Search News
For the Media
For media inquiries, call CWA Communications at 202-434-1168 or email comms@cwa-union.org. To read about CWA Members, Leadership or Industries, visit our About page.
Bush Budget Would Shut Down Many Social Security Offices
Failing to deal a lethal blow to Social Security, the Bush administration apparently has decided that it's easier for now to make life harder for the elderly and the tens of millions of baby boomers beginning to join the ranks of America's retired citizens.
Bush's proposed 2009 budget would close scores of Social Security offices across the country, forcing some seniors and disabled citizens to travel hours to the nearest field office.
Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE Council 220 in Washington, D.C., told reporters last week that the system is already under enormous pressure. "Over the past 10 years the Social Security administrative budget has been constricted by upwards of $1.3 billion. Further cuts, as 76 million baby boomers enter the system, could prove to be disastrous," he said.
A bill is already pending in Congress to keep Social Security offices open, introduced by Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.). Known as the Social Security Customer Service Improvement Act, H.R. 5110, it would give Congress additional oversight of SSA staff levels, office closures and budget estimates.
Bush's proposed 2009 budget would close scores of Social Security offices across the country, forcing some seniors and disabled citizens to travel hours to the nearest field office.
Witold Skwierczynski, president of AFGE Council 220 in Washington, D.C., told reporters last week that the system is already under enormous pressure. "Over the past 10 years the Social Security administrative budget has been constricted by upwards of $1.3 billion. Further cuts, as 76 million baby boomers enter the system, could prove to be disastrous," he said.
A bill is already pending in Congress to keep Social Security offices open, introduced by Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.). Known as the Social Security Customer Service Improvement Act, H.R. 5110, it would give Congress additional oversight of SSA staff levels, office closures and budget estimates.