Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday defended her furlough plans for state workers from an objection by the federal Social Security Administration.The federal agency warned that furloughs of federally funded workers in the state Department of Human Services could cost the state $1.9 million in federal money and delay the processing of about 3,000 Social Security claims over two years.
In a letter to the Social Security commissioner, the governor wrote that her decision to furlough all state workers "recognized that employees working side-by-side, whether their paychecks come from federal funds, state funds, special funds, or other taxpayer resources, should be treated in the same, even-handed manner."
"It is troubling that some would argue they are 'special' or should be set apart from their brethren, simply because their pay comes from a federal source." ...
The state's congressional delegation, citing the Social Security Administration's objections, called Lingle's furlough plans troubling and urged the governor to reconsider. The delegation warned that other state workers who are federally funded could be in a similar situation as workers at the disability determination branch.
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Jun 18, 2009
"Simply Because Their Pay Comes From A Federal Source"
From the Honolulu Advertiser:
I tried to repel the Snark attack, but, it got me anyhow..."We don't want them thinking they're special just because their checks really come from the federal government". This is just plain dumb. What is going on here? Does she think running a state government is like disciplining a bunch of grade school kids? Valentines for everyone or no Valentines? When the ARnold did it, I thought it was the powerful California public unions. But, this....Jeebus. Got to lie down and stay lying down.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this SSA-State dispute is a blessing in disguise and will eliminate the stranglehold states have held on the disability determination process.
ReplyDeleteDon't think so! After all these years, the states still want the power to fill those jobs and thus pump up their retirement systems, and in many cases the jobs are subject to at will employment. In at will states, getting hired and staying employed is a matter of political conformity. State unions have power, but not the power to change the Social Security Act. DIB came in in 1965--the Civil Rights, aka States' Rights,era. Once that baby got split, I don't see how it can be put together again. Should be so, but I think we'll just dream on.
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