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Social Security Administration Commissioner Michael J, Astrue 6401 Security Blvd Baltimore, Maryland 21235-6401 February 20, 2009 Dear Commissioner Astrue: The number one Social Security problem is the failure of the Social Security Administration to decrease payroll taxes to match Benefits paid out annually. During the past 10+ years, the taxpayer has been overcharged by more than two trillion dollars. The payroll tax Income has exceeded Benefits by about $200 Billion per year during this period. The Social Security program has been a very successful pay-as-you-go system for the past 60 years and should continue successfully for the next 100 years.. The tax rate started at 1.0 % with a $ 3,000 income ceiling and has been increased during this 60 year period to 6.2% with a $ 100,000 ceiling in order to meet the exploding growth in Beneficiaries from one million to 50 million. Michael, you were sworn in as Commissioner of Social Security on February 12, 2007 and took an oath to serve the American People. Here is your opportunity to step up to the plate and deliver on your promise. I recommend that you take steps to decrease the Social Security payroll tax rate to 3.0 % for the next 5 years, or for as long as it takes to return the two trillion dollar SS Trust Fund to the rightful owners; the Tax Payers. You have the authority to adjust Social Security Tax Rates. This would be a great Stimulus Package; $400 Billion each year for 5 years would create Buying Power in the hands of 160 million workers and their associated Employers. The Social Security Program should continue to be successful for at least the next 100 years by having each future generation pay for the Benefits of their generation; just as all the past generations have done. The pay-as-you-go System should continue to work successfully. There is no need to maintain a two trillion dollar Trust Fund in order to bail-out future generations. I hope that you will provide the Public with full accountability and transparency regarding your plans to stop overcharging the taxpayer and the return of the $2 trillion surplus to the rightful owners; the workers who are paying Social Security taxes and their associated employers. By the way, I did not receive an acknowledgement from your staff for my October 13, 2008 letter. Copies to: Sincerely President Barack Obama Peter P. Koliss USA Today Retire Bell Lab Engineer