October 18, 2013

Keep Social Security office in Bristol open, pols say

Connecticut’s two senators and Bristol’s congressman told the Social Security Administration this week they oppose the closure of the agency’s office on North Main Street.
In an Oct. 17 joint letter, the three men said they “have yet to see how the cost savings associated with the closing of this office justify the potential hardship on Bristol area senior citizens and people with disabilities.”
The letter, signed by U.S. Rep. John Larson and U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, asked agency Commissioner Carolyn Colvin to meet with them soon to explore the rationale for the decision to shutter the office in January.
They said they also want to discuss options for ensuring that city residents will still be able to have in-person contact with Social Security staff.
“We stand united with Bristol Mayor Art Ward and the greater Bristol community” in strongly opposing the closure, the letter said.
Ward said he is grateful for the “immediate response to this most crucial issue. It is imperative that our residents maintain full, unobstructed and/or uninhibited, access to their Social Security benefits.”

Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

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