Texans Rally to Protect Social Security Amid Threats and Budget Cuts

Texans Stand United to Defend Social Security at 90

Amid growing concerns over the future of Social Security, Texans gathered in Brownsville to voice their opposition to recent policy changes. The rally, which coincided with the 90th anniversary of Social Security, was led by AFSCME Retirees Chapter 12 president Luther Elmore, who highlighted the reduction in staff and closure of field offices at the Social Security Administration (SSA), such as the one in Nacogdoches.

Elmore was not alone in his advocacy. He was joined by other labor advocates and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, who has been vocal in his opposition to the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This legislation, which was signed into law recently, has been criticized for cutting vital programs, such as Medicaid and food assistance, to fund tax reductions for the wealthiest Americans.

Rep. Gonzalez emphasized, "Medicare and Social Security are not handouts. These are sacred promises paid for by workers for their entire lives." He further described the legislation as "nothing but a cold attempt to strip millions of Americans and thousands of South Texans of their hard-earned benefits to benefit the ultra-wealthy."

The rally in Brownsville is one of many across the nation where AFSCME members are collaborating with legislators like Gonzalez, who oppose the bill, to raise awareness and push back against decisions they believe favor billionaires over working people.

Thursday marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security, a program initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression in 1935. Over the years, Social Security has expanded to provide benefits to over 70 million Americans, making it a crucial part of the social safety net.

Despite its importance, Social Security faces unprecedented challenges. Earlier this year, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was reported to have unlawfully accessed sensitive data within the SSA, potentially endangering the records of beneficiaries. Moreover, the recent budget bill is seen as a threat to the benefits of current and future retirees, prioritizing tax cuts for billionaires over the welfare of the general populace.