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Larson, Blumenthal Introduce Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust

November 1, 2021

Hartford, CT - Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (CT-01) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) announced the introduction of Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust (H.R. 5723). The legislation has nearly 200 cosponsors and has been endorsed by more than 100 advocacy groups.

"Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust will expand benefits and strengthen Social Security. The pandemic has only underscored what we already knew and has exacerbated systemic inequities -- current benefits are not enough! 5 million seniors are living in poverty due to longstanding discrimination in the labor force that affects mostly people of color and women. These are our sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, and neighbors. For too long, Congress has forsaken its duty to enhance benefits. With 10,000 Baby Boomers a day becoming eligible, and with Millennials needing Social Security more than any generation, the time for Congress to act is now," said House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (CT-01).

"Social Security is a sacred commitment made to all Americans and a promise that must be fulfilled. As seniors and individuals with disabilities struggle to afford the costs of food, housing, and prescription drugs, this bill expands benefits and protections for millions of Americans. The Social Security 2100 Act will keep this vital lifeline solvent and ensure our nation's bedrock social insurance program provides current and future beneficiaries with a quality standard of living," said Senator Richard Blumenthal.

"Almost two-thirds of retirees rely on Social Security for a majority of their income," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "Now is the time to take bold action and address these issues, and now is the time to keep our seniors and retirees out of poverty by providing them with the dignity and security that they deserve. I want to thank Congressman John Larson, a champion for seniors in our state and across the country as he fights to protect and strengthen Social Security benefits."

"There isn't a member of Congress more focused on fighting for American seniors than Rep. John Larson. Overhauling a core program like Social Security is a monumental challenge, but John has never stopped working closely with economists and seniors to get the job done—he's become the go-to leader on fixing Social Security for American seniors, and we're very lucky in Connecticut to have him fighting for our communities," said Congressman Courtney. "No Social Security beneficiary should receive a below-poverty level check each month, especially not after paying into the program over the course of their working lives. Between seniors, veterans, children and other Americans, over 150,000 people in eastern Connecticut are relying on Social Security each month. Our bill would give them a much-needed boost in benefits, and extend the solvency of the program to ensure future generations won't get short-changed. Proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bill."

"I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this bill and grateful for the work my friend John Larson has done to protect our seniors," said Rep. Himes. "By increasing benefits, streamlining services, and cutting red tape, the bill will help ensure that people can age with dignity and have better access to the Social Security program they paid into their entire lives. We owe it to seniors and future generations to pass this."

A fact sheet on the bill can be found here.

The section-by-section can be found here.

A list of endorsing organizations can be found here.

The bill text can be found here.

The press conference can be viewed here.