Thoughtful economist Gene Steuerle, institute fellow at the Urban Institute and a former deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury, reveals a basic truth in his recent article, "Getting the Facts Straight on Retirement Age." Namely, that the rich who live longer win, win, and win some more. But raising the retirement age needs to be viewed more broadly. Cutting benefits hurts ALL workers. In just one example, they are left having to beg for jobs at older ages, rather than having a livable social security benefit in their back pocket when negotiating.
