CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey today stood with Congressman John Larson and other workers, retirees, and advocates from across Connecticut to call out the reported plan to gut the Social Security Administration.
“This has nothing to do with governmental efficiency and everything to do with finding $2 trillion to pay for another round of tax breaks for the wealthy,” said Larson, standing with supporters outside of the East Hartford Social Security field office. “Social Security already operates with administrative costs of under one percent with staffing at a fifty-year low. These cuts will result in the delay, disruption, and denial of hard-working Americans’ earned benefits.”
He added, “When I return to Washington next week, I will be introducing legislation to halt their plan to close field offices.”
“Ensuring a stable and available workforce to administer the critical services Americans depend on is more important than ever,” said DeLancey. “The implementation of the new Social Security benefits for teachers and other public servants under the new Social Security Fairness Act passed in January is essential to supporting the livelihoods and retirement security of millions of Americans. Any delays in this process impact not only the financial well-being of our dedicated educators but also the ability of countless individuals and families to receive the benefits and funds they need to pay their bills, buy groceries, and cover rent or mortgage payments during these difficult times. Prioritizing this implementation is critical to upholding our commitment to those who have served our communities.”
“This is cruel,” said Bette Marafino, president of the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans. “We know that for years Social Security offices have been understaffed and underfunded. Forty percent of seniors rely on Social Security as their sole income every month—to delay checks would be absolutely cruel.”
Marafino thanked Larson and the other members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation for their steadfast support for Social Security and called on Connecticut residents to reach out to family and friends who live in other states and ask them to urge their members of Congress to fight to preserve the Social Security Administration.
“We all must stand together and make our voices heard,” DeLancey said. “Retirees are counting on us.”
