[FONT="]Dear [...], [/FONT]
[FONT="]Thank you for contacting me about the impact of the pandemic on the Social Security benefits of people who turned 60 in 2020. I agree with you that we must protect Social Security, one of America’s most successful programs, for those receiving it now and in the future.[/FONT]
[FONT="]As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Average Wage Index (AWI) will most likely decrease for 2020, which will lower lifetime Social Security benefits for the more than 4 million retired workers who turned 60 in 2020.[/FONT]
[FONT="]I strongly support the Protecting Benefits for Retirees Act, which would instruct the Social Security Administration to calculate benefits with a flat AWI if the AWI measurement would otherwise be less than the preceding year.[/FONT]
[FONT="]I am committed to protecting Social Security, which is why I am a member of both the Expand Social Security and the Senate Defending Social Security Caucuses. As member of the Senate Finance Committee, I will continue to fight to ensure fair benefits and protect retirement security of all Americans.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of importance to you and your family. [/FONT]
[FONT="]Sincerely,[/FONT]
[FONT="]
[/FONT]
[FONT="]Debbie Stabenow
[/FONT][FONT="] United States Senator [/FONT]