Dodd, Lieberman, Larson Hail Decision to Keep Bristol Social Security Office Open

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2008

Contact: For Dodd - JustineSessions/202-224-2823

ForLieberman - Erika Masonhall/202-224-4041
ForLarson - Emily Barocas /202-225-7295/202-593-1377

DODD,LIEBERMAN, LARSON HAIL DECISION TO KEEP BRISTOL
SOCIALSECURITY OFFICE OPEN

WASHINGTON, DC- ConnecticutSenators 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 Bristolfield office open for at least another year. The SSA had threatened to close the office last year, sending thousandsof local seniors to New Britainfor their Social Security needs. Duringthe year, SSA will continue to review the need for the Bristoloffice.

The Social Security Administrationcited in letters to the Congressional delegation today, that adequate fundingfor 2008 is one of the key reasons they will keep the office open. The entire delegation fought to increase funding for the Social SecurityAdministration in appropriations legislation so that it could better serve thepeople of Connecticutand the entire country.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) said, "Thisannouncement is great news for the residents of Bristol, especially for Bristol's senior citizens who depend on their local Social Security office for vitalinformation and assistance. While I applaud the SSA for their decision tokeep the office open for another year, I am also well aware that today we haveonly won a battle. I will continue to fight alongside my colleaguesSenator Lieberman and Representative Larson over the coming year to help ensurethat the residents of Bristoldo not lose this critically important resource."

Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) said, "Iam extremely pleased to hear that the BristolSocial Security Office will remain open for another year. This is asignificant 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 amcertain that further review by the Social Security Administration should revealwhat a severe hardship would fall upon thousands of elderly and disabledcitizens in our state, and I encourage the SSA to keep the Bristoloffice open. In the meantime, Senator Dodd, Congressman Larson, and Iwill do everything we can to ensure that adequate funds are appropriated for theSSA."

Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01)said, "The Bristoloffice of the Social Security Administration is an important part of the BristolCommunity and vital to the seniors it serves. I am very pleased with SSA's decision to keep the office open foranother year. I look forward tocontinuing my work with Commissioner Michael Astrue, the SSA and the entiredelegation to keep the office open. Allresidents, most importantly our local seniors, should know that they will beable to turn to their local Social Security office for assistance and guidancefor many years to come."

WASHING