Original Message:
Sent: 8/4/2025 12:01:00 PM
From: Tony Choppa
Subject: RE: BLS
Perhaps this is helpful for context.
Both Quantitative and qualitative knowledge is critical to the expert's opinion.
The operational definition of "Clinical Judgement" was led by Dr. Tim Field, and significantly based on FRE 702 guiding expert testimony. Published in the JLCP.
Clinical judgment requires that the final opinion
be predicated on valid, reliable and relevant foundation
information and data that are scientifically
established through theory and technique
building which has been tested, peer reviewed,
and published, with known error rates, and is
generally accepted within the professional community.
In cases where any of the above factors do
not apply, but other factors have greater relevance,
the expert will rely on these other factors
within a methodological approach, based on the
expert's knowledge, skill, experience, training, or
education in order to assist the trier of fact to
reach a conclusion. Therefore, clinical judgment,
which is the extension of the credentialing factors
of the expert, encompasses all relevant factors germane
to the weight of the case while discarding
those factors which are not relevant, and which
are allowed by the court. ( Field, Choppa et al. 2004. JLCP 3.3).
Best,
Tony
Anthony J. Choppa, MEd, CRC, CCM, CDMS
Rehabilitation Counselor/Case Manager
OSC Vocational Systems, Inc
10132 NE 185th
Bothell, WA 98011
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425-486-8701 fax
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Original Message:
Sent: 8/4/2025 11:36:00 AM
From: Scott T. Stipe
Subject: RE: BLS
How exactly would you as an individual/expert possibly "debunk" the "Jobs number" or any other government statistic? I guess it could be argued that any government statistic, or other statistic, once data is collected, analyzed, published is "out of date" It should be interesting. We are obviously in an anti-intellectual period in which experts are despised/rejected, fact and truth conveniently labelled "fake news", simple questions are not answered or are answered with word salad, and supposed "common sense" praised over that awful science stuff. Unless of course such "common sense" comes from someone with an opposing view, now labelled a "low IQ individual".
Contrary to what you say experts in all fields routinely "recite" statistics, typically many and different source/types of stats to back up and illustrate opinions and their own expertise in expert reports/testimony.
Perhaps the whacky rejection of statistics not comporting with a desired false narrative may lead VEs back to the time- honored VR practice of doing Labor Market Survey/employer sampling/hypothesis testing. Such has been less performed recently and many VEs who don't/can't do it well or find it too difficult or just too "icky" say it is "impossible" They mock the small sample size and now I guess can also dismiss or call into question whatever government statistic as well. Experience/expertise/knowledge of subject/science forms our "common sense".
Maybe it really was a good time to retire!
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Scott T. Stipe, MA, CRC, IPEC, D/ABVE
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Board Certified Vocational Expert
Scott Stipe & Associates, Inc.
DBA Career Directions Northwest
4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd
#188
Portland, Oregon, 97214
(503)807-2668
email: sstipecrc@gmail.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2025 09:43
From: Beth Pasikowski
Subject: BLS
As always - a statistic is easily backed up
or debunked.
If an expert is relying on a statistic for the basis of their testimony without the good solid research to back it up well then that's a problem
Especially when the BLS is still listing 2023 stats- that are based on 2021 information- read the methodology.
We all know the world of wages etc has changed significantly since 2021
An expert is hired for their expertise- not their ability to recite stats.
This is not political, this is common sense.
Beth
Original Message:
Sent: 8/3/2025 3:56:00 PM
From: June Hagen Ph.D
Subject: RE: BLS
So, the question is, what statistics do we use after a yes-person is appointed?
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June Hagen
Vocational Consultant
drjunehagen@yahoo.com
Santa Monica, CA United States
Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2025 11:15
From: Jeffrey B. Barrett MEd CAP CRC CCM CVE
Subject: BLS
Sometimes, stupid people show their stupidity. I you fire the person identified as responsible for the labor market stats because you didn't like them, who will believe the stats now. Florida's DeSantis did that with the AHCA COVID stats, firing the reporting stats person. Of course, if the economic indicators are falling, that justifies a lower FED interest rate. Stupid on stupid.
Best regards,
Jeff Barrett, M.Ed., CAP. CRC, CVE, CCM
Options Plus
optionsplusinc.com
954-929-9694
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Original Message:
Sent: 8/2/2025 4:10:00 PM
From: Scott T. Stipe
Subject: RE: BLS
Wall Street is saying the same thing. If the object is intent to mess with the Jobs Numbers as some sort of backhand gottcha way to mess with Chairman Powell (who Trump himself appointed and who says rates would have already dropped were it not for the volatility caused by tariffs) it will be an interesting ride in financial markets.
Trump also said recently that prices for various items are declining up to 100% of more. Such would of course mean that the consumer is getting the item for free or the retailer is paying something to take it from them. And Beef just hit an all time high price. I thought I was bad at math!
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Scott T. Stipe, MA, CRC, IPEC, D/ABVE
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Board Certified Vocational Expert
Scott Stipe & Associates, Inc.
DBA Career Directions Northwest
4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd
#188
Portland, Oregon, 97214
(503)807-2668
email: sstipecrc@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2025 13:24
From: Carly N Coughlin
Subject: BLS
I can see this happening as well. This could be a big problem. I am not sure how I would reply to that question.
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Carly Coughlin, MS CRC
carly@coughlinvoc.com
Coughlin Vocational Counseling, LLC
1201 Terminal Way Suite 111
Reno, NV
89502
Original Message:
Sent: 08-01-2025 23:33
From: Scott T. Stipe
Subject: BLS
NYT today:
"President Trump unleashed his fury about weakness in the labor market on Friday, saying without evidence that the data were "rigged" and that he was firing the Senate-confirmed Department of Labor official responsible for pulling together the numbers each month."
BLS labor market statistics are gold standard of the world. With the administration putting pressure on non-partisan statisticians regarding any stat which fails to comport with desired narrative, will BLS stats continue to be seen as reliable or increasingly open to challenge when used by VEs? I can see counsel picking up on this. Any statistic the supreme leader does not like may simply be targeted to "adjust". So, Mr./Ms. VE how do we know that X or Y BLS statistic is accurate and not arbitrarily adjusted and phony?"
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Scott T. Stipe, MA, CRC, IPEC, D/ABVE
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Board Certified Vocational Expert
Scott Stipe & Associates, Inc.
DBA Career Directions Northwest
4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd
#188
Portland, Oregon, 97214
(503)807-2668
email: sstipecrc@gmail.com
------------------------------