Truth-O-Meter looks at the future of Social Security; checks claims in political campaign mailer
The nation’s Social Security system isn’t broke and claims in a campaign mailer in a state Senate race aren’t entirely true, according to weekend rulings from the Truth-O-Meter.
In case you missed it, PolitiFact New Jersey gave a False ruling to conservative activist Steve Lonegan’s claim about Social Security, and a Mostly False ruling to claims in a mailer by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, on behailf of incumbent Sen. Jim Whelan.
Lonegan claim
The Truth-O-Meter found that while Social Security is facing long-term fiscal challenges, the program is not out of money. According to federal projections, scheduled benefits should continue to be paid in full for about another 25 years. After those monies run out, tax revenue would fund the program at about 77 percent.
Democrats claim
A flyer from the New Jersey Democratic State Committee accuses GOP opponent Vince Polistina of receiving a state government pension while also collecting $70,000 in taxpayer-funded salaries. But the Truth-O-Meter found that Whelan’s the one collecting multiple salaries and pensions.
Check out the full stories on both claims and then join the conversations about these rulings and others from PolitiFact New Jersey at NJ.com.
Our Sources
PolitiFact New Jersey, "Conservative activist Steve Lonegan claims 'Social Security system is broke,'" Oct. 9, 2011
PolitiFact New Jersey, "New Jersey Democrats say Republican Vince Polistina is collecting a government pension on top of $70,000 in taxpayer-funded salaries," Oct. 10, 2011
