Evening star., 1937-05-10
COUNCIL To STUDY
SECURITY CHANGES
Old Age Benefits Revision
One of Main Aims of
New Group.

BACKGROUND
The months that haze passed
since the social security act ,pas in
corpordted in the ldW hare been
marked BY Uarious proposals for
reDision, both in the interest of
improved administration and to
smooth out rough spots that prom
ise to lead to DIFFICULTIES. The So
cial Security Board has, in a gen.
eral ,uuy, giDen thought to the mat
ter. but noU, for the first time, a
definite line OF action is laid out.
Announcing definitely that no
Fundamental changes" in the social
security act will be proposed at this
session of Congress, the Social Secu-
rlty Board, in statement today,
disclosed that special advisory
council has been named to cooperate
in working out possible changes in
the act, particularly with regard to
the old-age benefit provisions.
This advisory group, representing
labor, management and the public,
has been set up by the board in con-
junction with the Senate Finance
Committee.
The points to be considered include
that Of reserves. vigorous criticism
having been stirred by the huge
reserve fund, running high in the
billions, that eventually would be
created unless the taxing plan Is
revised.
The advisory council is to be brought
together within the next 80 days to
map program of action in con-
nection with the board and special
committee from the Finance Com
mittee consisting of Senator HARRISON
Democrat, of Mississippi, the chair
man; Senator Byrd, Democrat. Of
Virginia and Senator Vandenberg
Republican. of Michigan.
May Begin Paying Sooner.
The announcement lists eight points
to be covered: The advisability Of
l. Commencing payments Of month
ly BENEFITS sooner then January !,
1912.
2. Increasing the monthly benefits
(they now range from $40 to $3.50 for
those retiring in the early years.
3. Extending benefits to persons
who become incapacitated prior to
the age of 65-when these old-age
payments otherwise become due.
4. Extending the benefits to sur
vivors of individuals entitled to such
benefits.
5. Increasing the taxes less rapidly.
(They now advance one-half Of / per
cent every three years, on both en-
ployers and employees until reaching
a maximum Of per cent on each in
ls4s)
s. Extending benefits to include
groups now excluded. (These are
farm and domestic labor, Government
employment and employment by most
religious, educational or philanthropic
organizations)
And, finally, the size, character and
disposition OF reserves and any other
questions covering the entire act and
deemed pertinent.
Members Of Council.
The advisory council is composed
Of the following:
Representing employes-G. M. Bug
niazet, secretary. International Broth
erhood Of Electrical Workers Of
America, and president OF Union Co.
operative Insurance Association;
Harvey Fremming. president, OIL Field
Gas Well and Refinery Workers In
ternational Union: John P. Frey, presi-
dent, Metal Trades Department of the
American Federation of Labor; Sidney
Hillman, president of the Amalga-
mated Clothing Workers Of America;
Philip Murray, vice president, United
Mine Workers of America: Matthew
Woll, vice president, International
Photo Engravers' Union OF North
America, and president. Union Labor
Life Insurance Co.
Representing employers-Marion B.