Feb 6, 2012

Astrue Visits Florida Office

From the Bradenton Herald:
Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue today joined U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan [R-FL] in visiting the local Social Security office to discuss how best to make the program more efficient at a time of diminishing budgets.
Astrue praised Buchanan, R-Sarasota, for taking the time to learn how Social Security works, as a member of House Ways and Means Committee, which is charged with writing tax legislation and bills affecting Social Security, Medicare, and other entitlement programs.
“It’s an enormous advantage,” The Social Security chief said, when members of House committees take the time to learn the process....
“And Washington gets very stuck in its ways, so having members come out and say, ‘Look, we can change, we can be more efficient and serve the public better by doing these things’ if you understand what we’re trying to do, and why, it’s enormously helpful to us, and I wish that we could get even more members come out visiting their home offices,” Astrue said.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mikey, need bread with that butter?

Anonymous said...

Interesting article about Congressman Buchanan:

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/office_of_congressional_ethics_found_vern_buchanan_failed_to_disclose_17_corporate_positions.php?ref=fpnewsfeed

Anonymous said...

Dear mr astrue,

I too am concerned. Please reduce your alj corp and replace with cheaper independant $40,000 adjudicators.

Thank you
signed,
the disabled.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, how does that $40,000.00 adjudicator work out for you at the DDS level?? ALJ's reverse approximately 60% of DDS denials that are appealed to their level. Be sure and cut your nose off to spite your face. Always nice to have someone that doesn't have a clue offer suggestions to improve the system..

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Astrue,

I am concerned that the SSI trust fund is being depleted too rapidly by ALJs who pay too many cases. Place a hard cap that no judge can pay more than 30% of cases.

Signed,

Trust fund watch dogs interested in paying only those who are truly unable to work.

Anonymous said...

dear trust fund watchdog,

I think 30% is probably still too high. Remember, disability is meant to pay people who cannot work. Not people who simply cannot find jobs. I suggest to Mr. Astrue that the cap be closer to 10%.

Signed,
reality

Anonymous said...

Dear previous posters:
There is no SSI trust fund. SSI is paid out of general revenues.

Signed,
Knows the difference between Title II and Title XVI