Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

January/February, 1996

NADE Correspondence

November 27, 1995

The Honorable Newt Gingrich
2428 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1006

Dear Sir;

I have recently been advised that the Social Security Administration believes the wording of the Continuing Resolution, which provided for paying the salaries of furloughed federal employees may, in fact, prohibit authorizing funds to pay the state Disability Determination Services for expenditures incurred November 14 through 17. Until clarification is received from Congress or the continuing Resolution is amended SSA does not intend to authorize these funds.

We believe failure to do so could cause a significant and substantial disruption in service to the public and a long term negative impact on federal-state relations.

Not all state DDSs were closed during that time period. Those that did close did so at different times. The majority stayed open to process claims. All incurred expenses and should be reimbursed. We are, therefore, requesting your assistance in sponsoring or supporting an amendment to the Continuing Resolution authorizing SSA to reimburse the states for DDS expenditures incurred November 14 through 17 and to pay the salaries of furloughed DDS employees (as the Continuing Resolution did for furloughed federal employees).

Thank you for your assistance in resolving this problem. If you would like additional information--or clarification-- regarding the issues involved I can be reached at (217) 782-8307.

Sincerely,

Larry DeVantier, President