Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) hosted a virtual town hall with residents of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. More than 8,300 constituents joined the event on the phone and Facebook, with many sharing how federal funding and job cuts are personally impacting them.
“One of the most important things I can do is listen to the constituents of the 17th district. Last night, I heard from a woman in Bloomington who is concerned her husband may lose his veterans’ benefits, a man in Peoria who lost his job at the Ag Lab, and an individual in Moline who wanted to know how the dismantling of USAID would impact farmers who sold their crops to them,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “My neighbors are the stories behind the inevitable consequences of having an unelected billionaire in Washington take a chainsaw to the federal government. It is their stories that are guiding my work to stop the chaos in Washington, so we can return to focusing on creating jobs, lowering costs, and making health care more affordable.”
You can listen to a full recording of the town hall HERE.
Listen Here for Exchanges:
Congressman Sorensen Takes Question for Laid Off Peoria Ag Lab Employee:
- Corey from Peoria: “I was a probationary employee laid off from the Peoria Ag Lab. In my opinion, it’s about the folks – the 100 folks that are in the building that are still there. How do we protect them?”
- Congressman Sorensen: “Thank you, Corey, for your hard work, and for how important the Peoria Ag Lab is for the community. Thanks for having the diligence to not just throw your hands up and give up. We can’t give up on these things. So, what I want to be able to do is do everything I can. I’m leading a letter. Senator Dick Durbin was just in Peoria along with my staff to make sure that we’re going to push back against any of these cuts – to make sure we can find the funding for your work. I do want to say on behalf of the federal government, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that happened to you. […] We need to make sure we don’t lose the really high-quality work that people like you, Corey, are doing. So, let’s keep in touch. I really want to talk afterwards here or in the next couple days about what we can do together.”
- David from Rockford: “My wife and I are both on SSI. We are currently $5,000 below the poverty line. I think that’s a massive injustice. The other thing that really concerns me is Trump talking about cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. If he cuts Medicare and Medicaid, there’s drugs that me and my wife take that we will not be able to afford at all. We will die because someone decided they don’t like Medicaid or Medicare.”
- Congressman Sorensen: “[…] I don’t think that Donald Trump or Elon Musk are hearing from people like you. I want you to know that I am going to be there for you. I want to make sure that Social Security is never touched. That is a solemn promise that you pay into that you’re going to be able to get back. Medicare is so important for so many seniors. Medicaid is so important for you. The only reason they want to make cuts – let’s be honest – is the billionaires can get their tax breaks. […] I helped pass the Social Security Fairness Act, which means that workers and spouses get their pensions that they deserve. So, David, thank you for that. I’ll be working as hard as I can to make sure you at home get the services you need.”
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is fighting to protect Americans from the Trump-Musk plan to gut Social Security. Sorensen introduced the Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act, which aims to prevent the closure of critical Social Security field and hearing offices. This bill would ensure continued access to vital services for seniors, people with disabilities, and families across the country.
The Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act, would impose a moratorium on Social Security field and hearing office closures until January 21, 2029 — one day after the end of President Trump’s second term. The bill would also allow the Commissioner of Social Security to lift the moratorium only after submitting a detailed report to Congress outlining a clear and justified process for office closures.
“For so many people in my district, Social Security isn’t just a check — it’s the difference between putting food on the table or going hungry, affording medication or risking their health. It’s a lifeline thousands of people depend on every day,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “Closing field offices would place unnecessary hardships on the very people who rely on these services the most — our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and hardworking families. I proudly stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation to make sure everyone has access to the benefits they’ve earned, because no one should have to struggle or travel miles out their way to get the help they deserve.”
“I am strongly opposed to the proposed closure of our local Social Security Administration facility. Shutting down the Rockford office is an unacceptable decision and would create unnecessary barriers —especially transportation challenges— for thousands of residents, seniors, people with disabilities and working families who rely on these critical services the most. said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “We must ensure that our most vulnerable residents have access to the support they need, not make it harder for them. Our residents have worked hard and paid into the system for decades; they deserve accessible and reliable support. We must stand together as community leaders, elected officials and residents to demand the Rockford Social Security office remain open.”
“Lifescape’s mission is to help older adults access the programs and services they need to remain living as independently as possible for as long as possible. said Lifescape Community Services, Inc. CEO, Mike Hughes “Most of our clients are homebound with limited transportation options. Closing the Social Security office in Rockford will restrict their access to the services they deserve and need.”
You can view the Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act HERE.
***Courtesy of Congressman Eric Sorensen***
