‘Hands off our Social Security,' demonstrators in Kalamazoo demand

Yahoo

23-03-2025

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Hundreds of people gathered outside the Social Security Office in Kalamazoo Saturday, demanding protection for their benefits amid sweeping changes.
The Social Security Administration announced earlier this month that starting March 31, it will no longer allow people to prove their identity over the phone. Instead, it will require in-person visits or online authentication. The measures are intended to reduce fraud. However, opponents argue that the , like those who live in rural areas, those who don't have internet access and those who have mobility limitations.
Social Security requiring in-office visits for millions of recipients, applicants
President Donald Trump has said he will not cut Social Security benefits. But during an interview with Joe Rogan, Elon Musk termed ,' and a federal judge earlier this week Musk's Department of Government Efficiency from Social Security systems that include millions of Americans' personal information.
Dozens of Social Security Administration offices across the country are slated to close, part of an effort by DOGE and the Trump administration to shrink the federal government, And the Social Security Administration intends to cut about 7,000 jobs, it last month.
Republicans want Musk to shut up about Social Security
The changes have left many people uneasy, both across the country and in West Michigan. At Saturday's 'Hands off our Social Security' rally in Kalamazoo, which was organized by the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party, protesters held signs reading 'stop DOGE' and 'we fight for democracy.' They said any threat to Social Security benefits could have devastating impacts.
'If they were to suddenly cut our benefits — my benefits, my mother's benefits — we would be in a world of hurt,' Jayne Trombley said. 'We need those funds that we contributed to through our working lives.'
'People depend on these checks for housing, food and gas,' said Troy Zukowski-Serlin, a clinical social worker. 'If that's put at risk, it can lead to a major psychological crisis.'
A list of the Social Security offices across the US expected to close this year
State Rep. Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, was also in attendance. She said Social Security benefits are important for people across the country, regardless of political party.
'Their lives are on the line. You cannot play politics with people's lives. This is the social safety net. It's been around for decades,' Rogers told News 8. 'Things like Social Security, Medicaid, health care, fundamental things that Americans have come to rely on are at risk, and it's unacceptable.'
Protesters say they want their representatives to take a firm stance, ensuring that Social Security benefits remain protected.
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