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Springfield Social Security office to be site of protest

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer 1:40 PM Tuesday, March 1, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Social Security workers are planning to protest proposed federal budget cuts in Springfield and across the country Wednesday.

The workers are protesting recent proposals from the U.S. House that would cut the agency’s budget. They say this would lead to a month of furloughs at more than 1,500 Social Security offices across the country, causing a disruption in services the agency provides.

As budget wrangling continues in Washington, it’s unclear exactly how much of the agency’s budget will be cut. Media reports put estimates between 1 and 9 percent.

Federal union members are asking other unions and residents to join them at a 11:30 a.m. rally at the Social Security office at 2039 W. Main St.

“These cuts will only punish Americans who count on Social Security and Medicare by adding to backlogs and limiting assistance for our seniors, the disabled and families that have lost a parent or spouse,” said Rick Hanna, vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 3448.

Federal lawmakers and Social Security administrators have said they will work to make the impact of cuts to the agency minimal, and will try to avoid furloughs.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374.

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