News · Press Release

On Social Security’s 91st Anniversary, Nick Begich Is Still Plotting To Privatize It

After promising to protect Social Security, Nick Begich voted for a “backdoor” scheme to privatize this vital program

For nearly a century, Social Security has been the ticket to financial security for thousands of Alaskans who have worked hard to retire with grace and dignity.

But Begich and D.C. Republicans are hellbent on destroying it at the behest of billionaires. 

A recap of Begich’s and the Administration’s actions to date:

  • Begich voted for the Big, Ugly Law, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted was a “backdoor for privatizing Social Security.”
  • Begich fully submitted to Elon Musk’s plan to gut the agency, which cut phone lines, fired staff, and laid off workers through his cruel DOGE effort. To date, Social Security offices have lost an estimated 20% of staff.
  • The Administration rolled out a proposal to cut disability benefits to recipients.
  • According to the Chief Actuary, the Social Security trust fund is predicted to run out of money faster than previous estimates because of the The Big, Ugly Law.

Social Security By The Numbers:

  • 123,000 Alaskans receive Social Security.
  • 10,000 Alaskans receive Supplemental Security Income (disability benefits).
  • 63% of retirees rely on Social Security for at least half of their income.
  • Social Security lifts 20,000 Alaska seniors out of poverty.
  • 79% say Social Security earned benefits shouldn’t be reduced in any way.

DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser:
“Social Security has been a pillar of America’s middle class and represents one of the most singularly successful programs in our nation’s history. It is based on a basic American value: If you work hard, you should be able to earn enough to retire with dignity and peace of mind. Nick Begich abandoned those values by backing extreme right-wing efforts to privatize Social Security, gut benefits, and give away billions to his Wall Street backers. Begich’s attempts to privatize Social Security are just his latest broken promise to Alaskans — and it’s why he will lose in November.” 

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