Why isn't protecting the one-fifth of Iowa's population who receive Social Security a priority for those elected to represent us?
Proposed modifications to Social security, plus Medicare, farm subsidies, and rural healthcare funding endanger Iowa's most vulnerable communities. Why aren't we hearing more from DC representation?
Focusing on Social Security: Early in Trump's second term, concerns emerged about Musk gaining access to Social Security numbers. I contacted our federal delegation promptly. With Project 2025 leaders now installed, Social Security privatization proposals are advancing—potentially shifting retirement funds from guaranteed government benefits to market-based investment accounts.
Also concerning is the recent contradiction facing recipients: Trump's administration is simultaneously closing Social Security offices while requiring beneficiaries to appear in person at these diminishing locations. This creates a deliberate bottleneck for vulnerable Americans trying to access their earned benefits.
The combined strategy—reduced access points with increased in-person requirements—appears designed to frustrate beneficiaries and potentially build public support for privatization by making the current system seem dysfunctional. Our representatives' silence on these coordinated efforts is troubling.
Bringing the data home to Iowa:
The number of Social Security recipients in Iowa is approximately: about 620,000-650,000 Iowans receive Social Security benefits. What other demographic has a number this large?
This includes: Retired workers (the largest group); Disabled workers Survivors of deceased workers; and Dependents
This represents roughly 20% of Iowa's total population. The average monthly Social Security benefit for Iowans is approximately $1,600-$1,800, though this varies based on benefit type and work history.
When one is a millionaire or billionaire, one does not worry as much about Social Security. If you have yet to contact our federal delegation on this or any issue, try https://5calls.org/
Good site for up to date information on Social Security, Medicaid, etc. to use when talking with others and contacting elected officials. https://retiredamericans.org/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Thanks Bob for re-stacking. I really don't get why there is not more of a firestorm from seniors and elected officials. We have had years of examples of abuse and neglect in our nursing homes. Where are the advocacy groups? I know a few legislators are fighting back, like Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, who will be filing amendments to stop the Medicaid work requirement bill, which could also result in nearly 200,000 Iowans being removed from Medicaid expansion. Look at the upheaval when the lives of 90,000 farmers are impacted by natural disasters or political policies. Look at how much our legislature had to work to remove civil rights protections from the 5-10,000 trans Iowans. It seems legislators are more worried about a handful of transathetes than about the safety and well-being of hundreds of thousands of their senior relatives and constituents