MT HJ21

Montana Legislature requests U.S. Congress increase Social Security funding with no benefit cuts to secure the program for 75+ years

Over 250,000 Montanans (22.5% of residents) receive $4.5 billion in Social Security benefits annually, representing 6.6% of the state's total personal income

Without Social Security, Montana's elderly poverty rate would rise from 10% to 40%; the program lifted nearly 66,000 Montanans age 65+ out of poverty in 2022

According to the 2024 Trustees Report, benefits would be reduced to 83% by 2035 and 73% by 2098 if Congress fails to act on trust fund reserves

Secretary of State directed to send copies to the President, Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and Montana's Congressional delegation