WNEM: Advocates address future of social security amid 90th anniversary celebration

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - As AARP Michigan celebrates the 90th anniversary of social security, advocates believe the future of the program could be in jeopardy amid funding issues.

Millions of Americans rely on the program after retirement or disability. That includes 200,000 people in Genesee, Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties.

People in the Flint community are hoping for action to keep it going strong for another 90 years.

“It’s what we deserve. We earned it,” said Deborah Jones, a Mt. Morris Township resident.

Jones tells TV5 she has contributed to social security, starting at age 21 while working at General Motors in Flint. She has since retired.

“It’s nice to have something to fall back on and they have social security coming in monthly. It’s fantastic. I have a pension that’s true, but social security makes it even better, so it helps me out, it helps out a lot,” Jones said.

According to AARP, more than one in five Michigan residents, or 2.3 million people, receive social security payments. But social security checks could be slashed by 20% in the next nine years if the program’s funding shortfall isn’t addressed by federal lawmakers.

“I pray that our government would do the right thing and recognize and protect the people,” Jones said. “For all of us seniors as they get older, yes, we need protecting.”

AARP’s Michigan branch and Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet held a “fireside chat” Wednesday to hear from residents who benefit from the program, and to address their concerns with its future.

“48% of their income is social security. Think about that,” said Paula Cunningham, the state director of AARP Michigan. “48% of their income. So even if it’s cut by 20% or 30%, and what folks don’t often realize is over almost 200,000 children are relying on social security if they’ve lost their parent disability. So it is a mainstay. It is a lifeline. It’s not a budget line. It’s a lifeline for a lot.”

McDonald Rivet tells TV5 she’s working on a bipartisan bill in the U.S. house called the Social Security Overpayment Relief Act, which would protect recipients from having to pay back funds arising from SSA overpayment errors. Companion legislation has also been introduced in the senate.

“They can’t go back 10…20 years and claw that back from a senior, which would be financially devastating. So we’re doing a lot of that more technical work,” McDonald Rivet said.

Back in April, there were also concerns the social security office in Saginaw could close. McDonald Rivet tells TV5 the power of the people helped keep it open. Jones believes it’ll take the same to keep the program afloat for future generations.

“People have to work and get out there and protest and basically work to get things right,” Jones said.

Both McDonald Rivet and AARP Michigan are inviting people to share their experiences with social security. You can do so by contacting McDonald Rivet’s local offices, or the AARP here.