Newsletter: Get Your Flowers, Caseworkers!
You’ve just worked your tail off during the August recess, handling your usual casework on top of what was probably a packed district work period schedule. Let’s talk about how to make sure your team gets credit for all of your hard work!
Our new Casework Communications guide has tips for making the most of your relationship with your comms team, including understanding who does what, what questions to ask, and how to successfully pitch a casework PSA. In lieu of a webinar for this one, we are also releasing a video we recorded with Zack Brown, former Communications Director for the late Rep. Don Young [R, AK].
More below on an upcoming webinar on AI, and our usual roundup of agency news you can use. I am always here for questions, comments, suggestions, or just to chat. Feel free to reach out by replying to this email, or shoot me a note at anne@popvox.org.
Anne Meeker
Deputy Director
POPVOX Foundation
Guide: Casework Communications
A productive working relationship with the Member's communications team can help act as a force multiplier for a casework team’s efforts.
Video: Casework Communications
A good communications team is a secret weapon for good casework. This training will cover using the Congressional communications toolkit to help teams reach constituents, set expectations for casework, coordinate effectively with DC, and build a reputation of professionalism.
Webinar: Responsible AI Use for Casework webinar
While casework remains a cornerstone of Congressional service, it often involves time-consuming, repetitive tasks that can overwhelm both new and experienced staff. Learn how generative AI can help new staff quickly acclimate to their roles and allow seasoned caseworkers to focus their expertise where it matters most — and how to use them responsibly to keep your team and your constituents safe. We'll discuss practical applications of commercially available and Congressionally-approved AI tools, offering a balanced view of both the potential and limitations of these tools in enhancing constituent services
Webinar: Responsible AI Use for Casework
September 18 at 2 PM EDT
Recently-developed, Congress-approved generative AI tools can streamline casework processes, making them more efficient and accessible.
AI Tools for Casework
A Guide for Congressional Staffers
Recently-developed — and Congress-approved — generative AI tools aren’t a magic bullet to fix casework, but they can go a long way toward leveling the playing field, making it easier for new staff to quickly get up to speed and experienced staff to more effectively use their time where it counts the most. Includes sample prompts!
Casework in the News
Sweet X thread explaining casework from a fan
It’s not just us! Former UK PM Liz Truss (yes, the lettuce one) is under scrutiny for failing to release constituent service records to her successor.
Casework-Related Agency News
Martin O’Malley is at it again
Social Security announced that it plans to roll out a simplified, online application for SSI this December. The online application will be available to first-time applicants who have never been married, and will pre-populate with information SSA already has where possible. Hooray for continued progress!
We’re crossing our fingers but not holding our breath on WEP/GPO repeal
Reps. Abigail Spanberger [D, VA] and Garrett Graves [R, LA] announced that they intend to file a discharge petition when the House returns from recess to force a floor vote on the Social Security Fairness Act that would repeal WEP and GPO. The bill currently has 325 cosponsors, and the petition needs 218 signatures to successfully force the vote. Relatedly, a 17-yr-old in Texas is walking to DC to raise awareness after his grandmother was affected by WEP.
Notice of disallowed claim for Employee Retention Tax Credits
Taxpayer Advocate Service notes that the IRS has issued 28,000 Notices of Disallowed Claims for ERTC in the last few weeks, many of which can be unclear or confusing. This post has guidance for constituents on what to do next.
HHS is bringing back free mail COVID tests
HHS announced that it is bringing back its pandemic-era program to provide households with up to four free COVID-19 tests. Constituents can apply for the tests at the end of September.
Deep dive on the best SSA program no one’s ever heard of
New research on administrative burdens SSI recipients face in trying to open and invest in ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money for emergencies and to invest in training and educational opportunities.
VA OIG calls for more support for Veterans Crisis Line operators
A VA OIG report found that after the launch of the 9-8-8 support number for mental health emergencies, the Veterans Crisis line saw a 22% increase in demand. VA OIG says that more supervisory positions are needed to support frontline operators in this demanding role.
DHS OIG issues management alert about monitoring unaccompanied minors
DHS OIG issued an urgent alert that ICE is unable to properly monitor the location of unaccompanied minor migrants, often using spreadsheets and emails to keep track of vulnerable minors. ICE is directed to provide planned corrective action within 90 days of the report.
New data on Americans’ trust in federal agencies
A new Pew Research Center report has detailed data on Americans’ trust in federal agencies, showing mostly positive opinions but a growing partisan split.
Get paid to critique gov websites??
Sounds like a scam, but it’s a real initiative to recruit paid user testers for federal websites. Registrants are matched with relevant research studies (signing up is not a guarantee they’ll be picked).
