Dear friend,
It’s your Congresswoman, Gwen Moore. You may have heard that the conservatives’ so-called big, beautiful bill (H.R. 1) eliminates taxes on Social Security. You have even received an email from the Social Security Administration repeating this claim. I wanted to reach out to my constituents to clear up the confusion because this bill does not eliminate ANY taxes on Social Security. I repeat: H.R. 1 did not change how Social Security is taxed.
The conservative budget bill provides a temporary $6,000 tax deduction for individuals ages 65 and older and a $12,000 tax deduction for married couples. These temporary tax deductions apply to a person’s overall income, not just income from Social Security. Despite claims from conservatives, this provision does not benefit middle and low-income seniors since nearly half of seniors have lower incomes and didn’t pay income taxes prior to this bill’s enactment.
Additionally, this temporary tax deduction leaves out people who are younger retirees, disabled, widows, and family members of deceased workers who receive Social Security benefits. This deduction will expire in 2028. In contrast, the tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy are made permanent in H.R. 1.
Instead of helping strengthen Social Security, this Administration’s policies are attacking Social Security including through worsening customer service. The Trump administration has pushed out thousands of experienced Social Security Administration (SSA) staff and is making it harder to receive assistance through field offices and by phone, causing longer phone wait times.
Treasury Secretary Bessent has even said that new savings accounts created in the conservatives’ budget bill are a “backdoor to privatizing Social Security.” The conservatives in Washington are not protecting Social Security but are working to undermine this earned benefit.
As a member of the Ways and Means Social Security subcommittee, I am working with my colleagues in the minority of Congress to protect and strengthen Social Security. I have introduced legislation, the Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act, to improve its benefits to ensure more people can retire and age in dignity while extending the program’s long term financial standing. I will continue standing up for my constituents who depend on Social Security to survive.
Our Office is Here to Help
As always, my office is here to help. If you are a resident of WI-04 and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my district office 414-297-1140.
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Your friend,
Gwen
