Letter to the editor: Time to increase Social Security thresholds

Congressional Gaming Caucus co-chair Guy Reschenthaler recently introduced the Shifting Limits on Thresholds (SLOT) Act, which would raise the tax threshold for slot winnings from $1,200 to $5,000. The current threshold for reporting slot winnings was set in 1977.

While this is commendable, it doesn’t adequately address what constituents really need. More people are collecting Social Security (SS) than those who are winning $5,000 gambling.

I have made several calls, in vain, to various U.S. representatives trying to get legislation introduced to adjust the taxability thresholds on SS benefits. Prior to 1984, SS was not taxable. In 1984, the taxability thresholds for SS were set at $25,000 for those single and $32,000 for married filing jointly. It has remained at these amounts for almost 40 years, financially hurting more senior citizens on limited incomes.

In 1984, the standard deduction was $2,300 for single and $3,400 for married filing jointly. They have been moved upward because of inflation. Today, the standard deductions are $12,550 and $25,100. In 1984, an exemption was $1,000. It was most recently $4,050 in 2017 (exemptions have been suspended through 2025).

It is time Congress increases the SS thresholds to more reasonable levels, just like is attempting to do with the SLOT Act and like it has already done with standard deductions and exemptions. Based on inflation since 1984, that would mean the $25,000 amount should be around $65,000 and the $32,000 threshold should be approximately $85,000. Mr. Reschenthaler, are you listening?

Robin L. Rosewicz

Lower Burrell