August 14, 2026

Alliance Members Push for Action to Protect and Strengthen Social Security as Financial Shortfall Looms

Today is the 91st anniversary of the Social Security Act, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law on August 14, 1935. 74 million Americans receive monthly Social Security benefits, including nearly 58 million older Americans. But these earned benefits are in danger. If Congress does not act, the Social Security Trust Fund will only be able to pay about 78 percent of benefits starting in 2032, automatically cutting benefits by 22 percent – $500 a month on average – for all current and future retirees.

Alliance members have mobilized across the country to highlight the importance of the earned benefit program and build support for
action to protect it. The Arizona Alliance joined Honest Arizona on Wednesday, August 5, to host a roundtable discussion featuring Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ). Rep. Grijalva updated members on the current state of Social Security and what needs to be done to protect it for current and future generations. Tomorrow, the Pennsylvania Alliance will host a Social Security town hall with Bob Brooks, the Democratic candidate for Congress for the 7th District.

Members from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont held a New England Alliance Regional Meeting last Friday, and presented Sen. Jack Reed (RI), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI), and Rep. Gabe Amo (RI) with Retiree Hero Awards, recognizing their 100% pro-retiree score in the Alliance’s 2025 Congressional Voting Record.

Other events were held in Texas, Nebraska, Ohio, and Michigan. In Florida, members presented Rep. Brian Mast (FL) with a Retiree Zero Award for his 0% pro-retiree voting record.

“Social Security just turned 91, and it’s more important than ever to the American people,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “Congress must make the wealthy pay their fair share into the system so we can avoid automatic benefit cuts and ensure Social Security is there for future generations.”