Rep. Tom Tiffany’s Mixed Stance on Social Security and Medicare Amid Wisconsin Governor Race
Republican Representative Tom Tiffany has consistently stated his opposition to cutting Social Security and Medicare, yet his legislative actions have shown support for initiatives that could impact these programs. Now a contender for Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, Tiffany faces scrutiny from an electorate highly opposed to reductions in safety net provisions.
During a May 2023 appearance on the DrydenWire podcast, Tiffany affirmed his stance that individuals contributing to Social Security and Medicare should receive their benefits. However, he proposed raising the retirement age, suggesting it is a discussion worth having as life expectancy has evolved. “If you’ve paid in for Social Security or Medicare, you should get those benefits,” Tiffany remarked. “Should we say those beneficiaries that are perhaps under 50, under 40, should we raise that retirement age? That’s something I believe should be discussed.”
His proposition was tested when the House Republican Study Committee, where Tiffany is a member, unveiled its fiscal year 2024 budget plan. The proposal included increasing the full retirement age to 69 by 2033. This adjustment would reduce benefits for those opting to start at 62 after 2033, lowering payouts to about 61% of the full benefit, a drop from the current 70%.
Furthermore, the RSC budget suggested creating a “premium support system” for Medicare, allowing private insurers to compete with the federal government. Beneficiaries could choose between traditional Medicare or receive government assistance for private insurance premiums. Critics argue this could financially burden older adults, shifting costs to them and potentially drawing healthier beneficiaries away from traditional Medicare.
The budget also included a broad statement about applying work requirements to “all federal programs,” leaving ambiguity about whether this includes Social Security and Medicare. Tiffany endorsed this budget, showing strong support for its provisions.
In his legislative history, Tiffany’s actions have not always aligned with his promises. He voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts Medicaid funding significantly to fund tax breaks, posing a risk to Medicare. This bill could trigger automatic spending cuts under the 2010 Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act due to its projected increase in federal deficits, potentially reducing Medicare payments by $45 billion.
Additionally, Tiffany has been a proponent of balanced budget amendments to the Constitution, advocating for such measures in both 2021 and 2023. An op-ed penned by Tiffany in 2024 supported these amendments, which would necessitate government spending to match revenue, impacting Social Security’s financial structure and potentially limiting its trust fund usage.
Actions such as backing the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which proposed funding cuts to the Social Security Administration, further illustrate Tiffany’s complex position. Although this act did not pass into law, it reflects his legislative tendencies.
From 2023 to 2024, Tiffany cast 25 votes against safeguarding Social Security and Medicare from future financial reductions. Recent polling by Marquette University Law School reveals a tight race, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley leading Tiffany by a slim margin.
