The bill to increase the debt limit passed the House of Representatives yesterday. It would force a slight decrease in "non-defense discretionary" spending. That's only a relatively small portion of federal spending but it includes Social Security's administrative budget. If you consider inflation, which may be around 5% now, agencies affected can expect a significant decrease in operating funds. Exactly how much each agency in the "non-defense discretionary" category receives will be determined in the appropriations process that lies ahead. While we can hope that the Social Security Administration fares better than other agencies, the reality is that it has been disfavored in recent years, receiving less than most other agencies in the "non-defense discretionary" category.
The projected cut in operating funds for Social Security probably won't be across the board. I am attaching a page from the debt limit bill. My guess is that the language about continuing disability reviews is intended to make sure that the Social Security Administration has more and more to spend on CDRs even though its appropriation otherwise will go down. Does anyone know whether there's more going on?
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Surprising since cdrs usually get cut first in budget crises.
ReplyDeleteI suspect the thought process is that increasing CRDs mean decreasing beneficiaries, so its a budget saving measure. (Though the reverse could be said for the IRS agents, but that position isn't being taken by the same people).
ReplyDeleteCDRs fit the lust to cut waste fraud and abuse. Never mind age 18 redeterminations applying adult rules is the bulk of CDR terminations.
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ReplyDeleteIt seems inevitable now
1. SSA overtime will be cut due cuts in funding withthe discretionary spending bill.
2. Backlogs will grow, waiting times will increase, due to reduced overtime.
3. Republicans will falsely blame the service decline on SSA employee telework.
4. Telework will be cut for no good reason.
I'm not sticking around this time. Once was enough when Commissioner Saul cut telework in 2019.
I'm walking , as soon as I'm ordered to come into the office more often.
Gee we survived again even after climbing Mt Molehill screaming the sky is falling. smh
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