Committee backs resolution urging federal attention to maintain and reopen Social Security offices serving Ulster County

A memorializing resolution emphasizing the importance of physical Social Security field offices and urging federal attention to maintain or reopen local offices was forwarded by the Laws & Rules Committee on May 21.

Alderman Tierney introduced the resolution, saying constituent access to in-person services was limited after the closure of the Poughkeepsie office and that reopening an Ulster County office would reduce long travel times for residents who rely on in-person visits for Social Security and disability services. Tierney said the absence of a local office forces some residents to travel by car or take multiple buses to reach alternative offices and that staff and local advocates had requested municipal backing for reopening or maintaining physically accessible service points.

Committee sponsors included staff and council members who described Social Security services as broad (retirement, disability, Medicare/Medicaid enrollment assistance) and urged passing a resolution to support federal action to preserve in-person services. The resolution read in committee asked the Common Council to adopt language supporting neighborhood Social Security office access; Tierney said a final draft would be circulated and amended for grammar and wording prior to the council vote.

A motion to forward the resolution to the Common Council was made and seconded; members voted “aye” and the item was advanced for final drafting and council consideration.