Republicans are finally being honest about what they intend to do: raise taxes on lower- and middle-income Americans and sunset federal programs like Medicare and Social Security after five years. The GOP plan not only threatens my financial security, but the health and security of all Americans. It is cruel. The urgency to act on Social Security and Medicare has never been more clear.

As a woman in my 70s on a fixed income, the GOP’s crusade to cut seniors’ benefits is particularly hurtful to me. I started contributing to Social Security when I was 15 years old, working a summer job. Social Security is a critical part of my income. It is how I keep my lights on and how I am able to put food on the table month after month.

Without Medicare, I would struggle to afford expensive medical bills for doctor’s visits and medications I need, and without Social Security, I wouldn’t get payments I rely on to pay bills.

Social Security and Medicare are not “entitlements” — they are a safety net that working Americans have funded through decades of hard work by our own payroll tax deductions.

Republicans have threatened for years to make cuts to Medicare and Social Security, and now Rick Scott, the head of the Republicans’ Senate campaign arm, is forcing a plan that would sunset the programs entirely — which would be a disaster for millions of seniors like me.

And other Republicans across our state and across the nation are lining up to support attacks on Social Security and Medicare. The chairwoman of the Republican Party said the plan to sunset Medicare and Social Security was full of “real solutions to put us back on track.” Senate candidates like David McCormick in our state have also vowed to cut Social Security and jeopardize Medicare. Pennsylvanians can’t afford this.

Meanwhile, President Biden and Democrats are working to reduce deficits, bolster Social Security and protect Medicare. They are standing up for us and pushing to make sure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share in taxes, while also lowering costs for working families.

The choice couldn’t be clearer — Republican control would mean putting millions of Americans’ Medicare and Social Security benefits in danger. Democrats have a responsible plan to lower deficits and are pushing every day to lower costs.

As someone who witnessed firsthand Republicans’ decades-long crusade to cut our benefits, I don’t think there’s any doubt that the Democrats have more Medicare facts on their side than Republicans. The greatest threat to Medicare and Social Security, by far, is the GOP.

Simply put, Pennsylvania seniors who rely on Medicare or Social Security can’t afford Republican control.

Kathi Boyle is a Pittsburgh resident.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)