Legislative Report
November 3, 2011
by Tony Augustine, Legislative Chair
We are entering a critical period right now that will determine the future direction of farm policy as well as employee benefits and working conditions for years to come. It is vital that all NASCOE members are prepared to actively be engaged in helping shape their future by taking action when called upon.
This week, a targeted fly in to WDC was completed to present position papers to Deficit Super Committee members on savings that are possible by having FSA handle additional responsibilities for certain crop insurance activities, administration of all conservation programs, and proposing restructuring of FSA above the County Office level before decreasing service to our customers by closing County Offices and reducing the number of CO employees.
The next Farm Bill will be greatly different than the one we are currently administering. Direct payments will almost assuredly be eliminated. The most common idea being considered is a revenue based program somewhat along the idea of a restructured ACRE program, although other risk management ideas are instead being considered that FSA would have little involvement with. This will be the most important Farm Bill of our careers and will define the role FSA will have in farm policy well into the future. Farm Bill policy is being explored for common ground on both sides by the House and Senate leadership through the Deficit Super Committee process rather than through traditional methods. If an agreement can be made by early November, the structure of the next Farm Bill could be largely finalized through recommendations to the Deficit Super Committee. No changes or amendments could be made to the policy if it goes through this process. This would allow farm policy to be exempt from additional cuts in future years. This gives NASCOE little opportunity to help ensure a solid future for employees.
Employee benefits, staffing levels and retirement benefits are also at risk. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent the following recommendations to the Deficit Super Committee for consideration:
- Change retirement computation for a high 3 year salary to high 5.
- Increase employee contribution to FERS from 0.8% to 7.0% of salary.
- Increase employee contribution to CSRS from 7% to 10% of salary.
- Eliminate FERS for new hires.
- Eliminate the FERS retirement supplement for those retiring under age 62.
- Extend the pay freeze through 2015.
- Eliminate step increases.
- Reduce the workforce by 10% by hiring only 1 for every 3 employees leaving or retiring.
Even if only a few of these are implemented, your benefits, retirement and working conditions will be greatly affected. On November 2, a “Call Congress Day” was carried out by NARFE and NASCOE members were encouraged to participate. If you value your job and benefits, each of us will need to participate in taking action on activities such as this and also on sending CAPWIZ Alerts every time they are issued.
A full legislative conference to WDC very well may be needed in February depending on the outcome of a number of factors related to the Deficit Super Committee action or the 2013 budget. Tentative plans are being made for a conference at this time.
NASCOE will be helping NAFEC promote membership in NAFEC through a membership drive in the next few months. A presentation will be available on NAFEC’s website for COC members to view explaining the need for NAFEC in preserving the role of the COC in oversight of FSA programs. At least one person in each office should show the presentation to the COC and provide help with membership forms. Dues are $35/ year for COC members. FSA employees can also be associate members for $20.
NASCOE has been busy preparing for the upcoming legislative onslaught, but members need to help as well. In order for our voice to carry as much weight as possible at this critical time, the NASCOE PAC becomes more important than ever. We need to double the size of the PAC to carry enough influence to define our outcome. Every member that cares about their job, benefits and future needs to begin contributing to the PAC now. Even as little as $1/ PP helps when a lot of people participate in giving to the NASCOE PAC. It is simple, easy and only takes a few minutes to get started. In addition, any member that starts a payroll allotment of $3 or more per pay period (or increases by $3/ PP) will receive $10 from NASCOE as a thank you for your commitment and your name will be entered for five drawings for $100 at the national convention.
CAPWIZ Alerts will be used extensively in the upcoming months. This electronic mail delivery system will be just as important to use to convince members of Congress to see the value of our position. I cannot stress enough how important it is that every member send the CAPWIZ Alerts as soon as they are issued. Most of these Alerts are very time critical, so SEND them right away. There are currently 2 Alerts posted for immediate action.