Naugatuck Times

FARMINGTON – On June 9, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced their Social Security 2100 Act to strengthen Social Security’s solvency and expand benefits.

“Social Security benefits have come under attack countless times since becoming law. This is why we must act now to protect the livelihoods of older Americans and others across the nation. Congressman Larson and I have worked closely with experts to craft legislation that will not only help the elderly but children and disabled individuals as well,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “In 2033, benefits will be cut by more than 20% which would devastate millions of Americans. That is why it is imperative that we pass Social Security 2100 now.”

“We are always striving for the best outcomes for the Fifth District and Connecticut as a whole. This legislation would provide the best outcome. The Social Security 2100 Act will expand and revitalize Social Security benefits and protect the solvency of the system for generations to come. I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect this crucial safety net,” Hayes continued.

“As Americans are faced with a global pandemic, supply chain crisis and rising costs, I am thrilled to partner with Congresswoman Hayes to announce a plan of action that will secure and expand the number one anti-poverty program for the elderly, for children, and a disability plan that more veterans rely on than the VA,” said Congressman Larson. “Social Security 2100 will provide an across-the-board benefit increase for the first time in more than 50 years and ensure benefits keep pace with inflation.

“Rep. Hayes has been a tireless advocate for students, teachers, and disabled Americans. Her leadership ensured their voices are heard in this plan. Our legislation will increase access to benefits for children living with grandparents or other relatives and restore student benefits up to age 26, end the dangerous 5-month waiting period for disability benefits, and finally repeal the WEP/GPO that penalizes public servants. We can strengthen Social Security for years to come and support the most vulnerable Americans who need our help now by ensuring the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share,” Larson continued.

“Congressman John Larson and Jahana Hayes’ Social Security 2100 Act preserves and strengthens Social Security into the future so it will be there for our children and grandchildren,” said Bette Marafino, President of the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans.

“Because the Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduces public employees’ Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of their public pension, 9 out of 10 people lose their entire spousal benefit, even though their spouse paid Social Security taxes for many years. As WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) reduces the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security, hard-working people lose a significant portion of the benefits they have earned themselves, said Stacie Harris-Byrdsong, AFSCME Council 4 President. “What this means, in real terms, is that hundreds of thousands of public servants such as social workers, school support staff, librarians and police officers are losing the benefits they earned through a lifetime of public service. Social Security 2100 will right those wrongs. When you dedicate your life to public service, you and your family should be able to retire with dignity and this legislation ensures our members and those across the country will be taken care of moving forward. Our union, AFSCME Council 4, fully supports these repeals within this legislation.”  

“Connecticut is facing an epic teacher shortage that is forcing school closures, early dismissals, and lost learning time for students—and that crisis is deepening by the day. In addition to a rapid rise in teacher vacancies, we are also seeing steep declines in the number of people entering the profession,” said Joslyn DeLancey, CEA Vice President. “We must address the barriers that keep people from choosing teaching careers, and a good place to start is by repealing WEP and GPO penalties that strip Connecticut educators of Social Security benefits they have earned in other jobs.”

“The New England Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America is proud to endorse Social Security 2100. We are grateful for Congressman Larson and Congresswoman Hayes’s consistently strong leadership on behalf of paralyzed veterans. More than 9 million veterans and their families receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits from Social Security. Congress must strengthen and protect our nation’s social security system- our veterans’ lives depend on it,” said Brad Carlson, President of the New England Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“Social Security was created to protect every American against the hazards and vicissitudes of life.  Social Security 2100 will expand the promise made to Americans in the New Deal and help ensure that everyone who pays into the system will be able to receive their promised benefit” said Sherry Jackson, Vice President of AFGE Council 220.  

“Our 12,000 retirees are worried about the prospect of a 20% cut to their monthly benefit in just nine short years, for many of them, that will mean they cannot afford their medication, groceries or rent,” said Travis Woodward, President of CSEA SEIU Local 2001 representing 25,000 members, including 12,000 retirees, “But it is not just our retirees who are concerned about Social Security, all of our members are worried - especially our youngest workers who are seeing their retirement date get pushed further and further off with the prospect of a diminished Social Security benefit. We need Social Security 2100 so that all workers can retire in dignity.”

A fact sheet on the bill can be found here. 

Original source can be found here.