Retirees and disability advocates in California protested cuts to Social Security benefits at House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s Bakersfield office on Friday.
The California Alliance for Retired Americans organized the march, which drew supporters and advocates from around the state.
Participants demanded that Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits for seniors and people with disabilities be left alone.
Protesters argued that many individuals rely on these programs for health and retirement security, and that cuts could lead to catastrophic results.
While McCarthy’s office said in response that the speaker has consistently stated that these cuts are off the table, protesters vowed to continue their fight until their voices are heard.
According to a report from the Congressional Budget Office, the Social Security balance and trust funds could decline to zero by 2033, after which the Social Security Administration may not be able to pay full benefits when they are due.
The federal government could maintain the necessary trust fund balances through 2096 by raising payroll tax rates by about 4.9% after that time.
