A rally outside a Social Security Administration office in Downtown LA urged Congress to reverse planned cuts to the program’s staffing.
Rally Outside SSA Office in Downtown LA Calls for Congress to Reverse Planned Cuts
A coalition of advocates and defenders of the Social Security System gathered outside a Social Security Administration office in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday, demanding that Congress reverse its plans to cut the program’s staffing. The rally attended by groups such as the California Alliance for Retired Americans and the American Federation of Government Employees, aimed to send a strong message to lawmakers to prioritize funding for Social Security and reject proposed cuts, according to the report of Audacy.
Cutbacks Would Devastate Benefits, Warns Representative
Representative Jim Gallagher of the California Alliance for Retired Americans emphasized that a half-billion-dollar cut in administrative funding would have a devastating impact on delivering Social Security benefits. Not only would it affect seniors, but also children who receive survivor’s benefits. “We’re here today to send the message to Congress that you need to fix it. You need to continue to fund it,” Gallagher urged. “Social Security lifts more Americans above poverty than any other organization.”
(photo: CNBC)
Lack of Staffing Leads to Unacceptable Delays
Jeff Cruz, representing the American Federation of Government Employees, pointed to the 8th Street office as an example of how past cuts have affected Social Security. “This office right behind me in L.A. five years ago had 44 workers in the office representing this area. Today, they’re down to 33 workers,” he said. As a result, service has suffered, with calls averaging a 45-minute wait. “If something happens to my wife and me,” Cruz said, “I want to make sure the guardian taking care of my kids gets the help they need and they shouldn’t have to wait 45 minutes to get a phone call.”
Groups Call for Action on Social Security 2100 Act
The rally also called for House GOP leadership to end obstruction on consideration of the Social Security 2100 Act, a bill aimed at reforming and elevating contribution levels from individuals earning $400K a year or more. This move would ensure Social Security remains funded through the rest of the century. With lawmakers facing pressure from both sides of the aisle, advocates are hoping their voices will be heard and prompt action on this critical issue.
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