|
Post by christina on Nov 13, 2016 13:47:38 GMT -5
My recollection is that he previously worked for Social Security and was one of Commissioner Astrue's advisors during the George W. Bush administration. I haven't been able to locate much on him. As he is about to assist President Elect Trump and shape the future of the Agency, it would be great if anyone had information to share -- thoughts anyone? This just in from Fox News: Trump advisers back deregulation, privatized Social SecurityI did not recognize his name although i have looked up some articles on him since. i can say there were concerns about the GW Bush administration privatizing SS and that never came about. there may have been some heated talks in Baltimore and Capitol Hill i know nothing of but nothing moved towards privatization at the worker bee level where im at. Actually, let me correct that. SS benefits were in no way privatized under GW Bush admin. Regarding ODAR functions, hearing reporters are contractors but they were already contractors at least in my area before GW Bush became president. and we do have some people i assume who work with scanning the records in and sending out decisions we put into central print, etc. These i think, and emphasis, is on i think, are now handled for the most part nationally. it is possible that the folks involved in the large scale scanning and mailing aspects of ODAR are contracted employees rather than federal employees. in fact, i am thinking they are contractors. Still on a day to day basis, little change to my office and i believe to all the ODAR and for that matter SSA offices. no privatization of SS benefits and no federal jobs lost due to contractors in SSA when GW Bush was in office to my memory. Regarding the bigger picture of privatizing SS overall, too much resistance to this in a number of circles to make it fly.
|
|
|
Post by rp on Nov 13, 2016 15:10:28 GMT -5
I did not recognize his name although i have looked up some articles on him since. i can say there were concerns about the GW Bush administration privatizing SS and that never came about. there may have been some heated talks in Baltimore and Capitol Hill i know nothing of but nothing moved towards privatization at the worker bee level where im at. Actually, let me correct that. SS benefits were in no way privatized under GW Bush admin. Regarding ODAR functions, hearing reporters are contractors but they were already contractors at least in my area before GW Bush became president. and we do have some people i assume who work with scanning the records in and sending out decisions we put into central print, etc. These i think, and emphasis, is on i think, are now handled for the most part nationally. it is possible that the folks involved in the large scale scanning and mailing aspects of ODAR are contracted employees rather than federal employees. in fact, i am thinking they are contractors. Still on a day to day basis, little change to my office and i believe to all the ODAR and for that matter SSA offices. no privatization of SS benefits and no federal jobs lost due to contractors in SSA when GW Bush was in office to my memory. Regarding the bigger picture of privatizing SS overall, too much resistance to this in a number of circles to make it fly. Great Information. Thanks. I am sure we will hear much more in the next few days and weeks.
|
|
|
Post by miaeli on Nov 14, 2016 8:43:20 GMT -5
Thank you everyone for your insights, information, thoughts and support for getting through this process. I self scheduled for March of 2017 for WD/SI/LBMT and will give stats to the board of how many testers in the WD room testing with me. I noticed this morning on USA jobs - an announcement for ALJ for NLRB in NYC (I believe must be a current ALJ to apply - however - if a current ALJ moves into the ALJ NLRB slot - then an opening at the initial hiring level opens up for us on this board I am copying and pasting the announcement. Good luck to everyone testing this week (and all future weeks) Administrative Law Judge National Labor Relations Board Agency contact information 1 vacancy in the following location: New York, NY Work Schedule is Full Time - Permanent Opened Monday 11/14/2016 (0 day(s) ago) Closes Monday 11/28/2016 (14 day(s) away) Salary Range $138,244.00 to $170,400.00 / Per Year Series & Grade AL-0935-03/03 Promotion Potential 03 Supervisory Status No Who May Apply Applications will be accepted from current and former Federal Administrative Law Judges who meet the applicable requirements under 5 CFR part 930, Subpart B Control Number 455437600 Job Announcement Number NL17MP1842257JT
|
|
|
Post by jessejames on Nov 14, 2016 13:38:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the post. You are following in the footsteps of many on this Board who are waiting for the call from ODAR.
Logically, any current ALJ who chooses to take advantage of such a job opportunity creates another open slot for those of us still waiting.
|
|
rice
Full Member
Posts: 30
|
Post by rice on Nov 14, 2016 15:21:20 GMT -5
I would just hate to go through this torturous process all for nothing. Just a few months ago, I prepared diligently for a position, made it to the interview stage, kicked royal ass and took names (literally), just to find out that a freeze had been instituted, eviscerating the vacancy. It took me a long time to get over that. And well, this whole "here we go again" thing is adding pressure to a twisted knife.
|
|
|
Post by acttwo on Nov 14, 2016 16:26:56 GMT -5
I would just hate to go through this torturous process all for nothing. Just a few months ago, I prepared diligently for a position, made it to the interview stage, kicked royal ass and took names (literally), just to find out that a freeze had been instituted, eviscerating the vacancy. It took me a long time to get over that. And well, this whole "here we go again" thing is adding pressure to a twisted knife. I feel you, Rice. Been through it way too many times. But what's the saying about falling off a horse? I gave up on law for a while after some really rough times, but found my way back. That knife you feel is as real as can be, but YOU ARE BETTER than it. We all are. Every one of us who is on this board, hoping for the chance to serve, we are all better than any rejection is. I truly regret letting my pain knock me back and every time I find myself wavering, fearful or depressed, I remind myself that depression is a liar and fear a reaction. Only as real as we let them be. Breathe. Honor yourself--you deserve it. It is THEIR loss, truly. I know that sounds trite and easy to say, but I just got a FOAD on a spot in local government where I really, truly would have been a star if given the chance. Screw'em. I am here to stay. We WILL all get there. We are needed by the public. And you know what? It's government: things can change in an inkling. I have seen openings thought dead and buried come roaring back. Everyone, please, be kind to yourselves and realize just how awesome you all are to even be here. I believe.
|
|
|
Post by Baymax on Nov 14, 2016 19:08:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the post. You are following in the footsteps of many on this Board who are waiting for the call from ODAR. Logically, any current ALJ who chooses to take advantage of such a job opportunity creates another open slot for those of us still waiting. Jesse, Keep in mind that it's not a revolving door. Just because a sitting ODAR ALJ (or from another agency) takes this NRLB position - the opening it would create at ODAR may first become available for transfers, and then for a future cert. Unlike OMHA and SEC, which usually request certs for a small number of hires - 5 or less at a time (OMHA I think just swore in 15 a few months ago - the largest class they've had in some time), SSA does much larger hiring - like our most recent 113-judge hire. So, yes, there may be potentially another slot opening up, but that doesn't mean that SSA will be hiring outside the agency to fill that slot as soon as it is vacated. In fact, the Deputy Commissioner made it clear that they are not planning any more hires this calendar year, and next spring is still up in the air.
|
|
|
Post by anderson on Nov 14, 2016 20:39:51 GMT -5
Carl Ichan (from Trump's transition team)(Sat night on CNN): "The country must be a friend to business". President-elect Trump (Sunday, on 60 minutes): we need to lower taxes and (today, per Reuters): wants to repudiate our climate agreement.
I don't have any special insight, but I suspect "Be a friend to business" is going to be the guiding philosophy of this administration, just as it was during the GW Bush administration.
Social Security is a tax on employers and the self-employed.
Even if the idea of privatization does not surface again (and I'm not ruling it out), it seems the administration (and Republican-led Congress) might look to restricting benefits, more than increasing taxes as a way to deal with long-term funding of the programs. And consider the disability insurance trust fund is not as well funded as the retirement trust fund. Similarly, they will likely want to restrict rather than expand funding of government services in general. I'm not feeling too optimistic right now, but it remains to be seen what will happen.
|
|
|
Post by rp on Nov 15, 2016 9:45:10 GMT -5
Carl Ichan (from Trump's transition team)(Sat night on CNN): "The country must be a friend to business". President-elect Trump (Sunday, on 60 minutes): we need to lower taxes and (today, per Reuters): wants to repudiate our climate agreement. I don't have any special insight, but I suspect "Be a friend to business" is going to be the guiding philosophy of this administration, just as it was during the GW Bush administration. Social Security is a tax on employers and the self-employed. Even if the idea of privatization does not surface again (and I'm not ruling it out), it seems the administration (and Republican-led Congress) might look to restricting benefits, more than increasing taxes as a way to deal with long-term funding of the programs. And consider the disability insurance trust fund is not as well funded as the retirement trust fund. Similarly, they will likely want to restrict rather than expand funding of government services in general. I'm not feeling too optimistic right now, but it remains to be seen what will happen. We have heard a lot about plans -- with ZERO specifics. Like other board members, I think the wait and see approach is the only way to stay sane. Let's not forget Chicken Little...Breathe, Stay Calm, Soldier On...
|
|
|
Post by jagvet on Nov 15, 2016 11:43:03 GMT -5
With a "pending" of what, 1.7 million cases now? cutbacks in SS eligibility or payments won't put ODAR out of business anytime soon. We're in such a deep hole, it would take a decade to climb out. Maybe some the reforms will also involve streamlining appeals and let us get to those magic annual numbers easier.
|
|
|
Post by redryder on Nov 15, 2016 17:47:51 GMT -5
I looked at the case analysis report which shows the end figures for FY 2016 and the figures for October. According to these, the number of cases pending at the close of the October report period were was 1,130,737. More interesting than this was the effect the new hires have had on the pending per ALJ. That number actually dropped from over 700 per ALJ to 684 per ALJ. It will be interesting to see what effect the 2016 hires have on the overall picture as this fiscal year progresses. As they gain experience and increase their work, there is a glimmer of hope of stopping the backlog from growing. The total number of judges now sits around 1650.
|
|
|
Post by foghorn on Nov 15, 2016 19:51:58 GMT -5
I looked at the case analysis report which shows the end figures for FY 2016 and the figures for October. According to these, the number of cases pending at the close of the October report period were was 1,130,737. More interesting than this was the effect the new hires have had on the pending per ALJ. That number actually dropped from over 700 per ALJ to 684 per ALJ. It will be interesting to see what effect the 2016 hires have on the overall picture as this fiscal year progresses. As they gain experience and increase their work, there is a glimmer of hope of stopping the backlog from growing. The total number of judges now sits around 1650. Just the type of figure anybody liaising with the Hill would want to show Congresspeople--adding ALJ's increases consituent services, which increases the flow of money to their district/state. Build the positive image!
|
|
|
Post by foghorn on Nov 15, 2016 19:58:10 GMT -5
Carl Ichan (from Trump's transition team)(Sat night on CNN): "The country must be a friend to business". President-elect Trump (Sunday, on 60 minutes): we need to lower taxes and (today, per Reuters): wants to repudiate our climate agreement. I don't have any special insight, but I suspect "Be a friend to business" is going to be the guiding philosophy of this administration, just as it was during the GW Bush administration. Social Security is a tax on employers and the self-employed. Even if the idea of privatization does not surface again (and I'm not ruling it out), it seems the administration (and Republican-led Congress) might look to restricting benefits, more than increasing taxes as a way to deal with long-term funding of the programs. And consider the disability insurance trust fund is not as well funded as the retirement trust fund. Similarly, they will likely want to restrict rather than expand funding of government services in general. I'm not feeling too optimistic right now, but it remains to be seen what will happen. #TRump may view it thusly, but we've had a House full of fairly right Congresspeople and I don't recall hearing a groundswell of support to screw disability claimants. Living in a quasi-rural area, as I travel around the surrounding counties and read their newspapers and talk with folk during post motion hearing breaks, I don't hear anyone complaining about disability payments other than that their cousin had to wait, and of course someone's brother in law got disability and don't you know he was seen dancing--dancing,mind you--at the local firehouse Friday.... Still and all, I don't hear anyone talking about cutting them or making it tougher any more than I don't hear any call for tightening up on VA benefits-- as with the VA, major talk is complaints about speed of getting the benefits out. That may be the bane of the CATO insitutute but not of feed and ag center country.
|
|
|
Post by rp on Nov 16, 2016 9:44:59 GMT -5
If you can't pull your attention away from the news -- like a car accident -- here is what you can see about the first 200 days:
"The 200-day plan is built around five main principles, plus an extra plank on manufacturing jobs. First is renegotiating or withdrawing from NAFTA, second is stopping the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, third is stopping "unfair imports," fourth is ending "unfair trade practices," and fifth is pursuing bilateral trade deals. The final focus, to "retain and return manufacturing jobs," focuses on lowering the business tax rate and eliminating regulations on businesses and restrictions on domestic energy."
SSA reform isn't mentioned at all...
So far -- this administration is all about Trade, Trade, Trade.....
And...it appears cannot decide who will even be on the transition team.....an organized push against SSA doesn't seem quite plausible....not at this point...just sayin...
|
|
|
Post by acttwo on Nov 16, 2016 13:59:05 GMT -5
Just a thought: don't you get the sense that the new administration, at the top, really sees SSA as one monolith, rather than thinking of the different aspects contained therein? If so, I can't see Trump [or any sane politician] doing something to hurt that well running agency that sends Grandma her check every month. Unless/until they get a bit further in the weeds to see the different programs, they would likely spend their time fixing the stuff they view as broken. That is, once they figure out who is going to sign the MoU, LOL!
|
|
|
Post by ba on Nov 16, 2016 16:21:30 GMT -5
Just a thought: don't you get the sense that the new administration, at the top, really sees SSA as one monolith, rather than thinking of the different aspects contained therein? If so, I can't see Trump [or any sane politician] doing something to hurt that well running agency that sends Grandma her check every month. Unless/until they get a bit further in the weeds to see the different programs, they would likely spend their time fixing the stuff they view as broken. That is, once they figure out who is going to sign the MoU, LOL! Reality check. It's not just Grandma. Take a look at the states with the highest percentage of citizens on SSI. www.google.com/amp/247wallst.com/special-report/2013/05/20/states-with-the-most-americans-on-disability/amp/?client=safariNow pull out your electoral college map....
|
|
|
Post by Mjǿlner on Nov 16, 2016 17:45:36 GMT -5
ba thanks for the link, I have to admit that I was really surprised at which states have the highest percentage of citizens on SSI. I guess that this confirms that I am truly an outsider.
|
|
|
Post by rp on Nov 17, 2016 13:07:58 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by msp on Nov 17, 2016 13:15:42 GMT -5
Thanks for the update, rp...definitely not a surprise, but certainly good to know.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2016 14:50:56 GMT -5
For those on the outside wanting to look in, a SSA town hall meeting was nationally broadcast yesterday. Basic summary, the Commissioner stated that as of 01/20/2017 many many will be "departing" the SSA including herself. The Commissioner was very pointed in her response to audience questions (e.g., will there be raises, in 2017, how much, when, etc.)that those questions would not be answered. That instead, per the incoming administration directives, the proper questions now are who and what can be cut. The Commissioner advised all to start looking around now, agency wide, and make those determinations and to be prepared accordingly.
|
|