Social Security Marks 90 Years Supporting 67 Million Americans

Social Security is celebrating its 90th anniversary, highlighting its critical role in providing financial security to over 67 million Americans, including 6.3 million Californians. Despite its longstanding reliability, the program faces significant challenges, including a growing backlog of retirement claims exacerbated by recent workforce reductions under the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk. In response to staffing shortages and public backlash, the Social Security Administration reversed a controversial anti-fraud policy that delayed retirement benefit applications and limited phone claims. Advocates emphasize the need for balanced reforms to protect benefits without overburdening working families, proposing measures such as reallocating defense spending, modernizing payroll taxes, scaling benefits for the wealthy, and sensible retirement age adjustments to secure the program's solvency beyond 2090. Individuals like retired professor Cyndi Greening underscore the importance of Social Security as a lifeline for retirees who rely exclusively on its benefits. Local events are being held to celebrate the anniversary and rally support for strengthening Social Security for future generations.