The Social Security Advisory Board is a non-partisan, independent federal board that was established to advise the president, congress and Social Security’s commissioner on policy and administration related to Social Security retirement and disability programs. The board now it has a new member, who is likely to be an advocate for Social Security programs.
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, was given the opportunity to appoint a new member and selected Nancy Altman, who brings with her an impressive resume. Besides being the co-founder and president of the Strengthen Social Security Coalition and Social Security Works, Altman served as a Harvard faculty member and is a graduate of Harvard and Pennsylvania Law.
“Nancy Altman is a widely respected voice on the need to protect and strengthen Social Security for future generations,” Pelosi said in a press release announcing the appointment. “Nancy brings the strength of expertise forged in decades of experience and strategic advocacy. She understands the threats facing this vital pillar of Americans’ retirement security, and its enormous importance to the lives of seniors and their families. Nancy will be a wise and tough champion for our seniors on the Social Security Advisory Board.”
Hurricane Maria’s Impact On SSA
Acting Social Security Commissioner Nancy Berryhill updated Social Security employees of the impact Hurricane Maria has had on Social Security offices in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Berryhill reported that all Social Security offices in these locations remained closed with no indication when they may reopen. The aftermath of the hurricane has cutoff power to many, caused gas shortages and communications with employees at these offices have been spotty at best, according to Berryhill. Unfortunately, conditions in these areas are such that people are not receiving their Social Security payments because many postal offices have been closed, including in Puerto Rico. Berryhill said she will provide more updates as things get close to being back to normal.
