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As Elon Musk looks on, Trump says he's giving DOGE even more power; Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak; NV lawmaker proposes new date for Indigenous Peoples Day; NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection; Closure of EPA branch would harm VA environment.

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A court weighs the right of New York City noncitizens to vote in local elections, Vice President Vance suggests courts can't overrule a president, and states increasingly challenge the validity of student IDs at the ballot box.

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Medical debt, which tops $90 billion has an outsized impact on rural communities, a new photography book shares the story of 5,000 schools built for Black students between 1912 and 1937, and anti-hunger advocates champion SNAP.

Advocates urge Congress to fix Social Security before cuts necessary

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Wednesday, October 25, 2023   

Social Security is a critical benefit for older Americans, which is why advocates want Congress to start working now to ensure the program is maintained for future generations.

Susan Nesbella, a volunteer with AARP Idaho, traveled to Washington, D.C., to celebrate 88 years of Social Security and also explore ways to ensure the program does not experience a shortfall. Nesbella pointed out reserves for the program will be depleted within the next 10 years.

"At that point, if we don't make some changes, there's a chance that there will be a 20% cut to those who are receiving Social Security," Nesbella asserted. "We're just trying to get the conversation started to work on a plan to help resolve that."

More than 370,000 Idahoans receive Social Security benefits. For many, it is a big source of their income as they age. The benefits make up more than 90% of income for more than 45,000 Idahoans age 65 or older.

Nesbella noted everyone benefits from Social Security.

"Even for those who have pensions, many of them rely on that," Nesbella explained. "Some of the folks that are getting pensions now, relative to the cost of living these days, it's not enough. And so they really do need Social Security."

Nesbella added cuts to the program could be detrimental, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. At the beginning of 2023, benefits increased 8.7% to adjust for inflation. It will get a 3.2% boost in 2024.

Disclosure: AARP Idaho contributes to our fund for reporting on Consumer Issues, Energy Policy, Health Issues, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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