With Over 50 Rallies in 17 States, Advocates Across the Country Will Come Together in a Massive Effort to Call on Congress to Defend and Expand Social Security

Washington, D.C. — As people from around the country recognize the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act today, this Saturday, August 16th, advocates are holding rallies across the country as part of Protect Our Checks’ national day of action. This day of action is being led by Unrig Our Economy and Social Security Works, in partnership with 20 national and local groups. These events will commemorate this milestone anniversary and urge Congress to defend this vital benefit from attacks by President Trump, DOGE, and congressional Republicans to pay for tax breaks for billionaires.

This day of action follows a week-long series of actions, including a kick off event in Baltimore, Maryland, with key speakers including Senator Chris Van Hollen, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, and former Baltimore Mayor and Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. The campaign also held a town hall and press call featuring Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Ron Wyden, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congressman John Larson, and former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley, among others.   

Find a local day of action event near you here. 

“This anniversary is not only a celebration of 90 years of a program that has lifted generations out of poverty, but also a call to action to make sure Social Security is fully funded, fully staffed, and ready to serve the American people for the next 90 years and beyond,” said former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “This national day of action to protect our checks should be a signal to every member of Congress that touching this program is an absolute third rail, and we won’t stand for it.”

“Social Security is among the most successful programs in our nation’s history, but it’s under constant attack from those who want to cut benefits and hand out more tax breaks to billionaires,” said Social Security Works President Nancy Altman. “People from all walks of life are standing up this Saturday to make our voices heard and to defend Social Security from the assaults by the Trump administration, DOGE, and anyone else attempting to undermine this vital lifeline that Americans have relied on for nearly a century.”

“As threats to Social Security grow more dangerous by the day, people across the country are speaking out and fighting back to Protect Our Checks,” said Unrig Our Economy Campaign Director Leor Tal. “While Republicans in Congress push policies that would gut the programs millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and families depend on to pay for their billionaire tax breaks, people across the country are coming together to draw a line in the sand and send a clear message: Hands off our Social Security. We earned it, we need it, and we will fight to protect it.”

To learn more about the campaign, visit ProtectOurChecks.com

 or contact press@unrigoureconomy.com

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About Unrig Our Economy

Unrig Our Economy is a national campaign to fix the rules of our economy to make it work for working people. We know that when the middle class does well, all of us do well — which is why we’re fighting on behalf of working Americans and holding corporations, their wealthy executives, and the politicians who enable them accountable.

About Social Security Works

Social Security Works is a non-profit fighting to protect and expand Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—because everyone deserves to live in dignity.