Social Security

HOUSE PANEL TO TAKE UP BACKDOOR ATTACK ON SOCIAL SECURITY

"This commission is a poison pill designed to slash Social Security and Medicare behind closed doors."

By Jake Johnson, senior editor and staff writer for Common Dreams, CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 Deed

Photo: House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Library of Congress

January 22, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- Social Security defenders sounded the alarm ahead of a Thursday House Budget Committee hearing and vote on the Fiscal Commission Act, bipartisan legislation that opponents say is a ploy to fast-track cuts to the popular New Deal program without political accountability.

"This commission is a poison pill designed to slash Social Security and Medicare behind closed doors," Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, said in a statement ahead of Thursday's markup. "The White House has accurately stated that such a commission is a 'death panel for Medicare and Social Security.'"


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NEW GOP HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON HAS PROPOSED TRILLIONS IN CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE

"Now that Johnson is speaker, he will do what the Republicans never stop doing—everything in their power to cut our Social Security and Medicare, by hook, crook, or commission." -- Alex Lawson, Social Security Works

By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams  CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

October 27, 2023 (Washington D.C.) The newly elected Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has previously proposed trillions of dollars in cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and suggested that slashing the programs should be the top priority of Congress.

During his tenure as chair of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) between 2019 and 2021, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) helped craft budget resolutions that called for roughly $2 trillion in Medicare cuts, $3 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts, and $750 billion in Social Security Cuts, noted Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress.


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DISABILITY AND SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS TO END IN 2021 AND 2023 DUE TO TRUMP PAYROLL TAX CUTS, AGENCY’S CHIEF ACTUARY WARNS

It’s bad enough that seniors and people with disabilities are bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using it as a subterfuge to undermine their financial security is unconscionable and unacceptable.” -- National Education Action

By Miriam Raftery

August 29, 2020 (Washington D.C.) – Disability payments will end next year and Social Security payments to the elderly will stop in 2023 under President Trump’s executive order to cut payroll taxes, which took effect Friday, unless alternative funding is provided, Market Watch reports. That dire warning was issued August 24 by the program’s Chief Actuary, Stephen Goss, in a letter to key Senators.

Effective Aug. 28, Trump’s executive order temporarily suspends the 6.2% payroll tax collections from employers for employees under $104,000, which is used to fund Social Security and disability payments. (Employers until now have matched a 6.2% deduction paid by workers.)

Trump wants to make that permanent if reelected. On Aug. 8, Trump stated, “If I’m victorious on Nov. 3, I plan to forgive these taxes and make permanent cuts to the payroll tax.” He made clear, “In other words, I’ll extend it beyond the end of the year and terminate the tax.”


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GARNISHMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR STUDENT LOANS IN DEFAULT SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY, AMAC SAYS IT WILL FIGHT TO MAKE IT PERMANENT

Source:   Association of Mature American Citizens 

Image by 3D Animation Production Company on Pixabay

March 25, 2020 (Washington, D.C.) - The Trump Administration has put a timely halt on the ability of the government to garnish Social Security benefits to pay for defaulted student loans for an indefinite period during the COVID crisis, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. 


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SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 15, 2019 (Washington D.C.) -- The Federal Trade Commission is warning the public about a surge in phone calls from scammers posing as Social Security agents. The imposters try to con people into providing their Social Security numbers or other personal or financial data.


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TRUMP BUDGET SLASHES SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID IN VIOLATION OF CAMPAIGN PROMISES

By Miriam Raftery

March 14, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – In direct contradiction to his campaign trail promises not to cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, President Donald Trump has proposed a budget that would deeply slash all of these programs—programs which help the elderly, the poor and the disabled.

“I was the first & only potential GOP candidate to state there will be no cuts to Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid,” Trump tweeted on May 7, 2015, adding, “Huckabee copied me.”  He repeated that pledge in media interviews and at rallies.

His proposed new budget, however, would cut trillions of dollars from Medicaid and Medicare. Social Security would also be slashed by $25 million over the next 10 years, including whacking $10 billion from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for people who are unable work.

The administration claims it will make up for these deep cuts in Social Security,Medicare and Medicaid programs by finding waste, fraud and abuse. But if not enough waste, fraud or abuse is found--and there have been years of efforts to do--benefits to recipients could be reduced reduced and some poor, disabled and elderly Americans might be denied medical or disability coverage completely.


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SCAMMERS POSE AS SOCIAL SECURITY EMPLOYEES TO CON SENIORS

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (San Diego) — Scammers posing as Social Security employees are calling people and trying to con them into giving out personal information that can be used for identity theft, warns the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).  The swindlers claim that recipients are due a cost of living increase in their Social Security benefits, then ask for personal information that could be used to rip off your Social Security payments by changing your address or account information.


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SOCIAL SECURITY UNDER ATTACK

 

By nadinabbott on March 6, 2017

Reprinted with permission from https://reportingsandiego.com

March 7, 2017 (San Diego) - The replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was released this afternoon. First off, this is not an alternative to the ACA. It marks up the bill. Second off, it also has a back door weakening of the Social Security Act of 1937.


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ASK THE RETIREMENT CONCIERGE: SIMPLE, BUT NOT EASY

 

 

By SharonAnn Hamilton

July 5, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Dear SharonAnn:

I will be 66 years old and retired by year-end. I am single, in good health, my parents are still living and healthy, and my grandparents passed away in their late 90s so it is likely that I have at least 30 years ahead. I am concerned that my nest egg will not last as long as I do. I want to know for sure! Is there a way to prove the projections made by my financial advisor? I have about $1.5M in 401K investments, I own my own home outright, and Social Security will be $2350 per month.

Signed: I want to KNOW for SURE!


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CONGRESS WEIGHS ESTATE TAX REPEAL

 

Update: The House has passed this measure, which now advances to the Senate.

By Miriam Raftery

April 16, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - This week, when most of us paid our taxes due on April 15th, the Republican majority in Congress is trying to push through H.R. 1105, a bill that would repeal the estate tax for millionaires and billionaires.


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ASK THE RETIREMENT CONCIERGE: CONTEMPLATING RETIREMENT

 

I am 59 years old and contemplating retirement, with dread. I just cannot imagine myself not going into work each day or being able to afford not working. What would I do with the time? I am alone at home and sometimes even on the weekends I get lonesome. My nest egg is comfortable but not luxurious. I wonder if it will last out my life, though. Guess I could live with my kids if necessary. Eeww! I often wake up at night thinking about my future and then cannot get back to sleep. Signed “Worried”

By Sharon Ann Hamilton

August 10, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Dear Worried, You are right to be worried! And you are not alone. July 13, 2014 research by US Census Bureau, Saperston, and Bankrate shows us that 80% of people, even as young as 30, do not believe theywill have enough money for retirement. In fact 35% rely completely on Social Security. 76% of people polled cite worries about money as a leading cause of stress. As we all have heard, stress can kill you.


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READER'S EDITORIAL: HOURS LEFT TO SAVE SOCIAL SECURITY

 

By Fred Griesbach

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

 

March 19, 2013 (Washington D.C)--In a matter of hours, the Senate could vote to cut your Social Security benefits.

President Obama is pushing a budget deal that would include a proposal called "chained CPI", a benefit cut that would take money straight out of your pocket – and some Senators want to take it.

Their vote could happen at any moment, so your Senators need to hear from you right now. Tell your Senators to keep your hard-earned benefits safe and say no to chained CPI.


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MILLILONS OF CALIFORNIA SENIORS, CHILDREN AND DISABLED COULD BE HARMED BY LAME DUCK CONGRESSIONAL DEAL TO CUT SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

Opponents to deliver photos of loved ones to be harmed by cuts at Rep. Hunter's office Wed. 

November 27, 2012 (Oakland)--Nearly 5 million Californians could be negatively impacted if Congress cuts Social Security, including 662,232 people with disabilities and 364,365 children, according to a new AFL-CIO report.

Of 11 million Californians who get health care coverage from Medicaid, 4.4 million children and nearly a million seniors could be affected if the lame duck Congress cuts Medicaid benefits. As the “fiscal cliff” approaches, members of Congress have suggested cutting these safety net programs, while calling for extending tax cuts benefitting the richest 2%.


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NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY/MEDICARE BACKS PETERS OVER BILBRAY

October 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- The National Committee to Protect Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), one of the most trusted, independent and effective advocates for these programs in the country since 1982, has endorsed Scott Peters for Congress, the Peters campaign announced today.

 NCPSSM President and Chief Executive Officer Max Richtman said they are endorsing Peters over Bilbray because they trust Peters to protect Medicare and Social Security, while Bilbray has voted repeatedly to cut these critical programs which protect many of America’s seniors from living in poverty.


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POSSIBLE IDENTITY SCAM ALERT FROM ALPINE SHERIFF

 
August 22, 2012 (Alpine) - Paula Dickenson, crime prevention specialist with the Alpine Sheriff's Substation, has sent the following alert to the community on a possible identity theft scam, along with information on how to protect yourself and your children from identity theft:

Here is an example of Suspicious Activity!  Please call us when this happens.  Never let a stranger into your home.


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PETERS MAKES CASE FOR ELECTABILITY IN NEW 52ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

 
In exclusive interview with East County Magazine, Peters talks about key issues in our region
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
May 30, 2012 (San Diego) –“I’m the candidate with the best record of working across the aisle to get things done,”  says Scott Peters, a Democrat. He is  one of ten candidates vying for the new 52nd Congressional district seat currently held by Republican Brian Bilbray.

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CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE LORI SALDAÑA SHARES VIEWS ON JOBS, HEALTHCARE, ENERGY POLICIES, VETERANS AND SENIOR ISSUES, AND THE FIGHT FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS

 
By Miriam Raftery
 
In an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, 52nd Congressional District candidate Lori Saldaña offered in-depth perspectives on top national issues—including the impacts of federal policies being felt in San Diego and East County. 
 
May 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Lori Saldaña knows how to be a tough competitor. A field hockey athlete  in college and outdoor enthusiast who led hikes through San Diego’s backcountry, she became our region’s Sierra Club President and sued to enforce environmental laws.  As an educator, she created successful job training programs. In Sacramento, she chaired  powerful committees and pushed through landmark legislation that she authored--including AB 32, California’s major measure to combat global warming and  SB 1, the million solar roofs initiative.  President Bill Clinton appointed her to co-chair a committee on water quality improvements for 10 U.S.-Mexico border states. Scrappy and determined,  she’s earned her reputation as a fighter with a winning  record.

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SDG&E WARNS CUSTOMERS ABOUT LATEST NATIONWIDE SCAM

 
Imposters Claim President Obama is paying utility bills

May 16, 2012 (San Diego) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of a scam that has impacted other utility customers in several states across the country. The scam claims that President Barack Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills. In some cases, scammers have asked for social security numbers in order to allow for credits or to apply payments to customers’ utility bills, presenting an identity-theft risk. According to reports, scammers have visited customers in person, posted fliers and used social media and texting to send messages claiming that President Obama will provide a credit or directly pay utility bills.  

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SYLVIA’S SOAPBOX: WHO CHEATS IN ELECTIONS? VOTERS OR MASTERMINDS BEHIND THE MACHINES?

 

By Sylvia  Hampton
 
May 15, 2012 (San Diego) -- Thirty states (not California) have enacted laws that require a photo-ID in order to vote. These laws are a violation of the Voting Rights Act and are unconstitutional, so they are always challenged in court. But right now---for this election, meet a woman in South Carolina: an 82 year old black woman who has been a registered voter in South Carolina since the Voting Rights Act was passed into law, has no government issued photo ID because she has always used public transportation and her birth certificate, (tucked into the family Bible) from Mississippi was lost in a fire---so she can’t vote.

 


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READERS’ EDITORIAL: THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CITY’S “RETIREMENT” ISSUES

 

By Joseph Asciutto, El Cajon
 
“If the current City retirement system is allowed to change, and the politicians then rape the retirement fund (like they did to Social Security) the citizens of San Diego will be in for massive financial problems in the form of unfunded liabilities.”
 
 
May 7, 2012 (San Diego)--I am a retired San Diego City firefighter and have followed the City's "retirement problem" since its genesis in the early 2000's. Very little of what is currently being disseminated is factual, and hopefully this letter will enlighten you so that others can also learn from your knowledge.  

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READER’S EDITORIAL: CARROTS WITHOUT STICKS

 

By David Secor, candidate, 50th Congressional District

May 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--When it comes to the current gridlock in Washington, average citizens are justifiably outraged as machine politicians refuse to take any meaningful actions.  They ignore the voters who sent them to Washington, yet work day and night for the special-interests who funnel big money to their campaigns.

 


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STATE CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES REPORTS SECURITY BREECH OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

 
March 31, 2012 (Sacramento) -- On March 12, the State learned that two contracted service providers, International Business Machines (IBM) and Iron Mountain Inc., could not locate several specialized computer storage devices containing information from the California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) involving more than 800,000 individuals.
 
The devices were in transit from IBM’s facility in Colorado to California. Upon arrival, several storage devices were missing.

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SUPER COMMITTEE FAILURE TRIGGERS STEEP CUTS IN DEFENSE, MEDICARE, VETERANS' BENEFITS AND MORE

By Miriam Raftery

November 23, 2011 (Washington D.C.) – The Congressional budtet “super committee” charged with reducing the deficit by $1.2 trillion over the next 10 years failed to reach a deal by Monday's deadline. This sets in motion triggers forcing automatic deep cuts starting January 2013 in Defense spending and social programs including Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits and food stamps.

The six Republicans on the 12-member committee demanded spending cuts in domestic programs listed above and sought to extend Bush tax cuts. Democrats wanted to raise taxes on millionaires, minimize cuts to social programs and add stimulus spending aimed at creating jobs while off-setting costs with savings from ending the Iraq War.


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SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS TO RECEIVE 3.6% INCREASE IN 2012

 

Cost-of-Living Adjustment is First Since 2009, but benefit may be offset by hike in Medicare premiums for some recipients

 

October 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012, the Social Security Administration announced today.


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MAJORITY OF PUBLIC OPPOSES CUTS IN MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY AS GOP PUSHES TO ELIMINATE OR SLASH PROGRAMS AS MEANS TO REDUCE DEFICIT


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WILL POWER REPORT: STOLEN SOCIAL SECURITY

 

Nothing but the Truth!

By Will Power

 

April 21, 2011 (San Diego)--The Republican House majority, which has been spending trillions on worthless wars, has suddenly decided that the government is spending too much. But instead of declaring victory and bring the U.S. Army home to watch the Mexican border, the Republicans have decided to cut Medicare and Social Security.


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READER'S EDITORIAL: COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOCIAL SECURITY FOR OUR SENIORS

By Francine Busby and Tracy Emblem

August 18, 2010 (San Diego) -- As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of Social Security, we are reminded of the profound transformation that Social Security has left on our society. Since its enactment in 1935, Social Security has provided a critical national safety net that Americans have come to value.

 

Prior to enacting Social Security, the concept of retirement and “the golden years” did not exist. The elderly either worked until they died, lived with family or were relegated to live in “poor houses” and “poor farms.”


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