While there has been no direct action or any legislation proposed to implement mandatory Social Security coverage, recent meetings with majority and minority staff on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security revealed that "there have been conversations about the mandatory issue." Apparently, these "conversations" have occurred in the context of informal member discussions about ways to pay for the repeal of the government pension offset and windfall elimination provision, as well as provide funds to boost the solvency of Social Security. Staff hastened to add that no member was taking the lead in considering proposing mandatory coverage. Also, staff referred to mandatory coverage as a "political killer" and said that most members "think it is a bad idea."

The "conversations," however, clearly point out that mandatory coverage is always near the table. Under pay-as-you-go rules that force members constantly to search for funds, the dangers are increased.

The key to the entire discussion with staff was their use of the term "political killer." While we have many powerful policy arguments against mandatory coverage, our ace-in-the-hole has always been the politics of the issue. Another hotly-contested campaign season in 2008 should be helpful on this point.

All of this goes to point out once again the importance of CPRS members being proactive rather than reactive. Now that we know that lawmakers are having conversations about mandatory coverage, it is all the more crucial that coalition members implement the following strategies:

1. Identify the staff member responsible for Social Security in each of your state's congressional offices and contact them to make sure they know who you are and how you feel about mandatory coverage.
2. Continue to educate each of the members of your delegation through calls, letters, e-mails and personal visits.
3. Meet with stakeholder groups in your state to ensure that everyone is on the same page message-wise and is prepared to act.
4. Make sure your data regarding the impact of mandatory coverage are current and you are able to summarize your opposition in a brief, powerful manner.
5. Educate governors and key state officials, and ask them to oppose mandatory coverage not only with congressional delegations but also within organizations such as the National Governors Assocation and the National Conference of State Legislatures.
6. Educate members of your system. When members of Congress are in their districts, it is important that they hear clear and consistent messages about the evils of mandatory coverage.