House Republicans Discuss Raising Social Security Retirement Age and Cutting Benefits During Hearing

On Tuesday, the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee held a hearing about the future of the Social Security Trust Fund. 

Lawmakers examined options for keeping Social Security fully funded after 2033. House Republicans touted their plan to cut $1.5 trillion in Social Security’s funding and raise the retirement age. They also failed to consider solutions that would raise revenue, like lifting the cap on income subject to payroll tax, as viable alternatives. Ranking Member Rep. John Larson (D-CT) and other House Democrats expressed their opposition to benefit cuts, pointing out that “cutting Social Security doesn’t solve the problem, it exacerbates it.” 

A new Gallup poll shows that Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 are extremely concerned about future threats to Social Security and Medicare. More than 80% said they are “worried” or “extremely worried” that Social Security will not be there for them when they are eligible for it, and more than 70% reported having these same thoughts about Medicare.

“Despite Social Security and Medicare being strong and solvent, the future of our benefits are on the ballot this November,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We must elect pro-retiree candidates to ensure that these earned benefits continue to be there for current and future generations of retirees.”

Alliance Endorses Colin Allred for U.S. Senate

Members of the Texas Alliance proudly announced their endorsement of Congressman Colin Allred for election to the U.S. Senate  on Saturday, citing his commitment to protecting earned Social Security and Medicare benefits.

“Rep. Allred has already proven as a member of the U.S. House that he will look out for older Texans in the U.S. Senate. He has earned a perfect lifetime score of 100% in the Alliance’s annual Congressional Voting Record,” said Gene Lantz, President of the Texas Alliance. “We trust him to work to preserve our hard earned Social Security and Medicare benefits. He knows that 4.4 million Texans rely on Social Security benefits every month. As a senator, Colin will continue the fight for our earned benefits for current and future generations.”

In addition to his dedication to Social Security and Medicare, Representative Allred has voted to require Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors, cap insulin copays at $35 per month, cap out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 per year, and make necessary vaccines free for all Medicare beneficiaries. Ted Cruz voted against the same legislation.

“Every Texan deserves the freedom to retire with dignity and live their version of the American dream,” said Representative Allred. “My mom is a retired teacher on Medicare and a fixed income, so I know how important these benefits are to our seniors. I will never stop fighting to lower costs and protect Medicare and Social Security – which Ted Cruz has voted to cut time and time again. I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Alliance for Retired Americans and their 155,000 members in Texas and look forward to working alongside them in the Senate to ensure secure retirement for every Texan.”

Eddie Morgan, an Alliance member from Texas, spoke about his reliance on Social Security and Ted Cruz’s repeated efforts to slash Social Security funding. Read the full press release here.

Alliance Hosts Western Regional Meeting in Las Vegas

The Alliance hosted its Western Regional meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Members from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming discussed the 2024 elections, collaborated on ways to build support for retiree issues including lowering drug prices and expanding Social Security, and brainstormed ideas for bringing younger workers into the movement. Alliance Executive Director Richard Fiesta talked about the upcoming election and the importance of turning out the senior vote. 

National AFGE Vice President Jason Anderson, AFGE Council 220 Regional Vice President Stephanie Rodriguez, AFGE Legislative Representative Jeff Cruz, and AFGE Local 2014 President Shaunellia Ferguson presented solutions for improving Social Security’s customer service and highlighted joint actions between AFGE and the Wisconsin Alliance urging Congress to support SSA workers.

Western Regional Meeting attendees hold signs urging Congress to take action to support the Social Security Administration and its workers.

Arizona Alliance President Linda Somo and Arizona Alliance Executive Director Dora Vasquez presented their work raising awareness about the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy benefits and highlighting opportunities for seniors to save money on energy costs. They also discussed how they have been able to build connections with younger activists through this work.

Carolyn Boller (CAN), Steve Kofahl (AFGE), Hene Kelly (AFT), and Sheila Lieder (CWA) were all re-elected as Western regional board members.

Registration is still open for the remaining regional meetings — the dates are: Southern, June 11-12, 2024; and Northeast, July 30-31, 2024. Strengthen your skills as a retiree activist! Make sure you’re ready to help elect pro-retiree candidates this November and win the fight for retirement security. Click here to find your region and register.

All meeting attendees will participate in four interactive workshops with fellow retiree activists. For more information, please contact Joni Jones by calling 202-637-5377 or e-mail [email protected]. 

Alliance Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month

The Alliance wishes all of our members a Happy Pride Month this June!

Many LGBTQ+ individuals still lack basic federal legal protections in the workplace. Currently, 16 states have no laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, putting LGBTQ+ workers at risk of abuse and discrimination.

Pride at Work, the AFL-CIO’s LGBTQ+ constituency group, reminds us that a union contract offers the best protection for these workers. Union contracts are legally binding in every state, and can fill in the gaps for individuals living in states without protections. Pride At Work even offers model language for union leaders and workers who want to ensure their contracts are LGBTQ+ inclusive.

“Pride month reminds us that all Americans want to live and work without fear of discrimination or dismissal,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We all must continue our fight for workplace equality without restrictions.”

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