Mankato Workers Stand Up for Social Security

Thousands of American Federation of Government Employees Social Security Administration workers from 96 offices in 31 states across the country held a one-day informational picket to educate the public about the devastating impact the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 federal budget would have on the Social Security Administration.

American Federation of Government Employees in Mankato were at one of these offices. More than two dozen supporters braved the Minnesota winter to advocate for the most vulnerable among us.

Kristen O'Shaughnessy, a claims representative for 12 years, was out on the picket line. She says, "I don't understand why Social Security is being targeted. Our agency didn't contribute to the deficit. We provide the most vital services to the most vulnerable populations. Any pause in that service means real people suffer."

If the Republican plan is adopted, and Social Security has to shut down for a month, it will be devistating. In Minnesota alone, more than 7,000 applications for retirement, disability and survivor benefits would not be processed. More than 23,000 people would call the Social Security offices and get no answer because no one would be there to do the work.

More than 30 jobs would be lost in our state, and the local economy would lost $1.8 million. We know that's not good when job creation and retention is paramount to Minnesota's success.

While President Obama signed a two week budget extension, we must keep the pressure on to come up with solution that protects the middle class. To learn more about this and to call your senator, go to http://www.strengthensocialsecurity.org/callcongress.

Other events were held around the state. To check out the Minneapolis event, go to http://workdayminnesota.org/ and look at the side column.