From the JFA Moderator:
The Budget, Government Shut Down and Social Security Payments
On February 14, President Obama and the Administration sent his 2011 proposed budget to Congress. This budget included numerous initiatives to develop the capacity of people with with disabilities and protect their rights and services. These initiatives include:
- Increasing funding for education of children with disabilities,
- Supporting Department of Labor Initiatives to increase the employment of PWD, and
- Strengthening Anti-Discrimination Enforcement by the Department of Justice
>>> To Download the 2011 White House Budget Disability Fact Sheet
>>> For More on the Impact of the President's Budget on PWD
However, this budget also includes cuts to funding for accessible housing and funding for voter access has been eliminated.
The US House of Representatives passed a 2011 budget on Saturday, February 19th which opposes the White House proposal. The congressional budget was passed in the house along strictly partisan lines. The Republican majority passed a budget which cuts 9% from the Social Security Administration funding, de-funds Health Reform implementation and cut a Special Olympics inclusion and acceptance initiative.
>>> For More on the House Budget
>>> For a SSA worker's reaction to the House Cuts
The Democratic Senate is not expected to pass these cuts, and unless the two sides can come to a compromise by March 4, 2011 a government shut down will occur.
President Obama warned in his February 15th briefing that government shut down could impact Social Security payments, among other things.
An investigation by PolitiFact inquired about the extent of the impact on a potential government shut down on Social Security benefits reveals that while there is no guarantee that checks will continue to be sent, it is likely that the impact will mostly be felt by new enrollees and others seeking customer services.
>>> For More on the Impact of a Shut Down on Social Security
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