Social Security Protesters Still Vigilant

For over 2 months, protesters have shown up every Tuesday morning to protest at the Sarasota Social Security office at 2001 Siesta Drive (corner of Tamiami Trl.) to save Social Security benefits from being reduced for current and future recipients. The nationwide protests were organized by a group called “Indivisible” and carried out by local chapters around the country.

Those receiving Social Security are concerned that the massive cuts contained in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, or more explicitly called the “Big Beautiful Betrayal”, that was just signed into law after passing Congress by a slim margin will soon take effect.  Trump has falsely repeated for months saying that Social Security taxes have been eliminated by the bill, but that point is nowhere in the bill.  

However, there is a tax deduction of $6,000 for those 65 yrs. and older who have a modified and adjusted income of less than $75,000, and double for married couples filing jointly with an adjusted income of under $150,000.  The deduction kicks in for the 2026 filing but, unless authorized by Congress, will sunset in 2028. Those tax deductions are not connected to Social Security at all.  

The deductions are just a short-term bonus to appease those opposing the bill.  However, the bill will drastically cut Medicaid which insures about 80 million people, and is expected to close many local hospitals due to severe cuts in government funding.  

Several of the regular protestors who come every week use their prior rally “Hands Off” signs from 2 months ago.  They want hands off all of our social programs that are keeping us safe and healthy and to save our democracy from Trump’s government takeover.

A constant horn honking and hand waving by passing motorists who agree with the protest can be heard over the 2-hour protest.