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Larson: Social Security Can Help Overcome Racism to Advance Economic Opportunity

Statement

Date: April 6, 2022
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Entitlements and the Safety Net

During today's Ways and Means Committee hearing, "Overcoming Racism to Advance Economic Opportunity", Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) highlighted how Social Security could be used to do just that.

"Our late colleague, Rep. John Lewis, used to say Social Security is a civil rights issue. People of color experience systemic racism and the vicissitudes of life that result in economic insecurity. Increasing Social Security benefits would uplift everyone but would be especially impactful for people of color, since they are more likely to rely on the most on these benefits. Too many Americans receive below poverty level Social Security checks. This is the fault of the United States government and Congress. It is our duty to make sure these benefits are providing enough for Americans, but we have absconded that duty for 50 years. It's up to government to make that difference and change," said Larson.


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