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Assembly committee adopts resolution urging protection of Social Security benefits
Summary
The committee unanimously adopted AJR 8, a resolution urging federal officials to protect Social Security benefits and opposing cuts, with advocates warning that reductions would increase poverty among seniors and disabled Californians.
Assemblymember Shavo presented AJR 8 and described Social Security as a foundational benefit for millions of Californians, telling the Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement that the program provides income and health‑insurance support to seniors, veterans and people with severe disabilities.
Keith Umamoto of the California Alliance for Retired Americans told the committee that Social Security transformed poverty levels among older Americans and that reductions would risk higher poverty among seniors. Testimony cited impact figures offered during the hearing: the average monthly Social Security payment noted in committee was approximately $1,865 and the median benefit cited was about $1,766, figures supporters used to compare benefit levels with average rent in California.
Witnesses warned that recent federal actions, including the removal of Social Security Administration staff and local office closures, make protections urgent. Multiple labor and retiree groups testified in support; no formal opposition witnesses appeared. Committee member remarks included appeals to avoid politicizing the issue; Assemblymember Lackey asked that named political figures be removed from the resolution to keep the focus on policy.
The committee adopted the resolution by voice and roll call and re‑referenced it for further processing. The motion, made by Assemblymember Boyner and seconded by Assemblymember Garcia, carried with a unanimous recorded vote among members present. Supporters asked the committee to send a strong message to federal officials against cuts to Social Security.
