During Mark Begich’s six years in the United States Senate, he was a top advocate for our nation’s over 65 million Social Security beneficiaries. That is why he was the
Begich was the sponsor of the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, which would increase Social Security’s modest benefits as well as change the cost of living formula so that yearly adjustments keep up with the real costs seniors face. It would pay for these benefit increases by lift the cap on Social Security payroll contributions so that everyone, including the wealthiest Americans, pays in at the same rate.
These days, expanding Social Security is the official position of the Democratic Party. The Expand Social Security Caucus includes Representatives and Senators from across the party’s ideological spectrum. But that was not yet the case when Begich was in Congress. He was one of the earliest champions of expanding, never cutting, Social Security’s modest benefits.
Now, Begich is running for governor of Alaska on a platform of fighting for seniors, including helping older Alaskans and their caregivers by creating an inclusive family leave policy. My organization, Social Security Works PAC, is largely focused on federal races. But we are making an exception for Begich because he is an extraordinary candidate and a steadfast champion for seniors. We enthusiastically endorse Mark Begich for governor of Alaska.
