DON'T LIMIT INCOME OF SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS

A Republican bill is gaining steam in the U.S. House of Representatives that would repeal the limit on earnings for Social Security recipients. Even President Clinton has jumped aboard the bandwagon, demonstrating this proposed change goes beyond partisan politics.

The limit dates back to an era when the goal was to set aside scarce jobs for younger workers. But that simply isn't the case anymore. Employers are looking for ways to keep older workers as low unemployment makes it harder and harder to find skilled employees.

As it stands now, workers between the ages of 65 and 70 can't earn over $17,000 a year without cutting into their Social Security benefits. The penalty is $1 for every $3 earned over the limit. Some 800,000 older workers lose part or all of their benefits because of the limit.

The sad fact is many senior citizens can't afford not to work. Social Security is supposed to be a supplemental retirement income. If that's the case, why limit the amount senior citizens can earn?

As policy-makers look toward raising the age for full Social Security benefits to 70, it only makes sense to eliminate the earning limits for these people who work even longer.

The Social Security earnings limit is a dinosaur due for extinction. The estimated cost -- about $22.7 billion over 10 years -- would be more than offset by increased income-tax collections.

Thirty years ago, people didn't really retire, said Clare Hushbeck, an economist with the American Association of Retired Persons. "They grew old and lived with family. It was a different kind of world."

Generous company pension plans were more the norm as well. Today, many Americans are on their own for retirement savings, using such vehicles as 401(k)s and other methods. And those who start saving too late may find themselves working longer to pay the bills, not the luxuries.

A comprehensive plan is needed to keep Social Security solvent -- to ensure today's workers will get their full benefits when they retire. But the earnings limit is not the answer.

Retirement is many things to many people. For some, it is a lifestyle without the daily demands of work. But for others, work keeps them alert and feeling younger. Why limit their opportunity to be all they can be?