In a stance of solidarity with community members and leaders in the labor movement, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García spoke out against the proposed cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by the Trump administration, detailing the impact such reductions would have on various demographics, particularly those within his Illinois’ 4th Congressional District. At a bilingual press conference that was emphatically joined by disability advocates and union representatives, García lambasted the attempts to slash SSA employee numbers as well as the reduction of Spanish-language services, which could profoundly affect seniors, individuals with disabilities, and Spanish-speaking immigrants. "Social Security isn’t a gift — it’s something paid into and earned. But right now, the Trump administration is slashing jobs, shutting down services, and targeting immigrant communities. This is not about saving Americans money — it’s about making the rich even richer. We’re here to say clearly: Hands off Social Security. Eliminating services in Spanish is more than bad policy — it's a civil rights crisis. We won’t let it be dismantled without a fight," García stated.
According to the union leaders who joined García, the Social Security system is already grappling with its lowest staff levels in five decades, even as it serves a record number of beneficiaries. The Trump administration's plan to potentially lay off additional workers could spawn a crisis in public service. Jessica LaPointe, AFGE Council 220 President, and Cheryl Bellamy-Bonner, AFGE Local 1395, representing Social Security field workers, highlighted the administration’s reckless plan to cut 7,000 more workers, stressing that "This understaffing is creating a public service crisis," in a statement given during the event.
Disability rights organizations such as Access Living are underlining just how vital Social Security is for Americans living with disabilities, many of whom exist precariously close to or within the bounds of poverty. An alarming statistic pointed out by Michelle Garcia, Manager of Organizing and Community Development at Access Living, stresses that "There are more than 11 million disabled Americans under the age of 65 who rely on benefits from the Social Security Administration. When a local field office is closed, the number of people receiving disability benefits nearby drops by 16 percent. This cuts families from lifesaving financial support," according to a statement obtained from the press release.
For the elderly population who depend on Social Security for their basic necessities, the prospect of delayed or lost checks due to staff shortages is disastrous. Richard Juarez, Executive Director of Solutions for Care, brought this critical issue into focus, noting, "For our seniors, Social Security isn’t extra money. It’s how they pay the rent, buy food, cover prescriptions, and keep the lights on. A delayed check or a lost claim can throw their entire life into crisis. We have a responsibility to protect the dignity of our elders. We’re not going to wait for this crisis to get worse. We’re raising our voices now, because our seniors can’t afford to be ignored," as he was quoted in the congressman's press release.
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