Kansans need Social Security and Medicare. Sharice Davids won’t let the GOP gut them | Opinion

Social Security and Medicare are bedrocks of our nation that my wife and I, like many Americans, utilize to live safe, healthy and productive lives. However, both programs are under attack by extreme politicians who want to end them as we know it and put people who count on these resources in danger. Thankfully, Kansas families have a friend and ally in Rep. Sharice Davids, who is fighting every day to defend these vital programs for current and future generations.

The assault on Social Security and Medicare is not new. It has been a recurring theme in Republican agendas for years. In 2005, then-President George W. Bush proposed a failed plan to partially privatize Social Security, which was met with widespread opposition. Subsequent attempts, such as the Republican-controlled 2010 U.S. House’s budget, sought drastic cuts to these programs, neglecting seniors’ essential needs.

Kansas, unfortunately, has felt the impact of such initiatives. Former Gov. Sam Brownback’s push for partially privatized Social Security in 2007 drew criticism from organizations like AARP, citing risks to the program’s long-term stability. The potential loss of these benefits would result in nearly 29% of Kansans over the age of 65 having incomes below the official poverty line, a stark contrast to the current rate of 5.6%.

Fast forward to this year, where the Republican Study Committee, which represents nearly 80% of U.S. House Republicans and their entire leadership team, unveiled a plan threatening Social Security and Medicare. This proposal would make Americans wait longer to earn their benefits and impose $1.5 trillion in cuts to Social Security. It would also slash popular proposals, supported by Davids, that are saving individuals like me money, including the ability for Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug costs and a $35 monthly insulin cap.

This agenda, if enacted, would spell disaster for the hundreds of thousands of Kansans who rely on these programs, myself included. House Republicans seem intent on making health care costlier and delaying benefits, all while prioritizing tax breaks for the ultrawealthy and large corporations. This is unacceptable.

Having worked diligently our entire lives, earning these benefits has been a culmination of years of dedication for my wife and me. While we are fortunate not to depend solely on them, they do provide some relief in our monthly budget, allowing us to allocate more funds for groceries, gas and other daily expenses. Some of our friends and neighbors, however, rely heavily on these benefits, emphasizing the critical need for their protection by members of Congress.

That’s where Davids comes in. When I first applied for Social Security, my application got lost in the shuffle. It was only through prompt assistance from the congresswoman’s office that I could cut through the bureaucratic challenges and get the benefits I earned. Her team was professional, empathetic and efficient, reflecting Davids’ commitment to her constituents’ well-being.

As I’ve learned more about Davids, I’ve grown increasingly appreciative of her dedication. Her unwavering stance against threats to Social Security and Medicare in Washington assures me and fellow Kansans that our voices are heard and our interests are fiercely defended.

I feel fortunate to have Sharice Davids representing our community. She’s intelligent, diligent and always available to people like me who need help. I have full confidence that she will continue fighting to preserve our access to Social Security and Medicare. We’re lucky to have her in Washington.

Ted Kelly is retired after spending over 40 years as a consultant to the utility industry. He lives in Leawood.