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  • Larson Demands Chairman Smith Hold an Immediate Markup on Larson-led Social Security Data Privacy Legislation

    Larson Demands Chairman Smith Hold an Immediate Markup on Larson-led Social Security Data Privacy Legislation

    From the website of Congressman Larson:

    Today, Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) wrote to Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) demanding an immediate markup for Ranking Member Larson’s Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act. 

    “There is no reason why unqualified outside individuals need immediate and urgent access to non-anonymized SSA data, which includes Social Security numbers, income history, and personal medical records. The American people deserve to have their private information kept confidential,” Larson wrote. 

    “The Committee must immediately take action to protect Americans’ private and confidential information,” Larson concluded. “Failure to act to protect this information would be a dereliction of our oversight responsibility and an endorsement of the Trump Administration’s illegal, irresponsible, and reckless disregard for Americans’ privacy and liberty.” 

    Last Friday, the Supreme Court issued an unsigned order overturning a district court’s order blocking ‘DOGE’ personnel from accessing the Social Security Administration’s systems while a lawsuit challenging their access makes its way through the courts. Rep. Larson’s Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act would block political appointees and ‘special government employees,’ like Elon Musk and his ‘DOGE,’ from accessing these sensitive data systems at the Social Security Administration. It would also codify existing privacy requirements in law for beneficiary data, ensuring that only Congress can change them, and strengthen oversight and civil penalties for any privacy and disclosure violations of Social Security beneficiaries’ personal information.    

    Larson’s full letter to Chairman Smith is available HERE and below: 

    Dear Chairman Smith, 

    In light of last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that DOGE should be granted access to Americans’ private and confidential Social Security information, I urge you to immediately convene a markup on H.R. 1877 – the Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act. 

    On Friday, the Supreme Court issued an unsigned order overturning a district court’s order that barred DOGE personnel from accessing the Social Security Administration’s systems until a lawsuit challenging their access makes its way through the courts. This decision should alarm everyone. There is no reason why unqualified outside individuals need immediate and urgent access to non-anonymized SSA data, which includes Social Security numbers, income history, and personal medical records. The American people deserve to have their private information kept confidential. 

    The Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act would stop DOGE, political appointees, and ‘special government employees’ like Elon Musk from accessing sensitive data systems at SSA. It would also codify SSA data privacy requirements into law, ensuring that only Congress can change them, and strengthen oversight and civil penalties for any privacy and disclosure violations of Social Security beneficiaries’ personal information.  

    The Committee must immediately take action to protect Americans’ private and confidential information. Failure to act to protect this information would be a dereliction of our oversight responsibility and an endorsement of the Trump Administration’s illegal, irresponsible, and reckless disregard for Americans’ privacy and liberty. 

  • Rocky Hill Deserves Better: Fully Funding Our Schools Is an Investment in Our Future

    Rocky Hill Deserves Better: Fully Funding Our Schools Is an Investment in Our Future

    Last month, Rocky Hill’s Town Council approved a school budget $650,000 below what the Board of Education requested. That cut has already led to the quiet erosion of programs and support services that matter to students, families, and the wider community.

    As a candidate for Mayor this November, I believe Rocky Hill needs leadership that sees education not as a cost to contain, but as the foundation of long-term growth and stability.

    For the last few years, I have heard our elected leaders take pride in saying that we spend less per student than most of the other towns in our DRG (District Reference Group). But is that something we should really be proud of?

    What Was Cut and Why It Matters

    To close next year’s funding gap, the district has announced difficult changes:

    • Summer enrichment programs have been cancelled, eliminating essential math and reading support for Pre-K through Grade 5 students. This hits working families and struggling learners the hardest.
    • A high school credit recovery specialist position was eliminated. Already-overloaded teachers must now fill that gap, increasing the risk that vulnerable students fall behind.
    • Introductory French and Spanish classes at Moser School were suspended, despite research showing early language education boosts cognitive skills and prepares students for future success. Our neighbors in Glastonbury, Avon, Farmington and other schools in Fairfield county offer world languages starting in the 4th grade; these are widely regarded as some of the best school systems in the state. Do we want to be “second tier”?
    • A retiring elementary teacher will not be replaced. This reduces staffing flexibility and increases the likelihood of overcrowded classrooms during critical early years. Some elementary grades are already operating over the recommended capacity.

    Learn more about the impact these cuts have on our schools. These are not harmless efficiency measures. They are short-term cuts with long-term costs.

    The Economic Case for Full Funding

    Even if you don’t have children in our schools, the strength of the district affects everyone.

    1. Strong schools protect property values.
     Quality schools attract families and raise home values. They also bring in higher-end businesses, helping to keep residential taxes lower.

    2. Education drives economic growth.
     Our students are the future workforce. Cutting support today weakens our local economy tomorrow. Rocky Hill can be a town that cultivates high-achieving graduates—or one that falls behind.

    3. Delaying maintenance increases costs.
    We have already made the case that postponing repairs doesn’t save money. It invites bigger problems. We’ve already seen this with the roof at West Hill Elementary.

    A Smarter Path Forward

    Rocky Hill needs leadership with a long-term view—one that invests in our students, supports our educators, and addresses infrastructure before it fails.

    If elected, I will:

    • Advocate for school budgets that reflect our values by increasing transparency between parents, the Board of Education, and the Town Council.
    • Prioritize timely investment in school facilities
    • Treat public education as the essential investment it is

    We can do better for our students, our families, and our future. It starts with electing a Mayor, Town Council, and Board of Education that are ready to lead with vision and responsibility.

    Let’s stop shortchanging the next generation. Let’s invest wisely—and move Rocky Hill forward.

    Allan Smith

    2025 Democratic Candidate for Mayor, Rocky Hill

    Opinion piece: This article reflects the position of the author and not necessarily that of the Democratic Town Committee.