Last month, conservatives in the United States Congress released their budget for 2025, and it’s safe to say their proposal would be disastrous for working families. The budget included cuts to Social Security and Medicare, two programs that Americans across the country rely on. Despite conservatives claiming for years that they don’t want to cut these essential programs, they have regularly included these cuts in their budget proposals.
Here is what we know about the conservative budget and the history of the conservative crusade against these essential programs:
Social Security is Essential
Over 65 million Americans collect Social Security benefits, which amounts to 1 in every 5 Americans. Social Security is an essential program created as a safety net to support people as they age and recognize the work people do throughout their lives. Every American pays into Social Security and is entitled to the benefits when they qualify.
Conservatives claim that Social Security is too expensive and unnecessary. Social Security helps keep millions of Americans out of poverty – not just older Americans but children. It is a fundamental program that supports hard-working Americans and their families. Progressives in Congress have fought to strengthen Social Security and Medicare by making the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share, reinforcing Social Security for years to come. Conservatives have blockaded the measures.
Conservatives Have a History of Proposing Social Security Cuts
Conservatives have attempted to cut Social Security and Medicare for years. They have tried to privatize both programs, raise the enrollment age, and require more frequent votes to reauthorize them. Conservatives have threatened to shut down the government if they don’t get the cuts they want.
Every budget proposal that Donald Trump released while he was President included cuts to both programs, and he has made references to wanting to make cuts if he wins the 2024 election.
Conservatives Extreme Positions
Conservatives have made their goals crystal clear by releasing their most recent budget. They want to raise the retirement age, cut benefits, and privatize the programs that Americans rely on.
Conservatives’ extreme views on Social Security and Medicare aren’t the only disturbing proposals in their budget. The budget also includes:
- Proposed cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
- Restricting abortion access nationwide.
- Cuts to universal school meal programs.
We Need to Hold Conservatives Accountable
We need to hold conservatives accountable for their extreme positions and fight to protect critical programs like Social Security, Universal School Meals, the Affordable Care Act, and more.
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