Pension Fund. My conclusion is that Social Security Pension benefits are well worth our Payroll Tax contributions. This is based on my analysis of the economic difficulties facing America. I will work hard to ensure that the SSTF is available for my children and grandchildren. I am appalled that since year 2000 our Democratic and Republican Party Politicians have neglected to improve and strengthen our SSTF. Just the opposite --- George W. Bush attempted to weaken the SSTF and Barack Obama has actually succeeded in beginning the weakening process. Bush proposed using the Payroll Tax forprivate savings accounts instead of Americas Pension Fund. In year 2010 Obama signed legislation for a temporary cut in the Payroll Tax. The cut expires in two months and Obama is now working to extend the cut through 2012. Obama has not emphasized that this tax cut is weakening Social Security. There is no economic justification for a Payroll Tax Cut handout that weakens Social Security. Congressional Budget Office data indicates that for year 2012 our Federal Government Politicians have budgeted 1.2 trillion dollars in Deficit Spending handouts for Americas 308 million residents. This is equivalent to a Deficit Spending handout of approximately $3,900 for every American, rich or poor, adult or child. For a family of four this is a $15,600 Deficit Spending handout compared to only $1,000 for the Payroll Tax Cut handout. By refusing to allow a Payroll Tax Cut handout Americans will be able to contribute more towards Americas Pension Fund. According to the December 14, Clarence Bee, your organization is hosting a luncheon for Congresswoman Kathy Hochul on January 6, 2012. I believe that Hochul should state whether or not she will support the following: (a) Restoring the Payroll Tax (prevent the Payroll Tax Cut handout). (b) Taking other actions to improve and strengthen our SSTF. For your reference I have enclosed my analyses of (a) Americas Political System, (b) Americas economy, (c) the operation of our Social Security Trust Fund, and (d) the Political motivation for weakening Social Security. I am more than willing to meet with the LWV or any other organization to discuss these analyses. Thanks for your consideration, Michael F. Patterson 6115 Fairlane Drive Clarence Center, NY 14032

H: 716-741-2643 Janice Gregory, National Academy of Social Insurance Congresswoman Kathy Hochul William Westley, Clarence Senior Center Board Board Members, Clarence Central School District

Cc: Board Members, Clarence Town Board Andrea Kimbriel, Clarence Bee Allene Falk, Clarence LWV Clarence Chamber of Commerce