THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE
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February 18, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

Cutting Social Security Administration Funding Threatens Millions of Americans

National Seniors Organization Urges Congress to Avoid
"Penny Wise-Pound Foolish" Budget Approach

A budget proposal that would cut $1.7 billion from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the remainder of year has the agency preparing for staff furloughs. T he National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare has urged Congress to reject these destructive cuts and approve President Obama's 2011 budget request for the Social Security Administration.

In a letter to House Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Xavier Becerra, NCPSSM President/CEO Barbara Kennelly described what these cuts would mean for an agency already underfunded and the millions of Americans it serves: 

"Given the essential nature of Social Security, I am deeply concerned that Congress is considering plans that will reduce substantially the funding available to the agency for operating expenses for the remainder of this year.  What would a further cut in funding mean to America 's seniors?  It means having to wait longer to get an appointment to file for benefits.  It means not receiving a decision in a timely manner.  It means getting a busy signal when you call an office or the Agency's toll-free 800 number telephone service.  It means not having your change of address or direct deposit information processed in a timely fashion. And finally, it means significant employee furloughs or even office closures, resulting in even greater degradations of service to America 's seniors."  Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO

A copy of Ms. Kennelly's letter

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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.

Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org