Retiree News | June 2025

More than 5 million people peacefully and passionately joined “No Kings” rallies June 14 to say we won’t stand by while democracy is dismantled. The nonviolent, people-powered “No Kings” protests showed that whether you live in a red, blue or purple state, there’s a role for Americans from all walks of life to stand up for opportunity, dignity and a democracy that works for all. In her column, AFT President Randi Weingarten reminds us that to save democracy, the power of the people is something we must keep exercising.  You can also watch this inspiring video to see how people turned out and stood up.

 

Medicaid; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; scientific research; diversity, equity and inclusion; access to higher education—so much of what we hold dear is under attack, and what can we do? Plenty. Here are nine actions you can take right now to fight back, protect education and help save democracy.

 

President Donald Trump’s so-called big, beautiful bill hands huge tax breaks to billionaires while driving up everyday costs for working families—from healthcare and groceries to college and energy bills. It even increases the national debt. Tell Congress: Stand with working people, not the ultra-wealthy.

 

 

While it’s easy (and fun!) to get caught up in rainbow glam and snapping fans, Pride is more than a party, “it is action,” as one of the AFT’s LGBTQIA+ task force members put it. So in addition to parades and protests, the task force spent several days this month lobbying on Capitol Hill, networking with other advocacy organizations and planning for continued action on behalf of LGBTQIA+ people and their communities. Here are their reflections on this moment of both celebration and fear, and here is the AFT’s Pride page of resources and inspiration.

 

Recent reports on the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds should give older adults confidence in their Social Security benefits, says Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. The report “reaffirms that the Social Security Trust Fund is able to pay full benefits and expenses until 2033 as is the Medicare Trust Fund.” Fiesta warned retirees not to be complacent, however. “Republicans in Congress have made clear they are eager to cut the benefits Americans have worked a lifetime to earn. Whether it’s raising the retirement age beyond 67, privatizing Social Security, or continuing the DOGE agenda of dismantling the Social Security Administration to make it harder to claim benefits, the future of our guaranteed benefits is at risk.”