Haley Stevens: “I remember so well when we faced the problem of dealing with Federal employees back in the 1980s. We determined that a…”

“I remember so well when we faced the problem of dealing with Federal employees back in the 1980s. We determined that a thrift plan was necessary. We encouraged members of the Federal employee workforce to set aside a portion of their income. For every $2 they set aside, the Federal Government agreed to match it with $1. I think this thrift plan has proved to be a decisive factor in maintaining the employment of key employees because it gave them a chance to reach out and be part of the general economy, to invest in the issues that were covered by the thrift plan management group. I do believe it has been a successful venture. I hope the exploration we make of the President's suggestion leads to a similar type of circumstance, to a similar development of the opportunity for everyone covered by Social Security to similarly participate in funds that are part of the general stock market, part of the general investments of the United States.”