Here and Now
Martin O'Malley on Social Security Staff Reductions, Delays
Clip: Season 2300 Episode 2341 | 1m 57sVideo has Closed Captions
Martin O'Malley on fundings cuts to Social Security staffing and frustration over delays.
Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley discusses cuts to Social Security staffing and frustrations about delays and access among seniors and other recipients who rely on this income.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Here and Now is a local public television program presented by PBS Wisconsin
Here and Now
Martin O'Malley on Social Security Staff Reductions, Delays
Clip: Season 2300 Episode 2341 | 1m 57sVideo has Closed Captions
Former Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley discusses cuts to Social Security staffing and frustrations about delays and access among seniors and other recipients who rely on this income.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Here and Now
Here and Now is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipCrosse this week again.
He'll be here next week on this program.
As to cuts.
Many are concerned about Social Security.
So far, the white House and DOGE have already reduced Social Security Administration staff by 7000 employees, which has caused delays in service.
Former Social Security Commissioner and Democratic Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley was in Racine this week for a citizens town hall.
>> I shuddered to think of the pain that this was going to inflict on people.
I mean, 40% of seniors living alone depend entirely on Social Security.
It's the difference between whether they live with dignity or whether they live in poverty.
Other people on Supplemental Security Income, SSI, I mean, they're among the poorest of the poor.
You talk about living month to month, and they live from week to week.
And interruption to benefits for them could be catastrophic.
I mean, they get evicted from their apartment.
Elderly people, you know, suddenly, you know, they realize that the bills that were just allowing them to make it or now they're not able to pay their utilities.
They're.
So it's going to have a real damaging impact on individuals.
And it's also going to be a real kick in the teeth for consumer confidence.
We've come to rely on Social Security.
And I can tell you for sure because I've been talking to a lot of them in both parties that members of Congress are seeing a rising tide of opposition to the destruction of their Social Security or the interruption of their earned benefit.
They're also seeing a rising tide of really frustrated customers.
They can't get through on the one 800 number and have a four hour wait to get into a field office and a three month wait to even get an appointment at a
Here & Now opening for April 25, 2025
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S2300 Ep2341 | 1m 2s | The introduction to the April 25, 2025 episode of Here & Now. (1m 2s)
How the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay Showcases Wisconsin
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S2300 Ep2341 | 4m 12s | The 2025 NFL draft at Lambeau Field in Green Bay offers a chance to showcase the state. (4m 12s)
Michael Wagner on Federal Research Grant Cuts at UW-Madison
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S2300 Ep2341 | 5m 51s | Michael Wagner on the termination of federal grants and consequences for researchers. (5m 51s)
US Rep. Tom Tiffany on Tariffs, Funding Cuts and Immigration
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S2300 Ep2341 | 12m 38s | Tom Tiffany on the Trump administration's actions on tariffs, spending cuts and visas. (12m 38s)
Xia Lee on the Start of Wisconsin's Warm-Weather Tick Season
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S2300 Ep2341 | 6m 21s | Xia Lee on risks of tick-borne diseases around Wisconsin and tips to avoid these pests. (6m 21s)
In Focus with Christine Wenc: America's Finest Satire Source
Video has Closed Captions
Clip: S2300 Ep2341 | 32m 30s | Christine Wenc on her book "Funny Because It's True" about the history of "The Onion." (32m 30s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- News and Public Affairs
Top journalists deliver compelling original analysis of the hour's headlines.
- News and Public Affairs
FRONTLINE is investigative journalism that questions, explains and changes our world.
Support for PBS provided by:
Here and Now is a local public television program presented by PBS Wisconsin