Letter: Bentz does nothing to protect SSA, other programs

The Social Security Administration keeps many older Americans out of poverty and is a life saver for disabled people. Nevertheless, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, are actively destroying SSA, with Rep. Cliff Bentz’s blessing.

SSA sends payments to 73 million people each month. It is the primary source of income for forty percent of older Americans.

SSA’s staff of 57,000 is at the lowest level in 50 years but functions very efficiently.

The SSA programs include retirement insurance, disability insurance, supplemental snsurance (SSI) for elderly, blind and disabled, Medicare, survivors benefits and issuance of Social Security numbers.

Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt 90 years ago, the SSA was later expanded to include agricultural and domestic workers and disabled Americans, Medicare and Medicaid .

SSA is now under attack by Musk, who calls Social Security” the biggest Ponzi scheme of all times.” Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” has forced out senior officials with expertise in running the complex technology and plans to eliminate up to 50% of its workforce, terminating leases for dozens of SSA field offices,

Meanwhile Bentz is doing nothing to protect SSA and other vital government agencies that serve poor, older and rural Americans. All so he can cut taxes for the very wealthy.

Tell Rep. Bentz how these cuts will hurt you, your family and your community. If he does not look after the interests of the people in our district, in 2026, we should send someone back to Washington who does.

Martin Albert

Ashland

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