Big Changes at Social Security: What You Need to Know
Before this, he was a big name on Wall Street and ran a company called Fiserv.
Why It's a Big Deal
Frank Bisignano stepping in as the Commissioner of the SSA is drawing a lot of attention. His getting the job was a close call in the Senate, showing that not everyone agrees on what’s next for Social Security.
He’s taking over from Leland Dudek, who managed the agency during a shaky time that saw some offices close and plans to cut down on staff.
New Technology Coming In
One of Bisignano’s first moves is to bring in artificial intelligence (AI) to make things run smoother. This means shorter wait times on the phone and better ways to stop fraud. Now, getting access to your Social Security number is going digital, which should make life a bit easier.
However, these tech upgrades have some people worried about privacy and errors that machines might make.
Changes and Challenges
Under the previous leadership, there were some decisions like canceling Social Security numbers for certain immigrants and stopping automatic numbers for new citizens that didn’t sit well with many. After a lot of complaints and legal fights, those plans were dropped.
Also, a push by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to peek into Social Security’s data got a thumbs-down from the courts due to privacy worries.
Staying Public
During talks before getting his new job, Bisignano told everyone loud and clear that he’s not planning to privatize (or sell off) Social Security. His main goal is to make the system work better, not change its core mission.
So, that’s the scoop on what's happening at Social Security with the new leadership. The goal is to modernize and make things more efficient while making sure it stays a program for the public.
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