NARFE KANSAS FEDERATION

Notes from College of NARFE Knowledge (CONK) held August 29–31, 2011

Marina Inn, South Sioux City, Nebraska

LOUISE LLOYD CHAPTER 1162 PRESIDENT

• Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHBP)
• Premium Conversion – Tax Relief for FEHBP Premiums
• Medicare Part B Premium Protection Equity
• Medicare Part B Penalty and Part B Means Testing
• Medicare FEHBP Employer Payment
• Long Term Care Tax Relief
• Social Security Government Pension Offset (GPO)
• Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)
• Increased Survivor Benefit Option
• Retirement inequity for Part Time Work
• Adjusted Deferred Benefits fro Federal Employees

We were very fortunate to have had Richard Thissen, National NARFE Treasurer; Dan Adcock, the Legislative Director from NARFE HQ, as well as Julie Tagen, also from NARFE’s legislative Department. Richard Thissen, as National Treasurer stressed how important it is for Chapters to be sure to annually file on-line the 990-N report with the Treasury. And it is critical to be sure they are using the correct EIN number. Once a chapter is notified by the Treasury that they have not complied with the filing requirement, they will lose their tax exempt status, and could be liable to pay taxes. They can no longer remain under the umbrella of NARFE HQ, and therefore NARFE HQ cannot be an intermediary with IRS for them.

The campaign set out to accomplish reframing the debate, presenting a positive image of federal employees. Changing views is key to protection of benefits, to combat all the negative rhetoric.

Campaign has been reaching a number of media outlets, such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington, Post, CNN, Politico (which every member of Congress reads every day).

A lot of people don’t recognize all the types of jobs federal employees do. Must just think of Congressmen and staff, or IRS and Post office employees.

Part of the campaign goals is to work to energize and empower NARFE members. When constituents talk to their congressman, that’s powerful. NARFE is coordinating with other organizations such as AFGE, APWU, NTEU, as partners coming together to be stronger, have initiated efforts to work in field on joint events.

Threats are not going away, will be very much present the rest of this year. We need to target members of the supercommittee.

NARFE must continue online advocacy efforts. Things chapters can do is could have postcards for members who do not have email to send to the congressman. These could be hand-delivered to the local offices. A chapter could do local “robo calls. HQ could provide a company name that could do these, approximately 5 to 10 cents a call.

Upcoming Budget threats include: Debt limit compromise’; Super committee; Balanced budget amendment; and possible government shutdown in September.

Debt limit compromise law thus far, no cuts to federal retirement or pay or health benefits. The super committee is tasked to come up with a plan to cut 1.5 billion from the deficit over 10 years either by budget cuts or revenue increases. If they are unable to agree on a plan that Congress can subsequently vote on and approve, then automatic sequestration would take effect. Such a measure would result in severe discretionary cuts of funding to federal agencies. If cuts done straight across the board to all federal agencies, could result in cutting some extremely critical positions that affect our safety, such as FBI having insufficient people to track terrorists. Under a sequestration, federal retirement pay, social security, military pensions and FEHBP would be exempted.

Once NARFE HQ knows process on super committee, NARFE will start contacting the members with emails, etc. HQ always tries to make each email that they ask we send to Congress different. E-mails to congressmen are effective, and easy to quantify. NARFE helped to defeat freeze on promotions and merit pay. There are several individuals on the super committee who are NARFE friendly.

Supercommittee will just need a simple majority to approve their plan/recommendation for it to move forward for a vote by Congress. No amendment will be allowed. Congress must pass bill by December 23rd. President must sign bill into law by January 15, 2012.

NARFE supports efforts to balance the budget, and we have contributed already through 2 year pay freeze resulting in $5 billion savings. And add to that losses of COLA’s during the 1980’s and 1990’s resulting in $50 billion savings.

A possible government shutdown could occur by September 30, 2011. Twelve (12) annual appropriations bills are needed. However that could pass by a continuing resolution, but along with that could come another opportunity to demand more cuts.

U.S. Foreign aid only represents 1% of U.S. budget and this money is key to our diplomacy overseas. Wouldn’t have huge impact by itself to cut these funds, and the funds spent in this area help buy us good will.

If Congress asks where they should make cuts, respond that’s why they are elected, to make those choices, such as the decisions on budget cuts.

We need to be careful as NARFE members what NARFE might recommend as cuts in other programs. Our legislators can have influence with their people on supercommittee.

Starting point for the supercommittee will be the Fiscal Commission report. Recommendations that will be on the table for their consideration will include: Shift growing share of FEHBP premiums to enrollees (70/30 split currently); lower federal retiree COLA thru chained CPI; significantly increase employee retirement contributions; base federal retirements on high 5 years. Since these recommendations have previously been considered by several previous committees, it is felt they will certainly be looked at again.

When talking to congressmen or congressional staff, be sure to know how many people are in your state or congressional district that are active employees and annuitants.

Anytime you want to respond to a letter to the editor regarding federal retiree or active employee issues, feel free to contact NARFE’s Legislative Office and they will assist preparing a response.

Sharon Josephson – Staff Assistant in Congressional office for 21 years To obtain Legislative handout that gives detailed information that was included in CONK Notebooks visit the NARFE HQ website, www.narfe.org. Go to Legislative Conference, and select “Contacting Congress”.

As part of the presentation, it was emphasized that in the Senate 1 vote can make a huge difference, as only 100 senators, and 60 votes needed to pass legislation. In House with 435 members, 1 vote not so critical. A member of the House can have up to 26 staff members; a member of the Senate can have up to 48 staffers.

The individuals who staff congressional offices fill various functions, but some positions that are key to work with include the Press Secretary in the state offices or D.C. office. Also the scheduler in the office is key person to talk to, as they are in contact on a daily basis with the senator or the congressman. They know what meetings that will be attended. So to get someone to attend a meeting, it's important to work with the “scheduler”. The chief of staff in the offices keeps things together.

It was emphasized that Congressmen needs issues explained to them, and that if you see them in a public place, such as at a grocery store, you’re encouraged to speak to them. In the House, it takes 418 votes to get a bill passed, so its important to get commitment from a congressman to sign on to piece of legislation. And if you have a champion on a piece of legislative, you have to stand behind them when times get tough.

It was strongly emphasized to get to know the super committee members. They hold our future in their hands. A lot fewer moderate Democrats and Republicans in this congress, so it will be much harder to get agreement on legislation.

NARFE PAC Presentation

Note: CONK is held in August every 2 years. It alternates with the National Convention which is also held every 2 years. The next National Convention will be held in Reno, Nevada in August 2012.