From the Associated Press:
More than 1 million Americans await a hearing to see whether they qualify for disability benefits from Social Security, with the average wait nearly two years -- longer than some of them will live. ...
Last year, the agency's budget was $12.6 billion, roughly the same as it was in 2011, even though an additional 6 million people receive either retirement or disability benefits from Social Security. ...
"No search for efficiencies, reprioritization of tasks or technological improvements can substitute for adequate resources," said Lisa Ekman of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives.
Look! There's an 800 pound gorilla in the room! Somebody tell congress quick.
ReplyDeleteThat's the whole point, starve the public facing agencies of resources so service quality craters and support for government declines. Then Republicans can argue for privatization.
ReplyDeleteTwo of the people quoted in article testified before the congressional subcommittee two weeks ago. During that hearing, majority party members complained about the union and pretended they had no money to give SSA, and kept refusing to call Judge Zahm "Judge". SSA wants a fix, the taxpayers want a fix, and Congress just don't care.
ReplyDeleteThe solution to this is reduce the number of people receiving social security disability or retirement. I guarantee you thats how they are thinking. 2011 was 6 years ago. How there was no increase to compensate for 6 million additional people is poor management. Not to blame Soc Security, because congress is just as if not more responsible, but that also explains why they have proposed reducing everyone who receives these benefits amounts as well. In other words.......NO more money towards social security and deny the people who apply. Its too easy a solution that solves money funding woes!
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