CSEA President Travis Woodward and CT ARA President and Council 400 retiree Bette Marafino joined Congressman John B. Larson outside the Middletown Social Security field office to send a clear message: Social Security must be protected, strengthened, and expanded—not cut.

This came just a few days after the Congressman addressed Council 400 retirees at our annual picnic where we marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security, a program that more than 65 million Americans rely on today. Larson, a longtime champion of Social Security in Congress, highlighted his plan to enhance benefits so no senior is forced into poverty after a lifetime of work. His legislation also seeks to keep field offices open, safeguard beneficiaries’ personal information, and ensure that future generations can count on the program.

“Social Security is not a privilege—it’s a promise earned through years of work and dedication,” Woodward said. “Cutting funding, closing offices, or interfering with Americans’ benefits weakens that promise and threatens the financial security of millions. We will continue to fight—retirees, active employees, and allies together—to protect and strengthen Social Security for today and for generations to come.”

Woodward drew attention to the real-world impacts of recent federal cuts. Since President Trump took office, staffing at the Social Security Administration has dropped by 20 percent. That, Woodward said, isn’t an abstract statistic—it means seniors left waiting hours on hold, disabled Americans struggling to access benefits, and growing uncertainty for younger workers wondering if the system will be there for them when they retire.

The message from Middletown was clear: Social Security is a lifeline for millions, and it will take collective action—workers, retirees, advocates, and elected officials—to ensure its future.