1.   He said that people on social security benefits and those just above benefit level should receive compensation in full for increased fuel costs.

2.   Any proposal to increase unemployment insurance taxes to preserve benefit levels during a recession would be met with strong resistance from the business community.

3.   At the same time, LeCompte recognizes that benefits levels may have to be raised.

4.   Benefit levels are based on average earnings during peak working years.

5.   But benefit levels and current tax rates would remain unchanged, he said.

6.   But he said his plan would set a guaranteed benefit level that all retirees could count on even if their investments performed poorly.

7.   But the formula was flawed, Social Security says, and benefit levels actually rose faster than inflation.

8.   But the Democrats say they will fight any reductions in benefit levels.

9.   But they would have far more freedom than they now have to define eligibility, adjust benefit levels and design their own programs.

10.   California has the sixth-highest benefit level in the country, according to its Supreme Court brief.