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

Welch: Fighting to keep Social Security office

Press release from state Sen. Jason Welch, a Bristol Republican:
Fighting to Keep Social Security Office Open for Bristol Seniors   Hartford, CT – State Senator Jason Welch (R-Bristol) has filed a Freedom of Information request with the Principal Public FOIA Liaison to find out why the Bristol Social Security Administration Office (SSA) on Main Street was put on a closure list.   “Bristol’s elderly and disabled population rely on social security to make ends meet and are often the least able to navigate the worldwide web or travel to other towns.  Closing this office is a bad idea,” said Senator Welch.   Senator Welch was notified on September 30 via letter from the SSA regional director that the office was on the chopping block.  After several constituent calls and a bit of investigation Senator Welch decided to ask the obvious: Why here? Why wasn’t the public asked?  How much does the administration anticipate in savings? How many other SSA offices are being closed?   In a letter to the FOIA Liaison Sen. Welch requests a copy of all documents and records related to the decision to close the Bristol office: research, data, analysis, reports, notes, memoranda and correspondence whether in handwritten, typed, electronic or any other form.   “I understand the Social Security Administration has tried to close the Bristol office in the past but back then the community stood up and for good reason.  While I support efforts to consolidate government services and save taxpayer dollars, I am concerned that closing the Bristol SSA office will disproportionately impact a vulnerable population for what may be little savings,” added Sen. Welch.
In 2011, the Bristol SSA office pared back its hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Wednesday.  The Social Security office is located in Room 400 of the old New Departure administration building at 225 N. Main St.   The law requires an answer to the Freedom of Information request within 20 workdays.   The Bristol SSA Office is scheduled to close in January.  

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

Larson opposes Social Security cuts

Here's a press release from U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat whose 1st District includes Bristol, about the draft plan from the Debt Commission:
LARSON CRITICIZES DEBT COMMISSION PLAN TO CUT SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Offers Common Sense Solution to Lower the Deficit
Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after news that the President’s debt commission released its plan to reduce the federal deficit and make cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
“I am disappointed with these initial recommendations from the debt commission. As I’ve said before, any plan to cut Social Security benefits for the elderly and disabled is quite simply dead on arrival.
“We have already proposed a simple plan that would reduce the deficit without hurting America’s hardworking middle class. Preserving tax breaks for the middle class while letting the Bush tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans expire would mean billions less in borrowing from foreign countries like China and Brazil; billions less that our grandchildren need to repay. Rather than raising taxes on the middle class by eliminating tax breaks like the mortgage interest deduction and making draconian cuts to our federal budget, let’s take a responsible and reasonable approach to lowering the deficit that won’t impact our economic recovery and won’t make it harder for working families to make ends meet.”
*****
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Social Security office safe for another year

U.S. Rep. John Larson, the East Hartford Democrat who represents Bristol, has provided "at least another year" for Bristol's Social Security office, according to Mayor Art Ward.
Ward got a call from a top Larson aide a few hours ago.
"That is beautiful," Ward said. "A nice way to start a Monday."
Ward said that the extra time will give officials a lengthy period to prove the need for the office in Bristol.

Update at 3:26 p.m. -

A press release just came in from Larson's office, which says:

Connecticut Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) are thrilled to announce that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided to keep the Bristol field office open for at least another year. The SSA had threatened to close the office last year, sending thousands of local seniors to New Britain for their Social Security needs. During the year, the SSA will continue to review the need for the Bristol office.

The Social Security Administration cited in letters to the Congressional delegation today, that adequate funding for 2008 is one of the key reasons they will keep the office open. The entire delegation fought to increase funding for the SSA in appropriations legislation so that it could better serve the people of Connecticut and the entire country.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) said, “This announcement is great news for the residents of Bristol, especially for Bristol’s senior citizens who depend on their local Social Security office for vital information and assistance. While I applaud the SSA for their decision to keep the office open for another year, I am also well aware that today we have only won a battle. I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues Senator Lieberman and Representative Larson over the coming year to help ensure that the residents of Bristol do not lose this critically important resource.”

Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) said, “I am extremely pleased to hear that the Bristol Social Security Office will remain open for another year. This is a significant victory for the citizens and public servants of Bristol – as well as surrounding communities such as Plymouth, Terryville, and Burlington – who depend on having access to vital services at this location. I am certain that further review by the Social Security Administration should reveal what a severe hardship would fall upon thousands of elderly and disabled citizens in our state, and I encourage the SSA to keep the Bristol office open. In the meantime, Senator Dodd, Congressman Larson, and I will do everything we can to ensure that adequate funds are appropriated for the SSA.”

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said, “The Bristol office of the Social Security Administration is an important part of the Bristol Community and vital to the seniors it serves. I am very pleased with SSA’s decision to keep the office open for another year. I look forward to continuing my work with Commissioner Michael Astrue, the SSA and the entire delegation to keep the office open. All residents, most importantly our local seniors, should know that they will be able to turn to their local Social Security office for assistance and guidance for many years to come.”

Update at 5 p.m. -
Governor Jodi Rell just issued this statement: "This is most welcome news. Closing the office would have significantly burdened the elderly population of the Bristol area, so I am thrilled to see that our state delegation has resolved the situation. Now, Bristol seniors will not have to travel to New Britain when they need to visit the Social Security office."

*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Amann backs Social Security number protection idea

Here is reporter Jackie Majerus' story about state Rep. Frank Nicastro's push for legislation making it easier for residents to keep their Social Security numbers private:

A plan to protect the privacy of citizens' Social Security numbers is getting powerful backing from House Speaker James Amann.
People are considered now “more so than ever” about identity theft, said Amann, a Milford Democrat, and are reluctant to surrender their Social Security numbers without just cause.
State Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat, wants to see Connecticut pass legislation to safeguard the rights of people who don’t want to give out their Social Security numbers.
“I’m going to raise it in a committee,” said Nicastro, who serves on the General Law Committee. The lawmakers go back into regular session next month.
“Certainly the concept has a lot of merit,” said Amann. “I think it’s worth exploring.”
When some elderly Bristol Housing Authority residents lost out on a free Thanksgiving turkey last year because they refused to provide Foodshare with their Social Security numbers, Nicastro’s resolve deepened.
Nicastro said it was “crazy” that the seniors who were careful with their numbers missed out on a turkey. If identity verification was the goal, Nicastro said, there are other ways to do it.
Amann praised Nicastro as a “bulldog,” and said he hopes the Bristol lawmaker will work hard on the Social Security number protection law.
“It’s something that we should take notice of,” said Amann, and “a good idea to debate.”
The legislation is aimed at protecting consumers, much like state Sen. Tom Colapietro’s wildly popular “no call” list. Passed several years ago, the law safeguards telephone customers from telemarketers.
This measure to protect citizens who want to keep their Social Security number private may not be much different.
“I really believe it’s one of those issues that could have a life of its own,” said Amann.
While people may feel secure about a corporation or retailer, Amann said, they can’t always be sure about everyone working for that corporation.
“We don’t know who we’re giving those Social Security numbers to,” Amann said. He said it is an issue that Americans should consider nationally.
Both individuals and corporations can be victims of identity theft, Amann said.
“That’s part of the American problem right now with security,” Amann said.
Amann said he’s not sure if under the Constitution lawmakers can prevent anyone from asking for a Social Security number.
Nicastro agreed, but said the law could prohibit retailers or service providers from penalizing those who choose to keep the number private.
The Social Security Administration advises that citizens treat their Social Security number as “confidential information.” If asked for the number, the agency says, people should ask why it is needed, how it will be used, what happens if they refuse and what law requires them to give it.
Nicastro said he’s already begun discussing his idea for protective legislation with other lawmakers and found them supportive.
“It’s out of control,” said Nicastro. “We’ve gotta stop it.”

*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Stay of execution for Bristol Social Security office

Press release from U.S. Rep. John Larson, moments ago:

The Social Security Administration (SSA) told the Connecticut Congressional Delegation today that it has decided to keep the Bristol office open for at least another three months while they reevaluate their decision to close it.

Senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman, as well as Congressman John B. Larson CT-01, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, have worked tirelessly with the community and Administration to keep this office open. Most recently, Lieberman and Dodd were successful in getting an amendment introduced and included in an appropriations bill that would prohibit SSA from closing the Bristol office until they meet certain requirements. Congressman Larson has spoken with Michael Astrue, the Commissioner of the SSA, on numerous occasions to stress the importance of this office and the hardships closing it would inflict on the community. The members have also worked to diligently to increase funding for the Social Security Administration above the levels set both by the previous year and the request of the Bush Administration.

The Social Security Office provides a vital function to the population in and around Bristol. And, the delegation has every intention of continuing to fight until a permanent decision to keep the office open is made.

Congressman John B. Larson CT-01, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, spoke with Michael Astrue, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, this afternoon. Following the conversation, Larson said:

“I would like to thank Commissioner Astrue for going above and beyond to help us keep this office open. I am thrilled at today’s news and I’m confident we will be able to keep this office open. I will continue to work with the Social Security Administration and my colleagues in the Senate to make the decision to keep the Bristol office open permanent. The office is vital to Bristol’s elderly community. I realize that, the town realizes that and now the Social Security Administration is beginning to realize that.”

Senator Chris Dodd (CT-D) said:
"This is certainly a step in the right direction, and I am confident that given this extra time the SSA will recognize the vital role this office plays in the community of Bristol and the surrounding area. This is not a matter of mere convenience for our senior citizens; it is a matter of necessity. I am sure the SSA will draw the same conclusion in three months' time."

Senator Joe Lieberman (CT – ID) said:

“I am pleased that SSA will keep the Bristol office open while they consider the negative impact of closing this vital facility. I hope that they reach the conclusion that this office must permanently remain open in order to provide critical services to the residents of this area.”


*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

U.S. Senate: leave Bristol Social Security office open

Lieberman press release, issued this afternoon:

Lieberman, Dodd Win Significant Battle in Bristol SSA Fight

Rep. Larson and Senators continue push to keep office open

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Chris Dodd (D-CT) took a significant step forward in the fight to prevent the Social Security Administration (SSA) from closing its field office in Bristol. The Senate unanimously passed an amendment introduced by both Senators to the appropriations bill that funds the Departments of Education, Labor and Health and Human Services (HHS) that would not allow SSA to close the Bristol office until they meet certain requirements (outlined below). The bill now must go to President Bush.

SSA could close the Bristol office as early as November 2, if the legislation has not become law. Lieberman, Dodd and Congressman John B Larson (CT-01) are writing a letter to SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue urging him to respect the wishes of Congress and not close the office at least until the requirements of the amendment have been met.

"The Senate has sent a loud and clear message to the Social Security Administration that they should keep the Bristol office open," Lieberman said. "I hope SSA will not rush to disregard the will of the Senate and close the Bristol office before this amendment has a chance to become law."

"I am pleased that the full Senate agreed that the Bristol Social Security office should remain open," said Dodd. "Our senior citizens face enough challenges without having to travel unreasonable distances or conforming to limited timeframes for access to services they need and deserve. I urge the SSA to accept the recommendation of the Senate and keep the Bristol Office open."

Congressman Larson, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, said: "I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate in conference to make sure that this amendment is included in any legislation that hits the President's desk. I will also continue to work with the Social Security Administration, which has been greatly under-funded, to keep the Bristol office open. The Bristol Social Security Office is vital to the residents of the community. We are doing everything within our power in Congress to make sure it stays open."

The amendment requires SSA to provide the following to Congress before closing the Bristol field office:

• A thorough analysis of the criteria used for selecting field offices for closure and how the SSA analyzes and considers factors relating to transportation and communication burdens faced by seniors and the disabled as a result of field office closures;

• A cost-benefit analysis of closing the office that takes the following into account:

o The savings anticipated by the closure;

o The burdens placed on seniors and the disabled;

o Any costs associated with replacing the services lost by closing the office.


Below is the text of the letter sent by Senators Lieberman and Dodd and Rep. Larson to SSA:

October 24, 2007

Michael J. Astrue
Commissioner
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235-0001

Dear Commissioner Astrue:

We are again writing to ask your reconsideration of the proposal to close the Bristol Office and to bring to your attention an amendment passed today by the United States Senate regarding this proposal.

Today, the Senate unanimously adopted an amendment we all supported to prevent any funds from being used to close the Bristol office at this time. We continue to believe that this proposal is ill-advised and that the selection of the Bristol office for closure was not based on a sound analysis of the impact on elderly citizens in our state as compared to the relatively minimal savings to be achieved.

As we have previously pointed out, the Bristol office serves over 12,000 elderly and disabled citizens each year. According to documents provided by the Social Security Administration, the Bristol office handles 25 to 35 unscheduled walk-ins each day, in addition to regularly scheduled appointments. A good many of these walk-ins are residents that rely on public transportation. Asking them to travel to New Britain is a hardship: in many cases it would require them to transfer buses or take a taxi each way. We further want to emphasize that this is a population that often is not comfortable negotiating transactions over the telephone, and is not knowledgeable about navigating online services.

We continue to believe that the criteria for selecting the Bristol office and other offices for closure has not been articulated and that a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis has not been conducted that adequately considers the transportation and communication burdens placed on the elderly. Hence the amendment adopted by the Senate states that the office should not be closed at least until such time as such criteria are identified and such analysis has been submitted.

We hope you will honor the will of the Senate. We also hope you will continue to explore with us other options to achieve cost savings while keeping open the Bristol office.

Sincerely,
Joseph I. Lieberman UNITED STATES SENATOR
Christopher J. Dodd UNITED STATES SENATOR
John B. Larson MEMBER OF CONGRESS

*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

No luck for Larson on Social Security showdown

Press release issued today from U.S. Rep. John Larson:

Today, Congressman John B. Larson, CT-01 and Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, spoke to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Michael Astrue. Congressman Larson strongly urged him to reconsider his decision to close the Bristol Social Security office.

After the call, Congressman Larson said:

“I continue to work with the Commissioner to find a solution to this problem. Unfortunately, he is working under the constraints of a Bush Administration that is threatening to veto any increased funding the Congress has allocated to the Social Security Administration. I explained to him the importance of this office to the people of Bristol and the surrounding community. He is sympathetic to our request and we will work together to try to find an answer.”

*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Larson vows to push for Social Security office

While hoping for a long-term commitment to leave the Social Security office in Bristol, U.S. Rep. John Larson said he’ll be pushing in the coming week to convince federal decision-makers to let it remain open past the Nov. 2 deadline announced recently.
Larson said Saturday that he’s meeting this week with both the Social Security Administration commissioner and the agency’s key legislative manager to try to gain Bristol more time to make its case.
The East Hartford Democrat, whose 1st District includes Bristol, said he’ll ask both officials “to give us the time needed to wait this budget through.”
After Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue told lawmakers earlier this year that he needed hundreds of millions in extra funding to allow office in Bristol and a number of cities across the country to stay open, Larson and other congressmen delivered a proposed budget that would do just that.
However, President George W. Bush has declared that he won’t sign a budget plan that includes more money than he proposed, which would leave the Social Security Administration with few options except paring back its administrative costs.
It doesn’t have the option of slicing Social Security payments.
State Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat from the 79th District, said that Bush “has to open his eyes and see how he’s hurting people” with his vow to hold down federal spending that’s necessary to keep the office open.
Nicastro called it “totally unfair” and “almost vindictive” for the president to take aim at places like Bristol.
Nicastro, a former mayor, said he cannot fathom how the government can come up with billions for an unpopular war “and we can’t help the people here, the people that made this country great.”
City Councilor Kevin McCauley said that if requires a city delegation to go to Washington and plead Bristol’s case, he’s ready.
Larson said that Bristol has done all it can to try to find ways to cut costs, including landlord George Carpenter’s cooperation.
Carpenter gets $36,983 in annual rent on the Social Security office space, which is only a fraction of the $113,000 the agency hopes to save by shutting down the Bristol office.
Officials said they are trying to enlist Gov. Jodi Rell’s help in fighting for the Bristol office to stay open. They said that as a Republican, she might have more luck in convincing Bush to let the office remain in Bristol.
John Leone, president of the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, expressed frustration at trying to get assistance from Rell. He said the governor’s staff sought to dismiss the issue as one that doesn’t involve the state, which is only technically true.
“Her staff could be more receptive,” Leone said.
Rell is expected to attend a groundbreaking for the Route 72 extension on Monday in Bristol, where she will no doubt receive plenty of personal lobbying from city and community leaders to lend a hand.
Mayor William Stortz said he hopes Larson can buy the city more time.
“We need that,” the mayor said.


******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

A full-time federal guard for Bristol's Social Security office?

Shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack, Congress decided that every Social Security office in the nation needed a full-time guard.
So for the past six years, the federal government has been shelling out more than $60,000 annually to cover the tab for having a guard watching over the 5-person Social Security office in Bristol.
That office is slated to close Nov. 2 so that the Social Security Administration can save about $113,000 annually, officials said.
More than half the savings will come from eliminating the need for a guard in Bristol.
The requirement “makes no sense,” said state Rep. Frank Nicastro, a 79th District Democrat.
“It seems so ridiculous,” said state Rep. Bill Hamzy, a Plymouth Republican whose 78th District includes part of Bristol.
John Leone, president of the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, said it is “like shooting a fly with an elephant gun” to combat terrorism by hiring full-time security for a tiny Social Security office.
The other Social Security workers who are currently in Bristol will simply transfer to a New Britain office that is likely to be moving to new,larger quarters soon.
Local officials and aides for congressional offices who gathered at the chamber offices Friday afternoon said that one way to fight for the Bristol office to remain open may be to reduce its hours so that it would be open only four days a week instead of five.
Apparently, they said, the guard wouldn’t be necessary under the law if the office is less than full-time.
The federal Department of Homeland Security hires the guards and charges the Social Security Administration the cost of paying the guards along with a 15 percent management surcharge.
“It’s overkill,” Leone said, and clearly isn’t necessary in Bristol.
Mayor William Stortz, city councilors, state lawmakers and others said Friday they’re going to push hard to keep the office open.
“Once it’s closed, it’s closed,” said city Councilor Mike Rimcoski. “It would take an act of God to reopen it.”
Nicastro said he can’t understand the priorities in Washington.
“One bomb in Iraq” costs more than it would take to keep serving more than 12,000 people yearly at the Bristol office, Nicastro said.
He said, “We can spend that kind of money overseas - and we don’t seem to be getting anywhere, looks like another Vietnam - and we can’t this office open?”

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Bristol getting shafted on Social Security closure?

While targeting Bristol’s Social Security office for closure, the federal government plans to leave offices open in eight other Connecticut cities that serve far fewer people.
The only bigger municipality in the state that lacks a Social Security office is West Hartford, which shares a border with Hartford, which has a full-service office..
East Hartford, however, which also borders Hartford but which has a population almost 10 percent smaller than Bristol, has a Social Security office that’s slated to remain open.
Even tiny Willimantic, which has a little more than a quarter of Bristol’s population, will retain its Social Security office.
The Social Security Administration plans to close the Bristol office on Nov. 2 to save about $113,000 annually. It anticipates that residents of Bristol and surrounding towns will use the frequently crowded office in New Britain instead.
Connecticut’s two senators and U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose district includes Bristol, are pushing the Bush administration to reverse course and let the office remain open.
There are currently 17 Social Security offices in the state. Bristol’s is the only one that’s slated to shut down.
If the office is closed, Bristol will easily be the largest city in the state lacking a Social Security office either within its borders or in a neighboring municipality.
Milford, which also lacks one, is midway between New Haven and Stamford, which do. It has more than 20 percent fewer residents than Bristol, which had 60,187 as of the last Census. Experts say the city has added about 1,000 people since the Census.
The eight Connecticut cities and towns that are smaller than Bristol that have Social Security offices are Ansonia, East Hartford, Meriden, Middletown, New London, Norwich, Torrington and Willimantic.
In a letter to the administrator of the Social Security Administration, Larson and U.S. Sens. Joe Lieberman and Chris Dodd argued that Bristol’s office should remain open in part because of the “unique transportation situation” that would make it difficult for someone to take a bus to the New Britain office.
The lawmakers said in a recent press release that the proposed budget passed by the House of Representatives this spring includes a significant increase in funding to the Social Security Administration. The Senate may provide even more money.
They said that almost 15 percent of Bristol’s residents are 65 years or older, which means that at least one in five city residents gets Social Security because of age, survivor benefits or disability. Politicians point out they are also often the people who have the hardest time traveling.
"We must remind the Social Security Administration and the President that they owe our seniors the respect of an accessible Social Security office,” Larson said.
"It is critical that seniors have easy access to Social Security offices," said Dodd, who is running for president.
"I will continue to work closely with Senator Lieberman and Representative Larson to urge Commissioner Astrue to reconsider his decision to close the Bristol office. Thousands of Connecticut seniors rely on Social Security and they should not be forced to jump through hoops in order to get the benefits they deserve."
Lieberman said he is “extremely disappointed” that Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue's decision to close the Bristol office.
"Consolidating this office with the New Britain office would be a tremendous burden on seniors in our state, “ Lieberman said.
“Earlier this year, Senator Dodd, Representative Larson and I met Commissioner Astrue to hear the agency's budget concerns, and we responded by working in the House and the Senate to increase the budget for the Social Security Administration,” Lieberman said.
“In view of these facts, I urge Commissioner Astrue to reconsider this decision," Lieberman said.
City officials and the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce have also called for the office to stay open.

Connecticut's Social Security offices
Ansonia
Bridgeport
Bristol
Danbury
East Hartford
Hartford
Meriden
Middletown
New Britain
New Haven
New London
Norwalk
Norwich
Stamford
Torrington
Waterbury
Willimantic


*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Social Security closure a political statement?

Take a look at this blogger's take on Social Security office closures.

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Locals vow to save Social Security office

"We're not going to give up," said city Councilor Mike Rimcoski. "We're going to still try full force."
Rimcoski said that the City Council, Mayor William Stortz and the state delegation are going to turn up the heat.
State Rep. Ron Burns said the fight is a bipartisan one, with politicians from both parties joining together to convince President George W. Bush to reverse the decision.
Burns said that local politicians will try to convince Gov. Jodi Rell to intercede with the president.
He said that with a Republican mayor, Republican lawmakers and a Republican governor pushing for the office to stay open, perhaps the president will listen.
"This isn't a done issue," said Rimcoski, who is also a Republican.

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Larson vows to keep fighting on Social Security office closure

Press release from U.S. Rep. John Larson:

Congressman John Larson CT-01, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, met with town officials from Bristol yesterday to renew his vow to fight to keep the local Social Security Office open. News came late Friday that the Social Security Administration had decided to shut down the office in early November, after threatening for months to do so.

In attendance for the meeting were Larson, a representative from Senator Chris Dodd’s office (CT-D), Bristol Mayor William Stortz, State Senator Tom Colapietro, State Representative Ron Burns, members of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and members of the Bristol Town Council.

Congressman Larson listened to the group’s concerns and stressed to all in attendance his commitment to keep the office open. “I will continue to fight to keep this office open. There is an additional $400 million for the Social Security Administration in the budget that the House passed and even more in the budget the Senate is considering. I urge the Social Security Administration to reconsider. And, I urge the President to stop using the threat of a budget veto to further his political agenda, while our seniors go without the services they desperately need,” said Congressman Larson.


*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Social Security office in Bristol to close Nov. 2

Brushing aside pleas from one of the most powerful Democrats in the Congress, the Social Security Administration plans to close its Bristol office on Nov. 2.
U.S. Rep. John Larson, an East Hartford Democrat whose district includes Bristol, said he is “utterly disappointed” in the decision to shutter the Social Security office on North Main Street that serves thousands of residents annually.
Larson said, though, that he’s not throwing in the towel.
“The entire delegation is together on this and we plan to continue fighting,” Larson said in a prepared statement. “This isn’t over.”
City, state and federal politicians rallied a year ago to block plans to close the Bristol office, succeeding in keeping the office open an extra 10 months.
In May, two congressmen and Connecticut’s two senators lobbied Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue to leave the Bristol office open rather than shifting its handful of employees to a larger site in New Britain.
At the time, they won a promise that the city’s Social Security office would not close “in the near term,” but the lawmakers said that for it to remain open permanently would require they find money in the budget to keep its doors open.
Larson said he learned Friday that the office is now slated to close in little more than a month, on Nov 2.
“I am utterly disappointed in the commissioner’s decision to close the Bristol Social Security field office, especially after all of the effort put in not only by us but the entire Bristol community,” Larson said.
“In Congress, we achieved an increase over the President’s requested budget for the Social Security Administration,” he said.
“I am dismayed that the president continues to say he will veto this budget, putting so much strain on our country’s seniors,” said Larson, the fourth highest ranking Democrat in the House.
“On the merits, we made the case and thought we had a good faith agreement that when we increased the budget request, we should have been able to keep the office open,” Larson said.
The Social Security office is located in the old New Departure building at 225 North Main St.

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Mayor: Social Security office safe for now

Though I'm not sure there's an appreciable difference between what Mayor William Stortz is announcing today and what Jackie Majerus wrote in the Press back in nearly May, here's what the mayor has to say in a new press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bristol, CT, June 18, 2007 - In a prepared release, Mayor William T. Stortz announced that he has received confirmation that any decision on the Bristol Social Security Office will be deferred until later in the year.

Stortz said, “With the combined efforts of Senators Dodd and Lieberman, and Congressman Larson, the SSA is deferring a decision until the new Commissioner can fully evaluate the agency operations.”

“While this does not necessarily mean his decision is final, it does provide more time for all potentially affected citizens to further voice their support for keeping the office open”, said Stortz.

Stortz concluded, “I urge everyone to continue their efforts in contacting your Federal legislators, and the Social Security office. As proven so far, your voice does make a difference.”

# # #



*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com