AFSCME Retiree Urges Congress to Protect Social Security from Cuts

Social Security Advocate Calls for Action Against Proposed Reforms

Social Security has played a crucial role in the lives of countless Americans, as highlighted by AFSCME Retiree Sue Conard. At just three years old, Conard's family relied on Social Security survivor’s benefits following her father's death. This support continued to be a lifeline through her formative years.

In her career as a public health nurse, Conard witnessed the impact of Social Security firsthand. She recounted the story of an elderly patient in rural Wisconsin who managed to live independently post-surgery, thanks to the benefits she received. Conard herself benefited from these programs after her husband passed away, allowing her to maintain her standard of living.

Speaking at a congressional hearing organized by pro-worker lawmakers, Conard emphasized the need to shield Social Security from proposed changes by influential figures such as Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Her plea was clear: Protect the program from chaos and confusion.

Conard testified before the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, criticizing the administration for creating uncertainty among beneficiaries. She supported AFSCME's legal action, which successfully barred DOGE staff from accessing sensitive personal records. This led to threats from the administration to close down the Social Security Administration, a move they later retracted.

Directing her concern towards the White House, Conard highlighted measures that could undermine Social Security, including staff cutbacks and potential office closures. "The administration has made irresponsible staff reductions, threatened to close field offices and reduce telephone services, and brought back cruel overpayment policies," Conard stated, stressing the impact on retirees and people with disabilities.

Adding to the urgency, Musk has been accused of spreading misinformation in Wisconsin, suggesting that noncitizens were wrongfully issued Social Security numbers. However, these numbers are legitimately assigned to legal immigrants who contribute to the U.S. economy.

Reflecting on his own journey from noncitizen to naturalized U.S. citizen, Musk's actions were called into question by Conard. "The Elon Musk DOGE team and the Trump administration have produced zero evidence of fraud while undermining a program 69 million Americans rely on," she asserted. Conard's call to action was firm: Safeguard Social Security for the generations to come.