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Committee adopts resolution urging federal protection of Social Security
Summary
The committee unanimously approved AJR 8 urging Congress and the federal administration to protect Social Security benefits and oppose reductions; author and witnesses said cuts would increase poverty among seniors and disabled Californians.
Assemblymember Shavo presented AJR 8, a resolution calling on the federal government to protect Social Security benefits, field offices, and staffing levels. The author and witnesses said Social Security is an earned benefit and that cutting benefits or closing field offices would raise poverty among seniors and people with disabilities.
Keith Umamoto of the California Alliance for Retired Americans testified in support, saying Social Security has dramatically reduced poverty among older Americans and provides essential monthly income for millions of Californians. Witnesses also cited recent federal staffing reductions at the Social Security Administration and warned that office closures or layoffs would harm access to benefits.
Committee action: The committee adopted the resolution by voice/roll call and placed it on hold; the roll call reflected sufficient votes for approval. Several members urged removing the names of specific federal political figures from the text to avoid politicizing the resolution; Assemblymember Lackey said he would support the resolution if the text focused on the program rather than naming individuals.
Next steps: AJR 8 was approved by the committee and will be transmitted per Assembly procedures. The author said the resolution seeks to send a clear statement that cuts to Social Security would be unacceptable and asked members for an "aye" vote.
