Florence Residents Discuss the Future of Social Security and Immigration
Florence was buzzing with energy this past week as community members gathered at Seminar Brewing to hear from the candidates running for the 7th Congressional District. The Pints and Politics event, hosted by a local organization, brought together incumbent Republican Russell Fry and Democratic challenger Mal Hyman to discuss pressing issues facing their constituents. As fog cleared to reveal warm weather with a high of 84°F, the stage was set for a lively debate.
Social Security Under Scrutiny
One of the hottest topics of the night was Social Security, an issue that has been on many people’s minds, especially as projections indicate that benefits could be reduced by 2035 if Congress fails to address funding issues. Fry opened up about his concerns, stating that as the years go by without action, the problem only becomes more daunting. “There’s a lot of proposals out there. Yes, I’m talking about raising the age. I’m talking more contributions,” Fry noted. He believes it’s essential to involve experts in these discussions, much like the commission formed back in the 1980s that ultimately saved the program from impending budget crises.
On the other side, Hyman has a different approach. He advocates for raising the Social Security tax limit to ensure that high earners contribute more while keeping the tax rate steady. Currently, any income over $168,600 is exempt from Social Security tax, and Hyman feels increasing that cap is a key step toward stabilizing the program. He vowed not to support raising the retirement age, believing that workers should benefit from their hard-earned contributions without being pushed to work longer. Hyman also emphasized the importance of raising the minimum wage, arguing that better pay would lead to better benefits when individuals retire.
Immigration: Finding Common Ground
Another significant theme of the evening was immigration, an issue both Fry and Hyman agreed needs urgent attention. Hyman remarked on the broken immigration system and the difficulty of finding bipartisan solutions. “The last compromise was in 1987,” he recalled, calling for a new approach that considers all viewpoints. He also mentioned the need for more asylum judges to expedite cases, insisting on the importance of a fair process.
Fry, while echoing the sentiment that a resolution is needed, framed his argument around securing the U.S. borders first. He expressed concern over the rising number of individuals entering the country illegally and stressed the importance of having a solid lawful immigration process in place. To him, the first step is clear: “Secure the dang border. That is it.” He navigated the discussion toward the existence of work visas for migrant workers and the role they play in contributing to the economy.
A Community Concern
The engagement and energy in the room were palpable as residents raised their hands to ask questions. Both candidates sought to paint a picture of how their proposed policies would positively impact the lives of constituents from Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, and Marlboro counties. With early voting already underway, it’s evident that these topics resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom are eager for solutions.
The evening wrapped up with a sense of optimism that these crucial conversations about Social Security and immigration will lead to tangible change in the community. As voters prepare for the upcoming election on November 5, these discussions showcase the diverse perspectives among candidates and the significant issues driving their campaigns.
As we quickly move toward election day, it’s exciting to see such vibrant discussions taking place, and residents in Florence are clearly ready to make their voices heard!
