Candidates should protect SS

Election season is here in Colorado. After President Joe Biden bowed out of this year’s presidential race with the election just a few short months away, Democrats were forced to quickly pivot to get another challenger in place to run against former President Donald Trump. Down ballot, Lauren Boebert – one of Colorado’s most visible Congressional incumbents – is fighting to remain in Congress after winning her primary in a different district from the one she currently represents. The Sentinel State has historically been a state to watch, but it’s important that the issues that actually matter to voters aren’t lost among the high-profile political intrigue, one of which is Social Security.

Former President Trump has made a point of stressing his support for Social Security, and he even drew attention to the importance of the program for retired Americans during his Republican National Convention speech. By the same token, Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to protect the program in the past.

However, in a televised debate, Congresswoman Boebert made several concerning statements about Social Security. According to recent news coverage, she even expressed openness to raising the retirement age for future Social Security recipients. Congresswoman Boebert seemingly wants to undermine the 69,926 Coloradans who rely on Social Security to score political points with the far-right. She should proceed with caution if she wants a new district of voters to send her back to Washington, D.C.

So while Congresswoman Boebert has been in lockstep with former President Trump on many issues, it appears she has chosen to break with him on Social Security and criticize this vital program instead.

Coloradans want our elected officials to protect – not cut – our retirement benefits, and Congresswoman Boebert would be wise to correct this judgment error.

Vice President Harris and former President Trump have each voiced their strong support for Social Security. Congresswoman Boebert should follow their lead and commit to protecting this critical program.

Gil Cisneros

Chairman & CEO, Chamber of the Americas