Congressman: It's irresponsible to make these cuts without input from Iowans and an analysis of cost savings
Washington, D.C. - After recently introducing legislation that would delay upcoming cuts to Social Security field office services, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide evidence that they considered public input and that the cuts would save taxpayers money.
"These cuts are being made with no input from Iowa's seniors and without one shred of evidence they'll save taxpayers a penny?and that's irresponsible," Braley said. "Eleven million Americans?and tens of thousands of Iowans?use these services every year, and it doesn't appear the Social Security Administration has even made Iowans aware of cuts that are only weeks away."
Beginning August 2014, SSA will no longer issue Social Security number printouts in its field offices. In addition, beginning October 2014, SSA field offices will stop providing benefit verification letters, except in emergency situations. Many seniors rely on these verification letters for a variety of services. Those requesting this information would be able to do so only online or over the phone. Last year alone, 11 million Americans used SSA offices to request this information.
Braley's letter asks Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin to provide a series of answers about the proposed cuts, including whether an analysis of cost savings has been done and if public input was solicited prior to the proposed cuts. Braley also sought information from Colvin on how Iowans seeking these services would be informed of cuts.
"Millions of Americans rely on Social Security, and now is simply not the time to impose misguided and unjustified cuts to services," the letter to SSA Commissoiner Carolyn Colvin reads.
Braley's recently introduced Seniors' Access to Social Security Act would prevent those cuts for one year, during which time Braley will seek verification that the proposed service cuts will not adversely affect Iowa's seniors and will save taxpayers money.
Earlier this week, Braley visited the Social Security Administration field office in Cedar Rapids to voice his opposition to the impending cuts. Braley also recently joined over 100 lawmakers to express their opposition to cuts to vital services at Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices.
Iowa's 19 SSA field offices are located in Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Waterloo, Burlington, Coralville, Davenport, Ottumwa, Council Bluffs, Creston, Des Moines, Ames, Carroll, Ft. Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, Spencer, and Storm Lake.
Over 450,000 Iowa seniors received Social Security benefits in 2013.
A copy of the letter can be found HERE.
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