The message being sent out from SSA Commissioner Jo Ann Barnhart in response to emails questioning SSA’s possible involvement in a pro-phase-out media campaign …
“Thank you for your inquiry. There has been a lot of misinformation in the media lately and I am glad to have this opportunity to set the record straight. I have never, nor will I ever, ask or direct Social Security employees to promote or advance any specific proposal for Social Security reform. Our job at Social Security is to provide services and benefits and to educate the American public about the programs and finances of Social Security. Again, thank you for your inquiry. We look forward to continuing to serve you.”
Meanwhile, in comments to PRWeek, SSA press officer Mark Lassiter says the whole thing was just a big misunderstanding. PRWeek says Lassiter told them that “the plan that’s been circulated was never reviewed or approved by the agency. Rather it was posted on the website of one regional office.”
Lassiter further says the that the SSA PR plan “hasn’t changed in several years.”
Finally, the Post’s Al Kamen reports on the SSA’s ‘crisis, crisis, crisis!’ phone messages.
Hey, didn’t we report that last month?
