Davids Meets with Johnson County Seniors as New Report Warns of Impending Social Security Cuts

OVERLAND PARK, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids met with Johnson County seniors to talk about protecting the Social Security benefits they rely on. A new federal report shows the Social Security trust fund could run out of money by 2032 — two years earlier than expected. If Congress doesn't fix this shortfall, retirees could see an automatic 20 percent cut to their benefits, costing the average senior about $500 a month. Davids made it clear that she opposes any cuts to Social Security and wants billionaires to pay their fair share to keep the program strong.

“Social Security is a promise Kansans spend a lifetime paying into,” said Davids. “Seniors who worked hard and budgeted carefully shouldn’t have to worry about D.C. gridlock, bad policy, or irresponsible rhetoric threatening their retirement security. Losing $500 a month would be devastating for local families already dealing with high prices on groceries and medicine. I will stand up against any attempt to cut earned benefits. It’s time Congress keeps this program solvent by ensuring billionaires finally pay their fair share.”

The report comes as President Trump and congressional Republicans continue pursuing policies that undermine Social Security, including the largest staffing cut in the program's history and office closures at the Social Security Administration (SSA). President Trump previously called the program a “scam,” and earlier this week, Speaker Mike Johnson indicated Republicans could pursue additional changes to the program if they retain their House majority next year.

Social Security is the foundation of retirement security for millions of Americans and provides essential benefits to families and people with disabilities. In Kansas’ Third District alone, 130,424 residents receive Social Security, including more than 105,000 retirees, nearly 10,000 disabled workers, and more than 6,000 children.

Participants in today’s conversation included Johnson County residents Duncan B. (67), Paul C. (72), Pat O. (77), Larry P. (82), Linda P. (82), and Ruth P. (81).

Davids has consistently defended Social Security and delivered real results:

• Helped pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, repealing outdated rules that cut savings for millions of public-sector retirees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
  • More than 3.1 million earned payments have already been sent out.
• Voted against extreme Republican budget proposals that would allow Trump to fire SSA workers, close local offices, and delay savings.
• Joined Kansans and local advocates at AARP’s Social Security 90th Anniversary Celebration last year.