On 88th Anniversary of Social Security, Democrats Fight to Strengthen Program While GOP Pushes for Cuts
MADISON, Wis. —Generations of Wisconsinites worked hard to earn their Social Security benefits, understanding the program would be there to support them once they reached retirement. Yet, Wisconsin Republicans are trying to break that promise, having launched relentless attacks that threaten the future of Social Security and the earned benefits of millions of Wisconsinites.
MAGA Republicans have proposed devastating cuts to Social Security:
- Donald Trump admitted cuts to Social Security could be on the table in a second term and proposed gutting the program every single year he was in office.
- Ron Johnson wants to put Social Security on the chopping block annually and deny Wisconsinites the benefits they have paid into all their lives. Johnson, who frequently attacks Social Security as a “Ponzi Scheme,” has also voted to raise the retirement age to 70 and supported another ultra-MAGA plan that would sunset Social Security in five years.
- As members of the Republican Study Committee, Bryan Steil, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, and Scott Fitzgerald backed plans to raise the age of eligibility for Social Security and privatize the program.
- Derrick Van Orden introduced legislation that would lead to deep cuts to Social Security, threatening the earned benefits of millions of 1.2 million Wisconsinites.
- Potential GOP Senate candidate Eric Hovde (R–Laguna Beach) would also put Social Security on the chopping block. Hovde has said he “absolutely” wants to cut Social Security benefits, raise the retirement age, and cut lifelines for struggling families.
While Republicans threaten Wisconsinites’ earned Social Security benefits, President Biden and congressional Democrats are fighting to strengthen and protect Social Security. Senator Baldwin joined Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to protect and expand Social Security, and in his 2023 State of the Union address, President Biden called on Congress to commit to taking cuts to Social Security and Medicare off the table.
“From calling Social Security a Ponzi Scheme to proposing devastating cuts to the program that more than a million Wisconsinites rely on, it’s clear that Wisconsin Republicans are dead set on launching dangerous attacks on Social Security, putting the entire program at risk,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson Haley McCoy. “In the face of these relentless attacks—and on Social Security’s 88th birthday—Wisconsinites can trust that President Biden, Senator Baldwin, and Democrats in Congress will protect Social Security and ensure Wisconsin seniors can retire with dignity thanks to the benefits they’ve earned.”
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