The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and Social Security workers are deeply concerned that the Fiscal Year 2013 federal budget to run the Social Security Administration will be cut deeply from current levels, resulting in a devastating impact on the services provided to seniors, the disabled and the families who have lost a parent or spouse.

Sequestration could cut $600 million, while other alternative proposals, such as the Paul Ryan Budget or the Simpson/Bowles recommendations, could cut up to $1 billion from the Agency’s current inadequate funding levels.  Threats of across the board cuts still exist.  If such cuts become law, they would lead to possible furloughs, an ongoing hiring freeze, and the additional loss of 1000 workers.

Cutting Social Security’s budget at a time that record numbers of baby boomers are seeking benefits is another example of bad Washington politics.  By law, the administrative expenses for running the Social Security program are paid out of the Social Security Trust Funds, which have a $2.7 trillion surplus.  Administrative spending represents less than 1% of annual Trust Fund income.

Social Security does not account for the current deficit problem.  In fact, Social Security neither increases nor reduces the federal deficit since the program is entirely self- financed.

In protest of these proposed cuts, thousands of Social Security workers will be protesting across the country to stop the assault on SSA’s ability to serve the American public.

WHAT:
Informational picket and leafletting at the Columbia Tower in Seattle, Washington, site of the Social Security Administration Regional Office.

WHEN:
Wednesday, December 5, 2012, from 11 a.m. – 12 noon

WHERE:
Northeast corner of the intersection of 4^th Avenue and Cherry Street

AFGE Local 3937, which represents Social Security Administration workers in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington will be participating in the protest with SSA workers and community activists who have been invited to voice their concerns about service delivery cuts at Social Security, such as office closings and reduced service hours.  They will also call on Congress to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid during the Federal Budget debate.