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Post by prescient on Oct 8, 2013 11:48:22 GMT -5
Any reasonable interpretation of the Anti-Deficiency Act clearly demonstrates that requiring anyone in SSA to work during a shut down is illegal, as there is no emergent issues involving the safety of human life or the protection of property. But who is going to protest it? At least it means getting paid eventually...
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Post by privateatty on Oct 8, 2013 16:22:28 GMT -5
I think the bet made by the Agency heads is once the House voted 407-0 to pay folks who were furloughed, they need to come in--if they can be converted to excepted. The other part of course is morale--its one thing to send everyone home--its quite another to have some working and some not.
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Post by eyre44 on Oct 8, 2013 16:36:59 GMT -5
Any reasonable interpretation of the Anti-Deficiency Act clearly demonstrates that requiring anyone in SSA to work during a shut down is illegal, as there is no emergent issues involving the safety of human life or the protection of property. But who is going to protest it? At least it means getting paid eventually... I think a claimant who has no income to feed themselves, get the medicine that might save their life, or prevent foreclosure on their home would argue differently.
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Post by BagLady on Oct 8, 2013 18:46:38 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! No need to feel sorry, managed to get hitched in typhoon like weather last weekend(so one of us will have an income!), finally got my dates for DC, and I am now very excited to get this testing and SI over with! Shout out to davef (and anyone else testing this week!), hoping testing went well today.
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Post by chessparent on Oct 9, 2013 19:01:22 GMT -5
Day 9: "involunteering" for the federal government (aka involuntary volunteering; aka working without pay).
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Post by epic0ego on Oct 14, 2013 16:33:52 GMT -5
the die has been cast. can we move on now? look at all the western countries. they all need their governments, and guess what? even the third world countries need their governments.
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Post by bartleby on Oct 15, 2013 11:18:00 GMT -5
Look at what management just sent to us: Management is well aware that many of us live on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis, making it almost impossible to work without knowing when we will be paid again. With the recent reduced paycheck and the continued uncertainty, you may wish to consider various community resources for assistance. Below are some organizations and ideas to consider. The list is not conclusive and there are other organizations that may be able to assist. These are difficult times, but together, we can get through it. United Way • The United Way can connect employees with organizations that can provide various forms of assistance including food pantries, utility payment assistance, and the like. In speaking with staff there, it is advised that individual employees seek information about their specific needs through the website 211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/. XXXX Community Food Bank • Contact was made with the XXXX Community Food Bank. Staff there were advised of the situation of federal employees during the shutdown. They assured me that we are entitled to their services. To utilize their services, go to the primary website (http://www.xxxx.org/) and click “Find Help” along the top right of the website. From there, enter a home zip code to locate a local agency to receive assistance. Call local agencies first to ensure we have the documentation they require (initial furlough notice, etc.). If one of the agencies should attempt to deny services based upon past annual income, contact the headquarters for clarification and assistance. Financial Assistance • As directed in a prior email sent to all employees of the Administration, employees seeking financial assistance should contact their financial institution to inquire as to what services are available to help furloughed and unpaid excepted employees. • The National Association of Federal Credit Unions website provides information for other financial institutions offering furlough assistance to Federal employees. • The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund is awarding no-interest loans of up to $1,000 to federal employees. See www.feea.org/programs/emergency-assistance/furlough-aid-information for more information. • Feel free to review the website, www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/georgia_assistance_programs.htmlto obtain additional information regarding programs to help families in financial need. Rent and/or Utility Assistance • Contact was made for utility assistance services to help employees with maintaining their utilities during the shutdown. In speaking with the agencies, there must be unforeseen circumstances occurring for a month that prevents an individual from paying rent, electric, and/or gas bills. If the shutdown were to last over a month (after 10/29), employees should consider contacting their local agency to request assistance. Locate local agencies at www.heatga.org/sites/default/files/Agencies-2011.pdfTransportation Assistance • Please consider speaking with coworkers that live in your general area about carpooling to help save money on gas and parking costs. • Another option is to check out the website www.gacommuteoptions.com/. The website connects people with others interested in van and carpooling. You can also win gas cards to assist your carpool group once you register. Unfortunately, some portions of this website are not accessible through the office computers. Child Assistance • Consider doing childcare time-sharing with friends, relatives and neighbors. Others can babysit for you in return for babysitting services from you at another time. • XXXX Diaper Relief (http://XXXXdiaperrelief.org/) and The Diaper Bank of Greater XXXX (http://thediaperbankofgreateratlanta.org/) can provide assistance in obtaining diapers for children. Goose: Maybe I should be a truck driver. Hey Mav you know the name of that truck driving school. Truck Master I think it is. I might need that..
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Post by epic0ego on Oct 15, 2013 11:31:53 GMT -5
Judge Bart, thank you for posting this. very, very helpful in terms of good ideas to consider. I am heading out to the local food bank this afternoon to pick up nonperishable food items to take to the food center. By the grace of God, we are not in need but we totally understand that most people live paycheck to paycheck out of necessity. it all seems like twilight zone in a way, but it looks like the adults in the room have finally put their feet down. I still say there will be hell to pay for all the damage caused to the political noncombatants.
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Post by redryder on Oct 15, 2013 11:40:30 GMT -5
This is addressed to the ALJ candidates, especially those affected by the shutdown. These are difficult times, but being a judge can be a difficult job. Judges face crises and/or stressful situations on a regular basis. So please be mindful of your attitude during this stressful period. Are your conduct/attitude and productivity right now something you wouldn't mind having a supervisor or reference comment upon?
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Post by moopigsdad on Oct 15, 2013 12:38:58 GMT -5
Look at what management just sent to us: Management is well aware that many of us live on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis, making it almost impossible to work without knowing when we will be paid again. With the recent reduced paycheck and the continued uncertainty, you may wish to consider various community resources for assistance. Below are some organizations and ideas to consider. The list is not conclusive and there are other organizations that may be able to assist. These are difficult times, but together, we can get through it. United Way • The United Way can connect employees with organizations that can provide various forms of assistance including food pantries, utility payment assistance, and the like. In speaking with staff there, it is advised that individual employees seek information about their specific needs through the website 211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/. XXXX Community Food Bank • Contact was made with the XXXX Community Food Bank. Staff there were advised of the situation of federal employees during the shutdown. They assured me that we are entitled to their services. To utilize their services, go to the primary website (http://www.xxxx.org/) and click “Find Help” along the top right of the website. From there, enter a home zip code to locate a local agency to receive assistance. Call local agencies first to ensure we have the documentation they require (initial furlough notice, etc.). If one of the agencies should attempt to deny services based upon past annual income, contact the headquarters for clarification and assistance. Financial Assistance • As directed in a prior email sent to all employees of the Administration, employees seeking financial assistance should contact their financial institution to inquire as to what services are available to help furloughed and unpaid excepted employees. • The National Association of Federal Credit Unions website provides information for other financial institutions offering furlough assistance to Federal employees. • The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund is awarding no-interest loans of up to $1,000 to federal employees. See www.feea.org/programs/emergency-assistance/furlough-aid-information for more information. • Feel free to review the website, www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/georgia_assistance_programs.htmlto obtain additional information regarding programs to help families in financial need. Rent and/or Utility Assistance • Contact was made for utility assistance services to help employees with maintaining their utilities during the shutdown. In speaking with the agencies, there must be unforeseen circumstances occurring for a month that prevents an individual from paying rent, electric, and/or gas bills. If the shutdown were to last over a month (after 10/29), employees should consider contacting their local agency to request assistance. Locate local agencies at www.heatga.org/sites/default/files/Agencies-2011.pdfTransportation Assistance • Please consider speaking with coworkers that live in your general area about carpooling to help save money on gas and parking costs. • Another option is to check out the website www.gacommuteoptions.com/. The website connects people with others interested in van and carpooling. You can also win gas cards to assist your carpool group once you register. Unfortunately, some portions of this website are not accessible through the office computers. Child Assistance • Consider doing childcare time-sharing with friends, relatives and neighbors. Others can babysit for you in return for babysitting services from you at another time. • XXXX Diaper Relief (http://XXXXdiaperrelief.org/) and The Diaper Bank of Greater XXXX (http://thediaperbankofgreateratlanta.org/) can provide assistance in obtaining diapers for children. Goose: Maybe I should be a truck driver. Hey Mav you know the name of that truck driving school. Truck Master I think it is. I might need that.. Interesting how well ALJs rate with the agency (tongue-in-cheek). Bartleby it is a shame things have gotten to this point. I truly feel for all of those caught in this political struggle not of their making. It gives me pause at times about moving forward in this process.
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Post by funkyodar on Oct 15, 2013 12:39:43 GMT -5
Redryder,
Your advice is well taken. Surely there are those in management that will take to heart comments and actions or inactions of those of us in this difficult time when they offer their references. Team players are highly valued.
With that said, though, I don't fear letting it be known that I'm upset and feel we have been crapped on by congress and the ssa powers that be. I think if the president and ssa commissioner can say they think this situation is "unfair" and treats employees like a "punching bag" I can too.
Further, I have no doubt that the alj job is stressful. But to imply that candidates for the job need to ready themselves for a career of crises and stress like that brought on by the shutdown is more than a bit disingenuous. ALJs are some of the highest paid federal employees in the gov. Even in this current situation I've not heard a single alj express worry over how they are going to pay for their kids school lunches, childcare, gas to work. I know the quotas and such are stressful but to imply that stress is in anyway on par with that experienced by those now having to go to food banks and charities despite going to work everyday is absurd.
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Post by bartleby on Oct 15, 2013 13:33:16 GMT -5
Funk, the staff are talking about bringing their children to work next week as they can't afford childcare with the furlough. I have heard rumors of half of them just not showing up. It is a real mess and morale sucketh. The new ALJ's that are waiting to go through training are in trouble too. Some of them are trying to support two households or a motel and a household and they have unusual expenses with travel and deposits on everything at the new place. I know it's a small group, but it is problematic. Not to get into politics, but I think the Prez, the Senate and the House should not be taking checks home while our people are working their tales off, as usual, and worrying when their next paycheck will come in. I know this will pass, but this is an unneccesary stress on an already overstressed work force.
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Post by redryder on Oct 15, 2013 13:35:35 GMT -5
Funkyodar: I concur with you 100%. The financial crises many people face are nothing comparable to the stress I face as an ALJ. And believe me, I have my own opinions regarding this situation and they are not complimentary. But assuming this ALJ position is more than being a team player. That is just one aspect. You have to be able handle the demands of the job. There are no days when the responsible judge fails to appear if there are hearings scheduled. Family problems have to be left out in your car while you are in the office and on the bench. And if you think I have not been tested, let me tell you about my life since June 2012. Both of my in-laws went into a nursing home that month. The next month both went into the hopsital and the next month they were both dead. My husband, who is also a judge, was the executor of their estates. We had to balance all of that with our dockets. In January 2013 my mother fell ill and died in March 2013. I was not the executor but had to help clean out a house that is not in my hometown and dispose of contents. In April my husband went into the hospital for the first of 5 times. He has been off since July. Until mid-September I continued my hearings while taking care of him and the homestead. Next week I will be juggling getting him to therapy and holding hearings again. There have been times when I would have loved to stay home, under my bed. Or tell claimants if they think they have problems, listen to my tale of woe. Or I don't feel like working these cases in ALPO today. But the bottom line is that I have taken on the responsibility of being the judge for the cases assigned to me. THese claimants deserve my undivided attention and care when I am here in the office. And I guess I am one of those judges who does not worry about tthe stress of payig my bills. I'm too worried about a spouse who has severe health problems and may never return to work. A problem that the government cannot cure with a bill. And if you are wondering how I manage, I rely on humor and storytelling. Would you like to hear the one about the one-legged husband, two-legged wife and three-legged dog?
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Post by funkyodar on Oct 15, 2013 13:41:34 GMT -5
Hats off to you redryder and I thank you for endeavoring to endure and for your devotion to public service. Now share the joke. we could use some levity
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Post by funkyodar on Oct 15, 2013 13:45:33 GMT -5
Funk, the staff are talking about bringing their children to work next week as they can't afford childcare with the furlough. I have heard rumors of half of them just not showing up. It is a real mess and morale sucketh. The new ALJ's that are waiting to go through training are in trouble too. Some of them are trying to support two households or a motel and a household and they have unusual expenses with travel and deposits on everything at the new place. I know it's a small group, but it is problematic. Not to get into politics, but I think the Prez, the Senate and the House should not be taking checks home while our people are working their tales off, as usual, and worrying when their next paycheck will come in. I know this will pass, but this is an unneccesary stress on an already overstressed work force. Love the idea of daycare in the ivt room bart. We have one of the new judges as well. One would think that since they aren't even allowed to hold hearings they shouldn't be essential and could be furloughed. At least then they could minimize expenses and use the timein getting relocated. Whoops. There I go again trying to use logic in an illogical situation.
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Post by moopigsdad on Oct 15, 2013 14:25:54 GMT -5
Funkyodar: I concur with you 100%. The financial crises many people face are nothing comparable to the stress I face as an ALJ. And believe me, I have my own opinions regarding this situation and they are not complimentary. But assuming this ALJ position is more than being a team player. That is just one aspect. You have to be able handle the demands of the job. There are no days when the responsible judge fails to appear if there are hearings scheduled. Family problems have to be left out in your car while you are in the office and on the bench. And if you think I have not been tested, let me tell you about my life since June 2012. Both of my in-laws went into a nursing home that month. The next month both went into the hopsital and the next month they were both dead. My husband, who is also a judge, was the executor of their estates. We had to balance all of that with our dockets. In January 2013 my mother fell ill and died in March 2013. I was not the executor but had to help clean out a house that is not in my hometown and dispose of contents. In April my husband went into the hospital for the first of 5 times. He has been off since July. Until mid-September I continued my hearings while taking care of him and the homestead. Next week I will be juggling getting him to therapy and holding hearings again. There have been times when I would have loved to stay home, under my bed. Or tell claimants if they think they have problems, listen to my tale of woe. Or I don't feel like working these cases in ALPO today. But the bottom line is that I have taken on the responsibility of being the judge for the cases assigned to me. THese claimants deserve my undivided attention and care when I am here in the office. And I guess I am one of those judges who does not worry about tthe stress of payig my bills. I'm too worried about a spouse who has severe health problems and may never return to work. A problem that the government cannot cure with a bill. And if you are wondering how I manage, I rely on humor and storytelling. Would you like to hear the one about the one-legged husband, two-legged wife and three-legged dog? Personal stress on top of work stress is very difficult for anyone. I am so sorry redryder to hear of your trials and tribulations. I hope things eventually take a turn for the better for you and your family. I know what it is like to deal with some of the same situations you are dealing with including some personal health problems. So, please accept my sympathy and prayers that things get better soon.
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Post by redryder on Oct 15, 2013 15:15:55 GMT -5
Funkyodar: It's not a joke. Took my 10-year-old dog to the rehab hospital to visit the spouse. Toonie is not quite as spry as he once was (who is?). Sometimes he can jump into the Highlander and sometimes he misses. On the trip there, he jumped in with no problem. On the return, he misssed and strained one of his hind legs. There was one-legged husband, two-legged wife and three-legged dog. One of these things was not like the others. And the other two were definitely mobility impaired.
By that night, Toonie would not put any weight on that back leg, and it was time to go to bed. What to do? Make him climb the stairs? Lug him up the stairs? How about put him in the elevator? He hopped right in and rode it upstairs that night and down the next morning. And up and down the next day. By then I wished he could close the doors and push the buttons for himself. Otherwise, I was looking for the red bellman's jacket and cap.
But we don't have to worry about using that elevator for the time being. Yesterday it stopped between the floors. (It is 70+ years old. I guess it finally wore out.) That wouldn't be a problem except my husband was in it at the time. His choices were 911 and the fire department or trust me to get him out. Not seeking any notoriety, he was disinclined to go the 911 route. But he doesn't have the greatest confidence in me either. I have been known to run his wheelchair into a few obstacles and bang his gimp leg. It didn't matter that I kept assuring him that it was like climbing down from a flat roof where you have to drop your legs over the side to get on the ladder. When it finally came down to trust me or face life in an elevator shaft, he got out.
And thank you for your kind words and those from Moopigsdad. I know I am not the only one to have problems and believe me, there are people out there with worse situations than mine. But these are just the challenges we all face in our lives. And the test of your character is how you handle these situations. You have to choose what kind of person you want to be. The glass half empty or the glass half full. Despite all of this, and there are times it gets to me, my glass still runs over.
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Post by sunshine on Oct 15, 2013 18:18:07 GMT -5
I'm sure the suggestions in the email will help the staff in some small way; however, I do not believe that it will be able to come anywhere close to replacing a paycheck. I would like for some representative, somewhere out there to once again suggest to the Thrift Savings Board that they open up an option to give federal employees access to their 401k savings. If an individual already has a loan outstanding (for whatever reason) they are not able to get at their money (unless you claim zero income and list expenses). This issue was visited in April 2013 to address concerns of furloughed feds---the board stated that it would take too long to train staff,computers would have to be reprogramed and in the long run it would be bad for the federal worker. I see some very concerned federal workers in my office. I think real, concrete solutions are needed right now. These stories are very sad and I hope things change soon.
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Post by BagLady on Oct 15, 2013 21:18:00 GMT -5
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Post by epic0ego on Oct 16, 2013 7:33:45 GMT -5
My best wishes to Redryder in overcoming tremendous challenges, and thanks for sharing her personal circumstances. Your story helps keep things in perspective for many of us.
I am back from the county food pantry. I've been there before, but this time it was different. I noticed several guys with haircuts that were better than mine, who were "slinking" in, grabbing bags of food quickly, and driving off in their BMWs. We had tons of food donated by supermarkets, restaurants, and regular folk. But it didn't last long. The shelves were totally emptied in 6 hours. One of my "less than desirable" jobs was to sort the "bad" perishables (veggies, fruit, sushi, deli, etc.) from the salvageable stuff and put it in the compost bins. Before it was over, the people were digging through the compost bins to salvage "bad, but still edible" stuff. I haven't cried since my Dad's funeral 10 years ago, but at one point I had to retreat to the men's room to collect myself. I guess I wasn't being a very stoic judge, but I am proud to admit that I am a human being first. The director was concerned about getting sued for giving out bad food but she just couldn't turn the families away. So she put the bins outside to pretend that it was discarded trash. It was strange to see so many furloughed workers on both sides of the counter. Justice Dept., EPA, SEC, HUD, HHS, Commerce, they were all there. DoD went back last week, thank God. Let's hope and pray that we all go back tomorrow. The devastation is real. These people can't wait another two weeks for a paycheck.
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