SSVE Government Affairs Campaign
The International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals has taken a leadership role in representing the interests of Social Security Administration Vocational Experts. Discussions over the preceding 12 months resulted in a decision by the IARP SSVE Section Board of Directors to interview and ultimately hire a reputable government relations representative/firm (lobbyists) for the SSVE cause. While initially focused on bringing fees up to current market rates in the private sector, this effort will also focus on a comprehensive overhaul of the BPA contracting process, including: VE availability, clear statements of work product/services provided, clear expectations of ODAR and VEs, fee schedules brought current to 2010 rates, as well as ensuring full utilization of VEs on each and every appropriate adult disability case.
Research suggests that this undertaking will require an investment in the range of $100,000 to $150,000 for a year's representation. This is in line with costs borne by similar organizations in their successful efforts to effect relevant change within SSA.
That being the case, I suggest that each of us carefully consider the ultimate value of investing in our earning potential by contributing to our representation before Congress and the Administration. Knowing just how close we were to an appropriate market rate from last summer, we must consider the significant increase in earning power if we are successful - and the magnitude of the bureaucracy poised against change. If we expect to make BIG change, BIG resources are required to make that possible. Divided by the 1,000 SSVEs across the county, our fundraising goal is a very manageable number if EVERY SINGLE SSVE contributed $250 to $500. Those able to contribute more will help bring us toward our objective with greater certainty. The professionally managed IARP-SSVE Section will be the conduit for pledged contributions.
What is important for us to do now is fund this very important project in which government affairs experts, D.C. insiders and other professionals will advocate on our behalf, leveraging their knowledge of Congress and SSA to advance our cause. Having interviewed government relations organizations last summer, we identified the firm most appropriate to our goals: Akerman-Senterfitt. They have experience and connections in working with the Social Security Administration and in Disability Public Policy.
Donate online today to this important venture through the IARP Web (follow this link). Enter your primary e-mail address as your Username and the relevant password when you "check out". Checks may be made out and mailed to the attention of the SSVE Government Affairs Fund at IARP, 1926 Waukegan Rd., Suite 300, Glenview, Ill. 60025-1770.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
John M. Yent, LRC
Government Relations Chair
IARP SSVE Section
