Blue Press Journal

Tag: Social Security

  • Inside the PROMISE Act: The Behind-Closed-Doors Deal Targeting American Safety Nets

    by Winston Wendell

    Social Security in Danger

    Every time I look at Washington, D.C., I can’t help but shake my head at the tricks politicians pull. But this PROMISE Act sitting on my desk? That’s next-level. It’s political cynicism at its finest, and I won’t stay quiet about it—Americans deserve better than to have their most basic safety net tampered with behind closed doors.

    Illustration of a Social Security tree depicting working years, retirement, disability, survivor and veteran benefits, and healthcare support

    Let’s talk about what’s really in this bill, because it’s wild.

    The PROMISE Act hands control to four unelected members of the Social Security Advisory Board. They’d have just one month to come up with a fifty-year plan to fund Social Security. If they agree on something, Congress has to hold an immediate vote—right after an election, when we’re in that gray “lame-duck” zone before new members are sworn in. If the panel can’t agree? Then any single member of Congress can throw their own plan straight onto the House floor—no committees, no amendments, no real debate, nothing.

    Stop and think about that. They want to fundamentally change Social Security—the backbone for millions of retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors—at a moment when politicians who are leaving office have nothing to lose. They’re basically insulated from any backlash.

    For me and for millions of folks working hard everyday, that’s the exact opposite of democracy.

    And who’s behind this? A “bipartisan” group of senators: Bill Cassidy, Dick Durbin, Thom Tillis, Tim Kaine, John Cornyn, Angus King, and Alan Armstrong. Now look closer: five out of these seven are either retiring or already lost their next election. They don’t have to answer to anybody. They won’t stand behind cuts or a higher retirement age. They can just pull the trigger and walk away, leaving the rest of us to deal with the fallout.

    I’m not the only one calling this out. Advocacy groups are furious, as they should be. The AARP fired off a letter to Cassidy and Durbin, ripping them for trying to rush these changes without real public input. Max Richtman, he runs the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare—put it bluntly: lawmakers who aren’t facing another election have no business messing with people’s earned benefits. That’s basic accountability.

    Now, I’m not denying there’s a real problem. The Social Security Board of Trustees said back in June: if Congress does nothing, the trust funds only cover 78% of promised benefits starting in 2032. We need to fix that.

    But the folks pushing the PROMISE Act want to fix it on the backs of ordinary workers—with cuts, stingier cost-of-living raises, or hiking the retirement age.

    There’s a straightforward, fair solution that doesn’t hurt seniors or vulnerable people. The proposal is simple: make the wealthiest pay what regular folks already do. If you make more than $250,000, you’d pay payroll taxes on every dollar, just like everybody else.

    This isn’t just about keeping Social Security alive for 75 years—it’s about making it stronger. The plan actually increases yearly benefits by $2,400 for people. And voters agree. Eight out of ten support this, according to a Data for Progress poll.

    Still, Senate Republicans blocked my bill. Why? Because protecting the ultra-wealthy from paying taxes is practically a team sport in Washington.

    My message the whole Democratic Party: draw a bright line, no raising the retirement age, no benefit cuts, no watered-down cost-of-living hikes, no privatization, and no backroom deals in the

  • No, Trump Did Not End Taxes on Social Security, Yet another Lie

    Blue Press Journal – In recent months, President Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have claimed that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), signed into law in July, eliminated taxes on Social Security benefits. However, a review of the legislation — and independent fact‑checks — show that this is not true.

    What the OBBB Actually Did:
    The bill reduced the number of seniors who pay taxes on their Social Security benefits by raising the income thresholds at which those benefits become taxable. This means some retirees with modest incomes will no longer owe taxes on their Social Security. But for millions of Americans — particularly middle class and those with higher retirement incomes — taxes still apply. 

    The History of Social Security Taxes:
    Social Security benefits were not taxed at all until 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed bill that included taxing up to 50% of benefits for individuals earning above certain thresholds. In 1993 a law increasing the maximum taxable portion to 85% for higher‑income beneficiaries was passed. The OBBB did not repeal either of these taxation provisions; it simply adjusted the income thresholds upward.

    Expiration:
    The OBBB’s threshold increases are temporary. Unless Congress acts, they will revert to pre‑OBBB levels after the set expiration date.

    Social Security Benefit Taxation Thresholds

    Filing StatusPre‑OBBB Thresholds (1983–2024)OBBB Thresholds (2024–Expiration)Expiration Date
    Single$25,000 (up to 50% taxable), $34,000 (up to 85% taxable)$35,000 (up to 50%), $48,000 (up to 85%)12/31/2027
    Married Filing Jointly$32,000 (up to 50%), $44,000 (up to 85%)$45,000 (up to 50%), $60,000 (up to 85%)12/31/2027

    Bottom Line:
    Despite political claims, the OBBB did not eliminate taxes on Social Security. It temporarily raised the income thresholds, reducing the number of seniors affected, but millions still owe taxes on their benefits. Unless extended, the thresholds will revert after 2027, restoring the broader tax reach set by previous laws.

  • Medicare Part B Premiums to Surge 10% in 2026, Burdening Seniors

    Blue Press Journal – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a significant increase in Medicare Part B premiums for 2026, leaving many senior citizens under the Trump administration facing a substantial financial burden. According to the CMS notice, the monthly actuarial rates for Medicare Part B beneficiaries will rise to $405.40 and $585.60 for seniors and disabled enrollees, respectively.

    The 2026 premium will be $202.90, a 9.7% or $17.90 increase from the 2025 standard premium rate of $185.00. This jump is nearly twice the percentage increase seen in 2025, when the standard monthly Part B premium rate rose from $174.70 to $185. The increase comes as a harsh blow to seniors, who are already struggling with a mere 2.8% increase in Social Security payments in 2026, amidst rising inflation and grocery costs.

    Medicare Part B covers essential medical costs, including ambulance services, outpatient hospital services, certain prescription drugs, medical equipment, oxygen equipment, and services for substance use disorders. The significant premium hike will add over $200 to the annual costs for Medicare beneficiaries, further straining their finances.

    Critics argue that the Trump administration’s policies are exacerbating the financial woes of seniors and Americans with employer coverage. “Trump has taken action to raise costs for all Americans with employer coverage and is now hiking costs for people covered by Medicare by more than $200 a year,” said a health expert.

    As the premium increase takes effect in 2026, seniors and disabled enrollees will have to absorb the additional costs, potentially forcing difficult choices between essential healthcare services and other basic necessities. The CMS’s decision has sparked concerns about the affordability of healthcare for vulnerable populations, further highlighting the need for policymakers to address the growing financial burden on Medicare beneficiaries.

  • Senior Citizens Face Financial Strain as 2026 COLA Increase May Fall Short

    The Senior Citizen’s League (TSCL) has released its estimate for the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), predicting a 2.7% increase for retirees. While this marks a slight bump over the 2.5% increase seen in 2025, the organization believes it still fails to adequately address the rising costs of goods and services that seniors are facing.

    Trump administration, including tariffs that have led to increased costs for everyday goods. These costs are ultimately passed on to consumers, including seniors, who are already struggling to make ends meet.

    TSCL’s research indicates that many seniors believe the COLA fails to reflect their daily inflation. They argue that the metrics used, particularly the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners, overlook unique expenses like rising costs for medicine, housing, and groceries.

    In light of this, TSCL is calling for a catch-up payment to restore lost Social Security benefits and relieve retirees on fixed incomes. The organization cites past government initiatives, like the 2009 Economic Recovery Payments and COVID-era Economic Impact Payments, as examples of financial assistance in times of need.

    The economic policies of the Trump administration and the Republican Party have contributed to financial strain on senior citizens. Tariffs and other policies have increased costs for goods and services, affecting consumers, including seniors. Consequently, many seniors struggle to meet essential expenses like medicine, housing, and food.

    The TSCL’s estimate of a 2.7% COLA increase for 2026 highlights the necessity for policymakers to examine the economic challenges faced by senior citizens. As living costs rise, the government must ensure that Social Security benefits match inflation, so seniors are not left behind.

  • Exposing the Lies: OBBB and Social Security Misconceptions

    The claims made by the White House, President Trump, and Republican members of Congress regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) are patently false. Contrary to their assertions, the OBBB does not eliminate taxation on Social Security benefits. In fact, this is a promise that Trump made during his campaign, which the bill fails to deliver.

    The so-called changes to Social Security promised by Trump and his Republican congressional majority are more than just unrealistic—they’re a blatant fantasy! Enter the OBBB, strutting in with an enhanced tax deduction that claims to ease the financial strain on households by reducing annual income, including Social Security benefits. But don’t be fooled—this deduction is a mere mirage, set to disappear just four years after Trump leaves office. And here’s the kicker: this so-called relief will leave a significant number of Social Security recipients high and dry, especially those aged 62-64, who are outright ineligible for this fleeting handout.

    The White House has engaged in a blatant disinformation campaign, exemplified by a July 1 press release that falsely claimed the OBBB makes “No Tax on Social Security a Reality.” The Social Security Administration (SSA) has also been complicit in spreading this misinformation, sending out notifications to beneficiaries that wrongly stated the OBBB eliminates taxes on Social Security.

    Notably, the mainstream media has failed to condemn the Trump administration’s politicization of the SSA’s communications with Social Security beneficiaries. This lack of scrutiny has allowed the administration to misrepresent the OBBB’s impact on Social Security taxation and obscure its true effects on the program.

    The reality is that the OBBB does not eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits; instead, it weakens the program’s ability to pay out full benefits to current and future beneficiaries. The truth must be told: the Trump administration’s claims about the OBBB are false, and the bill’s actual provisions will have a negative impact on Social Security’s long-term viability. It is essential to correct the administration’s misinformation and ensure that the public is aware of the OBBB’s true consequences for Social Security.

  • States Face Significant Challenges from House GOP Medicaid Plan

    **States Face Significant Challenges from House GOP Medicaid Plan**

    The proposed Medicaid plan by the House GOP is poised to place a heavy burden on states as they seek to cut budgets to finance tax reductions for millionaires and billionaires.

    The new mandates outlined in the proposed legislation are likely to compel states to either overhaul their financing strategies for Medicaid programs or reduce benefits significantly. As the GOP unveils key provisions of its party-line domestic policy megabill, concerns are mounting that millions may be left without coverage.

    Among the health provisions included in the plan are new work requirements that could result in many individuals losing their health insurance. Additionally, a new cost-sharing requirement for certain beneficiaries is set to be introduced, capping their contributions at no more than five percent of their income.

    The Energy and Commerce Committee’s proposal also addresses contentious social issues, such as the recommendation to cut federal funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood. This committee has been tasked with identifying $880 billion in savings to help finance a substantial portion of the GOP’s tax cut and extension package.

    Preliminary estimates released by the Congressional Budget Office indicate that if the health-related components of this package were enacted, over 8.6 million individuals could become uninsured, with cuts totaling at least $715 billion.

    Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), the leading Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, criticized the bill, stating, “Republican leadership released this bill under cover of night because they don’t want people to know their true intentions. Taking health care away from children, mothers, seniors in nursing homes, and individuals with disabilities to provide tax breaks for those who do not need them is shameful.”

    As this situation unfolds, the implications for state budgets and the health coverage of millions remain a pressing concern.

    Also see: Republicans Unveil Medicaid Cuts For ‘Big, Beautiful Bill

  • Social Security and Medicare: Problem Solved

    Why didn’t Republicans consider this brilliant solution instead of attempting to slash Medicare and Social Security? Democrats have introduced a groundbreaking bill that would extend the solvency of these crucial programs.

    Social Security and Medicare are lifelines for millions of American seniors, protecting them from poverty and medical bankruptcy. Economic justice advocates have long argued that these programs could be strengthened and remain fully solvent if the wealthiest Americans, like Elon Musk, contributed more. On Thursday, two Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), reintroduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act.

    This bill aims to require individuals, with yearly incomes exceeding $400,000 to contribute a fairer share of their wealth to Social Security and Medicare. Working-class seniors who have paid into these programs their entire careers deserve a dignified retirement, yet they end up shouldering a disproportionate tax burden compared to billionaires due to a rigged tax code.  

    The legislation would lift the Social Security tax cap, ensuring that high-income taxpayers pay the same tax rate on all income exceeding the threshold. Currently, American workers only pay Social Security taxes on earnings up to just over $176,000.

    Republicans have proposed slashing Medicare to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, but this bill offers a more equitable solution. Without new revenue, the trust funds supporting Medicare and Social Security are projected to be fully solvent only through 2036.

    Endorsed by organizations such as Social Security Works, the National Council on Aging, and the Center for Medicare Advocacy, this legislation represents a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term stability of these vital programs. It’s time for the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share and protect the future of Social Security and Medicare for generations to come.

  • Social Security Under Trump: New Challenges for Beneficiaries

    The nationwide operations of Social Security are set to impose a significant burden on millions of individuals, especially those residing in rural areas or facing transportation and mobility challenges under the administration of Donald Trump.

    Those who are dependent on Social Security benefits should brace themselves for a frustrating reality: no longer can they casually update their direct deposit banking info with a quick phone call. Gone are the days of simply answering security questions—now, the agency demands a cumbersome multifactor authentication process, complete with a one-time PIN code that complicates matters even more, or the nuisance of trekking to a Social Security office in person.

    A recent warning from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) revealed that individuals will no longer be able to update their direct deposit banking information for Social Security benefits solely by phone. Despite claims from Trump officials within the SSA that this policy change aims to combat fraud, the agency’s own data indicates that direct deposit fraud is a minuscule issue, affecting less than one-hundredth of one percent of benefits.

    An analysis conducted by CBPP in April estimated that approximately 6 million individuals live more than 45 miles away from the nearest Social Security field office. This shift forces millions of Americans to visit Social Security offices while simultaneously reducing a significant portion of the workforce.

    Recent reports from NPR shed light on the struggles faced by SSA workers in meeting the needs of over 70 million beneficiaries with a reduced staff. Many individuals who supported Trump and rely on Social Security benefits are now facing the harsh reality that he is taking steps to impact their benefits, despite his promises to the contrary. The long journey to the Social Security office will give them ample time to reflect on their choices and the consequences of their vote. 

    How do they feel about Trump now?

  • Elon Musk’s wants to destroy Social Security … Really!

    Elon Musk, along with seven DOGE staffers made an appearance on Fox News Thursday. Musk, the de facto head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, faced criticism for his comments regarding Social Security recipients. Musk and his team were accused of spreading false information, lies  and baseless claims about Social Security fraud, as part of a larger Republican agenda to undermine the program.

    Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works (SSW), debunked the claims made by Musk and his team, stating that the fraud rate for Social Security is actually extremely low at 0.00625%. Critics have condemned the Trump administration for causing chaos within the Social Security Administration (SSA) by planning layoffs, budget cuts, and other disruptive policies.

    The chaos created by DOGE has resulted in the SSA website crashing multiple times and long wait times for those trying to contact the agency. Musk and Trump have both made disparaging remarks about Social Security, with Trump calling it a scam and Musk labeling it as the biggest Ponzi scheme in history.

    It is clear that Musk and Trump cannot be trusted to protect Social Security. It is imperative that we do not allow them to dismantle the vital benefits program that millions of Americans rely on. The future of Social Security must not be jeopardized by Trump’s reckless actions. 

  • Rep. Lawler Faces Backlash Over Social Security Office Cuts

    Numerous Social Security Administration offices nationwide are set to close this year, thanks to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and the Trump administration’s ambitious plan to downsize the government. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) caused quite a stir online when he criticized the closure of a Social Security office in his district, conveniently forgetting that he has been a loyal supporter of the Trump administration’s DOGE-led initiatives.

    Despite the new requirement for stricter identity verification measures to combat fraud, they say but who can believe this bunch, these closures will force millions of recipients and applicants to physically visit agency field offices instead of simply speaking with agency employees over the phone. Rep. Lawler, who has been enthusiastically endorsing DOGE’s antics, is now facing backlash from his constituents who are bearing the brunt of these closures.

    Lawler, like many Republicans, is quick to bow down to Trump’s whims and then complain about the consequences of policies he once championed. It’s time to hold him and his GOP colleagues accountable for their actions. Elon Musk’s generous campaign contributions seem to have clouded Lawler’s judgment, as he continues to defend DOGE’s so-called “necessary” efforts while feigning concern without actually taking any meaningful action.

    Perhaps in 2026, New York will elect a new congressman who prioritizes representing the people over cozying up to billionaire buddies like Musk. Until then, it seems like Lawler will continue to put his own interests above those of his constituents.