Social Security Administration
News Release

Statement From Kenneth S. Apfel

Commissioner Of Social Security
On the Management Rating of the
Social Security Administration by
The Government Performance Project

I am pleased that the Social Security Administration has been recognized by the Government Performance Project for its performance in providing high-quality service to the American people. When Vice President Gore made reinvention of government a priority, he challenged each and every government agency to set clear goals. He told us to become more accountable. He told us to emphasize customer service. That's exactly what we did at the Social Security Administration. This high rating means that the efforts of our managers and 65,000 employees are paying dividends. We are developing the right approach to achieving efficient and effective service to the public.

I would like to thank the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, Government Executive Magazine, Governing Magazine and the Pew Charitable Trusts for their efforts to make this project possible. This management report highlights our strengths as well as the areas we need to improve and will be very valuable to us at the Social Security Administration. The report will help us strengthen the management of our programs, improve service to the public, promote the economic security of Americans and ultimately reinforce the public trust in one of our most important institutions, Social Security.

Note: Copies of most SSA press releases, as well as other Social Security information and statistics, are available at SSA's Internet site, Social Security Online, at http://www.ssa.gov.