Retirees Rejoice? Huge Social Security Boost Gains Momentum in Washington

If you’ve been living on Social Security and wondering how you’re supposed to keep up with rising prices — you’re not alone. For millions of Americans, that monthly check barely stretches far enough to cover rent, groceries, or prescriptions.

But there’s finally a push in Congress to change that.

Rep. John Larson, a longtime advocate for seniors and working people, is leading the charge to raise Social Security benefits across the board. His plan? Give everyone who gets Social Security a little more breathing room.

Let’s talk about what he’s trying to do — and why it actually matters.

What’s He Fighting For?

Larson has introduced a bill called the Social Security 2100 Act, and it’s a big deal. It’s already picked up support from over 175 lawmakers, and it’s all about putting more money in your pocket and fixing some of the unfair rules in the current system.

Here’s the heart of it:

1. A 2% Increase in Everyone’s Benefits

This is simple — everyone gets a 2% bump. It’s not life-changing, but it is the first real increase like this in over 50 years. For people on a tight income, even a small raise can go a long way.

2. A Better Way to Handle COLA

Every year, Social Security gets a “cost-of-living adjustment” — but the way it’s calculated often leaves seniors short. Larson wants to use something called the CPI-E, which is a fancy way of saying: “Let’s base the raise on what older folks actually spend money on — like food, housing, and healthcare.” Makes sense, right?

3. No More Waiting for Disability Help

If you’ve ever applied for disability benefits, you know there’s a 5-month waiting period even after you’re approved. Larson wants to end that wait so people can start getting help right away.

4. Fixing the Penalties for Public Workers

Many teachers, firefighters, and city workers lose part of their Social Security because of outdated rules called WEP and GPO. Larson’s plan would get rid of those, so people who paid into the system actually get what they’ve earned.

5. No Taxes on Your Social Security

Believe it or not, many people still pay taxes on their Social Security income — which just doesn’t sit right with Larson. He introduced a proposal to stop taxing those benefits entirely, especially for folks who spent their lives working and now depend on that check just to get by.

How Would We Pay for All This?

Instead of squeezing working families, the plan asks high earners — those making over $400,000 a year — to pay their fair share. Right now, they stop paying Social Security taxes after their income hits $168,600. That means a nurse pays Social Security taxes on all of her income, but a millionaire? Only part of it.

Larson wants to fix that by taxing wages above $400,000 and closing tax loopholes that benefit the ultra-wealthy.

So What’s the Catch?

Well, even though the bill has a lot of support, it’s hitting some roadblocks. Recently, Rep. Larson tried to add another amendment — one that would strengthen benefits even more and stop the government from taxing them — but it got blocked by a House committee.

That means it never even made it to a full vote. It’s frustrating, but it’s not over.

Why This Matters So Much

This isn’t just about politics. It’s about real people — moms, dads, veterans, folks who’ve worked hard their entire lives and now find themselves choosing between groceries and medicine.

The current system just isn’t enough. And Larson’s plan is trying to fix that.

It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction. A little more security, a little more dignity — and a whole lot more fairness.