A previous blog reported that Social Security had plans to close one of its field offices in Milwaukee due to heating issues, a broken elevator and increased crime in the area, but Congress has now informed Social Security, at least temporarily, it can’t close the Milwaukee office.
Congress passed a $1.3 trillion spending package and the bill contained language prohibiting Social Security from closing any field offices while the Social Security inspector general is reviewing the agency’s office closing procedures to determine if they are lawful.
When Social Security announced, earlier this year, it had planned on closing the Milwaukee field office, the Milwaukee mayor and Wisconsin members of Congress voiced opposition to the idea. U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, (D-Wis.) released a joint statement about the legislation passed baring Social Security from closing the field office.
“As part of our continuing effort to put constituents first, we fought hard to include this language in the [bill]. Given that this was the quickest means by which to oppose this ill-advised closure of the field office on the south side of Milwaukee, this is a matter of critical importance to those who depend on the services available at this location.”
The inspector general is currently reviewing the agency’s decision to close field offices, including whether Social Security followed internal procedures in proposing consolidation, notifying the public, and considering feedback from public input. The inspector general has not set any timetable for a conclusion to its review, so for the time being, the field office in Milwaukee will remain open. The measure offered by Moore and Baldwin was a last minute addition to the spending bill that was passed by both the U.S. House and Senate. To learn more click here.
