From social media to the streets of Decatur, reaction was swift to the news early Saturday that the Social Security offices in Gainesville and four other Georgia cities will be closing as part of the Trump administration’s federal spending cutbacks.
At rally, organized by Cong. Hank Johnson (D-Decatur) to “protect, preserve, and save our Social Security,” Johnson warned that the cuts and closures would negatively impact people receiving Social Security benefits, according to decaterish.com.
Johnson called the plan to close offices nationwide and lay off thousands of SSA (Social Security Administration) workers “treasonous” and said that they are “trying to kill” the SSA. At the same time, he urged the protesters to make their voices heard and fight.
In addition to Gainesville’s, other Georgia offices on the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) hit list are in Vidalia, Thomasville, Columbus, and Brunswick.
(Photo courtesy decaterish.com and Dean Hesse)
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION
Reaction on social media in Gainesville to news that the office here will be closed ranged from outrage to good riddance. A sampling:
“The office is a waste anyways.”
“The office has been very helpful to me.”
“How can they do this, we need this office.”
*No need for an office cause everybody does stuff on the phone.”
“This is not a good thing that is happening.”
WHERE TO GO NOW FOR HELP
So, when the office closes, where can you go if you need or desire in-person help?
According to an internet search, the closest ones to Gainesville are in Winder, Athens, Atlanta, Toccoa and Norcross.
EARLIER STORY. POSTED 7:30 A.M. SATURDAY: Gainesville Social Security Office closing