Danville protesters ask Hurt for meeting about Social Security

A group of more than a dozen senior citizens brought together by Virginia Organizing gathered outside Rep. Robert Hurt’s Danville office Thursday, claiming Hurt is ignoring their requests for a meeting to discuss his position on Social Security benefits.

The group walked up and down in front of the office for about an hour, holding signs that read, “All I Want for Christmas is my Social Security,” “Hands Off My Social Security,” “Rep. Hurt, We Deserve a Public Meeting,” and others.

Danville’s Maxine Jackson said she was there because Hurt has not made it plain how he stands on keeping Social Security benefits funded.

“Other Republicans and the House as a whole has come out against it; they take money away from Social Security to keep other programs afloat,” Jackson said. “If he (Hurt) has not come out against it, he hasn’t come out for it either. We want to know where he stands.”

Nik Belanger, Virginia Organizing’s Danville representative, gave the protesters flyers that explained their concerns to hand out to passersby.

“Social Security is one of America’s most successful social programs. Still, some members of Congress keep talking about deep cuts,” the flyer read. “Congressman Hurt should schedule a public meeting so that local seniors can share their opinions and hear directly from their congressman about where he stands on such an important issue.”

Hurt was not immediately available for comment, but a spokesperson from his office, Genevieve Villari, issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

“Congressman Hurt believes that we should do all that we can to preserve the Social Security program for current and future beneficiaries, and he shares his constituents’ concern with Washington’s mismanagement of the Social Security Trust Fund.

“He is committed to fighting for the preservation of Social Security for 5th District citizens and all Americans.”

Villari said Hurt held a Social Security workshop in Danville in September, met with Virginia Organizing representatives earlier this year and regularly schedules meetings with any constituents who want to talk to the congressman.

“Engaged citizens are the lifeblood of our democracy and I would encourage constituents who came by our (Danville) office today, and any other constituents who wish to meet with the congressman, to contact our staff,” Villari said.

Contact information for Hurt is available at https://hurt.house.gov. Local residents can call his Danville office at (434) 791-2596.