Decades later, this program is still indispensable.

On this day in 1935, Social Security was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal. To this day, the program remains indispensable to ensuring economic security for people who are no longer able to work due to age, disability, or the death of a family breadwinner.

It’s been proven time and again that Social Security and social safety nets have a positive impact on our economy and the lives of millions of beneficiaries by: 

• providing financial stability; 
• reducing poverty, especially among the elderly; and 
• providing recipients with spending power, which in turn supports local businesses and services.

Today, roughly 1.2 million Massachusetts residents receive and rely on their Social Security benefits. On today’s anniversary, I can’t help but think about the sinister nature of the GOP’s coordinated attacks on programs like this — especially during this affordability crisis. 

As the cost of living is skyrocketing and families are struggling to afford necessities like groceries, medicine, and a roof over their heads, it is unconscionable that the GOP wants to undermine one of the few resources people can rely on. Social safety nets like Social Security, Medicare, and other vital programs are more than just line items in a budget; they are lifelines for folks struggling to make ends meet.

Look, if they want to impress their corporate donors by campaigning on a blueprint for slashing social safety nets, rolling back health care access, and eroding the progress we’ve made toward economic equity — so be it. But from where I sit, we simply cannot afford another Trump presidency. 

Over the next few months, we must redouble our fight to protect our communities and ensure that our government works for all of us, not just the wealthy and powerful.

In solidarity,

Jim