[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 150 (Thursday, October 23, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO STAFF OF THE DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to highlight a small 
band of employees in my home State who deserve special recognition for 
the consistent high quality work they do. I am proud and pleased to 
honor Michelle Thibodeau, Chief of the Disability Determination 
Services office in Helena, MT, and her entire staff. Special 
recognition must also go to Cathy Surdock who works on youth claims and 
has been singled out for her excellence.
  My constituents who face disabilities depend on those at the 
Disability Determination Services office to evaluate their claims and 
issue a fair and timely decision. Issuing these decisions quickly is of 
the utmost importance and makes a real difference to a lot of 
Montanans. The regional Social Security Administration Commissioner in 
Denver has recognized Montana's Disability Determination Services 
office for having the Nation's best processing time for claims. The 
Helena office averages 68 days processing time as compared to the 
national average of 110 days. This important honor is for work 
accomplished during Federal fiscal year 2002. This office won the same 
award for fiscal year 1999. Additionally, in 2001, they were awarded 
the Commissioner's Citation for Quality. Michelle's office reviews 
about 12,000 claims for benefits each year, 2000 of which involve 
children.
  This award recognizes the staff ``for exemplary performance in 
accuracy, timeliness and productivity in providing exceptional service 
to Montana's citizens with disabilities.'' Montanans that find 
themselves physically and mentally challenged are grateful for the 
heroic steps that Michelle's staff has taken to address their needs in 
a timely fashion. The professionalism, compassion and technical 
expertise exhibited by the dedicated staff at the Disability 
Determination Services office is an example for us all.
  In closing, I would like to offer my congratulations to Michelle, 
Cathy and the entire crew at Disability Determination Services and also 
my thanks for the good work you do daily. This is just another example 
of neighbor helping neighbor in the great State of Montana.

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