Governor Beebe's Weekly Column and Radio Address: Restoring Faith in Government

Statement

Governor Beebe's Weekly Column and Radio Address: Restoring Faith in Government

Whenever I meet fellow Arkansans dedicating themselves to helping those in need, I am reminded of how unique and wonderful the people of our State really are.

I recently attended an award ceremony honoring the accomplishments of the Arkansas Disability Determination Division of our Social Security Administration, and met some Arkansas public servants who have turned a tough, thankless job into a labor of love and a boon for their fellow citizens.

The national Commissioner's Citation Award is given to those disability agencies that stand out for maintaining balanced excellence in performance of their duties. Under the leadership of Director Arthur Boutiette, and the dedication and hard work of his 250 employees, the Arkansas DDS has developed a reputation as one of the top disability agencies in the Untied States for eight of the last ten years, leading the nation in accuracy, while maintaining a top efficiency rating.

The mission of the Disability Determination Division is to decide whether a person qualifies for medical disability benefits under the Federal Social Security Act. Arkansas has the fourth-highest percentage of individuals on Social Security Disability, with more than 200,000 Arkansans receiving disability payments. The Arkansas office processes more than 60,000 claims filed each year for these benefits.

What does that mean? They're helping more people, faster, and making fewer mistakes than any other office in the country. What's more, despite the often heartbreaking nature of their work, they bring compassionate and vigilant leadership to their jobs.

I believe that the true measure of the character of our people is revealed by our efforts to give a hand-up to the neediest among us, and this office is a shining example of that spirit that is so abundant in Arkansas.

Restoring Arkansans' faith in government is an important part of my mission, every day. I want all Arkansans to know that their government is working hard to improve their lives, and I can think of no better example than the Arkansas Disability Determination Division.

Because of their commitment and dedicated efforts, 200,000 Arkansans in need have received a vital service, and the Division's employees are delivering that service in a way that saves money and shows their clients that someone in government really cares.

They are setting the standard for State government, and I challenge each of our agencies to follow this example -- to reach higher and strive for excellence in providing the best possible service to every taxpayer.

I am amazed, every day, as I see determined groups of Arkansans, working together, helping one another, and our State, move forward. As I have stated before, I believe in Arkansas. Thank you to all those, who show in word and deed, that they, too, believe in our State and work for its ongoing success.

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