Urging the Congress of the United States to adopt H.R. 1876, the "Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act," H.R. 1877, the "Protecting Americans' Social Security Data Act," and S. 770, the "Social Security Expansion Act."
Impact
The resolution emphasizes that Pennsylvania's economy benefits significantly from Social Security, with monthly benefits to residents exceeding $5.3 billion and injecting over $60 billion into the economy yearly. SR83 captures concerns over declared cuts by the SSA, which threaten local Social Security offices and staff reductions, making it more challenging for beneficiaries to access their benefits and services. The bill ultimately reflects a strong desire to maintain robust local services for the elderly, disabled, and other beneficiaries who rely on Social Security for basic necessities such as food and housing.
Summary
SR83 is a resolution from the Pennsylvania Senate urging the U.S. Congress to adopt several specific bills related to Social Security: H.R. 1876, 'Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act'; H.R. 1877, 'Protecting Americans' Social Security Data Act'; and S. 770, 'Social Security Expansion Act.' This resolution highlights the significance of Social Security as a critical safety net for millions of Americans, especially as the number of beneficiaries continues to grow, with significant impacts on the state's economy. The resolution characterizes the recent cuts and closures proposed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as detrimental to Pennsylvania residents who depend on these services.
Sentiment
The sentiment expressed in SR83 is largely one of opposition against the federal proposals that would lead to the closure of Social Security offices and the reduction of staffing. The Pennsylvania Senate articulates a collective concern about the potential negative impact on residents' economic security and public access to essential services provided by the SSA. This resolution musters support and signifies a protective stance regarding Social Security benefits amid fears of systemic denigration of the program fueled by financial inefficiencies as perceived by critics, including comments from high-profile figures.
Contention
Notable points of contention revolve around the growing anxiety among Pennsylvania's Social Security recipients regarding the cuts proposed by the SSA, which could equate to a reduction of services akin to benefit cuts. Discussions reflect a consensus both on the importance of local offices in providing seamless access to benefits and the need for Congress to act decisively to protect these essential services from further encroachment. The language in the resolution also calls out influential public figures, reflecting broader socio-political dynamics around Social Security and the perceived threats against it.
Urging the Congress of the United States to pass S.2767, the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act and increase resource limits for Supplemental Security Income.
Establishing a legislative task force on the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in 2023 due to increased Social Security payments and the end of SNAP emergency allotment payments; and directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the impact of the loss of SNAP benefits in 2023 due to increased Social Security payments and the end of the SNAP emergency allotment payments and to establish an advisory committee.
Urging the Congress of the United States to protect consumers from government interference in the free markets and any actions that would weaken our national security by opposing Congressional efforts to overreach into the wallets of American consumers and small businesses.
Urging the Congress of the United States to raise income limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and either extend or make permanent Emergency Allotments.
Urging the Congress of the United States and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to take action and end regulations relating to vehicle emissions testing.
Urging the Congress of the United States and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to eliminate the Skilled Nursing Facility Three-Day Rule for Medicare recipients.
Urging the Congress of the United States to provide the State of Israel with the support necessary to ensure its safety and security and condemning the terrorist attack in Israel by Hamas.
In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.
Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 11th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and Pennsylvania residents who competed and placed during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestling Championship.
In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board and for Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, establishing the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.