SEATTLE — The 90th anniversary of Social Security did not pass quietly this week. Some advocates and lawmakers used the day to draw attention to their concerns about the program’s future.
“This is a promise that was made to the American public,” Advocacy Director for AARP Washington, Cathy MacCaul said. “Workers pay into this each and every paycheck, Social Security is there because we’ve earned it. We have earned this benefit. We want to make sure we protect and strengthen Social Security.”
RELATED | Trump marks 90th anniversary of Social Security Act with proclamation
MacCaul said while we celebrate 90 years of Social Security, it is not a time to become comfortable.
“As the administration is looking for waste, fraud, and abuse, what we’re saying is it’s not in Social Security,” she said.
Just how impactful is Social Security? Here are some quick numbers from AARP Washington:
- More than 1.4 million Washingtonians receive Social Security.
- 40% of beneficiaries 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their income.
- In Washington state alone, Social Security contributes an estimated $31.7 billion to the state’s economy.
Right now, the concern from Democratic leaders is the action that President Donald Trump could take, namely, privatizing Social Security.
“It’s the wrong idea,” Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) said. “This has provided stability for millions of people over decades, and we need to fight to protect it.”
Those concerns come after comments made By U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called a new Trump initiative a “backdoor for privatizing Social Security.” He later clarified in a social media post that the Trump Administration is “committed to protecting Social Security and to making sure seniors have more money.”
On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation honoring the 90th anniversary of Social Security. Afterwards, he said he will honor his “sacred promise” made on the campaign trail to protect the program.
“Under this administration, we’re keeping that promise and strengthening Social Security for generations to come,” Trump said.
SEE ALSO | New identity rules spark long waits and worries for Social Security recipients
Advocates, like MacCaul agreed that there are some improvements that could be made to advance the system, but said everyone needs a seat at the table if that is going to get done effectively.
“Let’s do this together. Let’s make sure we’re not making urgent, rash decisions that could impact the program overall,” MacCaul said. “We don’t want to relive the 1930s and the great depression, where older adults were standing in soup lines and bread lines. That is not purpose and dignity in your retirement.”
But Trump said there is no credence to any claims that Social Security will be gone away with under his administration.
“You keep hearing stories that in six years, seven years, Social Security will be gone, and it will be if the Democrats ever get involved because they don’t know what they’re doing, Trump said. “But it’s going to be around a long time with us.”
Source link
