Oregon lawmakers call for reversal of 'disastrous' layoffs at Social Security offices
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- An Oregon delegation of lawmakers is urging the Social Security Administration's acting commissioner to reverse the decision to issue major layoffs to several offices.
Senator Ron Wyden is leading his colleagues to denounce the "disastrous" decisions at field offices in Warrenton, La Grande and The Dalles.
Democratic representatives Susan Bonammici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Janelle Bynum and Maxine Dexter joined in the calls, saying that the layoffs threaten services to the most vulnerable populations, including Oregon seniors and those with disabilities.
The decision to issue cuts to the rural offices leaves less than 20 combined employees to serve an estimated 232,000 Oregonians in 10 counties, as well as parts of Washington and Idaho.