From Affordable Virginia:
NEW REPORT: Social Security Supports 1 in 3 Virginia Veterans
Affordable Virginia and National Partnership for Women and Families Detail Report in Roundtable in Virginia Beach
(Photo Credit: Donte Lassiter)
Virginia Beach, VA – This weekend, Affordable Virginia and the National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF) hosted a round table as part of Protect Our Checks Day of Action, and released a new report detailing how Social Security benefits Virginia veterans and their families. This gathering was a key component of a larger day of action with over 50 events across the country, aimed at highlighting the importance of keeping Social Security solvent for current and future beneficiaries.
Read the full report HERE.
During the roundtable, experts as well as local veterans and seniors discussed their experience and knowledge navigating the Social Security Administration. The report details the impact of this essential program in providing financial security, support, and well-being to our elderly and disabled neighbors as well as children who have lost parents.
(Photo Credit: Donte Lassiter)
Social Security is an earned benefit that is part of the contract our government made with everyone who has paid into it since they worked their first job, with over 277,000 veterans in Virginia currently receiving this crucial benefit. Under the Trump administration, cuts to Social Security’s staffing, local offices, and even funding are threatening to break that contract.
(Bill Robinson – Photo Credit: Donte Lassiter)
“Jen Kiggans says she supports military retirees and veterans, but she’s done little to actually ensure our benefits are protected. People budget around their Social Security. When politicians play games with it, they are gambling with our medicine, our groceries, and our basic necessities,” said Bill Robinson, Army Veteran and resident of Isle of Wight. “Veterans like my father and I can’t afford to be political talking points, and we need leaders who will fight for us. We hope Rep. Kiggans will reconsider and start protecting Social Security.”
“Social Security is one of the most successful programs in our country’s history, ensuring everyone is able to live their lives with dignity,” said Emily Yeatts, Affordable Virginia Campaigns Director. “Many of those recipients are veterans who continue to face cuts to their benefits. We can’t let Social Security be next. These are men and women who have given so much to our country and continue to enrich our communities. We know that life is not getting any cheaper, making Social Security all the more important for our seniors, veterans, and neighbors with disabilities. We have heard Rep. Kiggans claim to support Medicaid and then turn around and vote to cut its funding – we know that her colleagues have their eyes on Social Security next. We hope Rep. Kiggans can stand up for Social Security and protect our checks.”
(Shartia Gruberg, second from left – Photo Credit: Donte Lassiter)
“Social Security is a benefit – and a promise – that no one who has earned it should ever have to worry about losing,” said Sharita Gruberg, Vice President for Economic Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families. “Alongside our friends and partners at Affordable Virginia, we won’t stop fighting the Trump administration’s attacks on Social Security and working people’s rights overall.”
(Photo Credit: Donte Lassiter)
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About Affordable Virginia
Affordable Virginia is fighting to make Virginia an affordable place for all. Virginians work hard day in and day out to make ends meet and build a better future for themselves and their families.
