Description: This article consists of a point-counterpoint dialogue addressing important aspects of social insurance programs. It discusses the desirability and advantages of these programs that provide financial assistance to those who are retired, disabled, ill or unemployed.

Description: Summarizes four Social Security Administration Notes for 1969 and January 1970.

Description: Letter From the Editor summarizing articles in the newsletter.

Description: This article reviews studies find that the mortality gap has significantly reduced – though not eliminated – the overall progressivity of Social Security.

Description: Discusses a proposal that Social Security retirement benefits should be adjusted according to a special cost-of-living index based upon retirees spending habits rather than the familiar CPI.

Description: An article from The Actuary that highlights Stephen C. Goss, chief actuary at the Social Security Administration, who was recently awarded the National Academy of Social Insurance's NASI first ever Robert M. Ball Award for outstanding achievements in social insurance. According to NASI, Goss exemplifies 'public service' at its very best. The Actuary asked Goss if he could give a little more of himself and answer some questions about his career, which, of course, he did.

Description: The article notes, as explained in Norman Solomon’s paper, TSA XV, 167, so-called windfall appropriations are required annually to finance dual benefits to which certain railroad workers became eligible under the Railroad Retirement Act in consequence of pre-1975 employment that entitled them to both Railroad Retirement and Social Security benefits. The author then notes that the Office of Management and Budget has arbitrarily reduced revised appropriations, and that “the actuarial profession should take a strong stand against this by-passing of actuarial determinations.”

Description: Discusses letter by Ray M. Peterson, F.S.A. to the New York Times re Social Security.

Description: The article discusses the actuaries role regarding the recommendations made by the National Commission on Social Security Reform. That responsibility is to spread the word. To see that citizens within our reach know what the recommendations are and the need for Congress to promptly enact them into legistlation.