The Philadelphia Penn ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS - PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER

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1 The Philadelphia Penn ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS - PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER Volume 27 Issue 7 March GOLD MEDAL CHAPTER FIRST PLACE NEWSLETTER Tax Changes for 1998 May I Introduce... Mort Kafrissen, IRS, explaining his excellent handout We held our fifth lunch meeting of the chapter year on Wednesday, February 17 th. Our speaker was Mr. Mort Kafrissen of the IRS. Mr. Kafrissen spoke at many chapter functions throughout the years including the Professional Development Conference this coming May. Mort has given dozens of speeches to community groups and has been on local radio and TV answering questions during the tax season. (please turn to page two) Paul Brezinski is the Chairman of the Chapter Recognition Committee for year. Paul is an Auditor with Region III of the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Inspector General. He conducts performance and financial audits of government contractors, grantees and internal reviews at EPA Headquarters and Regional Office. Paul has nine years of federal service all with the EPA. He graduated from LaSalle University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Inside This Issue 1 February Lunch Meeting and May I Introduce 2 President s Message 3 Chapter Officers and Directors 4 Chapter Activities 6 National Activities Chapter Meeting and Lunch Schedule 7 Notice of Next Luncheon Meeting He is single with a 10 year old daughter Kristen. Paul lives in Northeast Philadelphia and enjoys softball, skiing and volleyball. He recently began playing hockey again.

2 Mort opened with his usual humorous anecdote in his very unique one-of-a-kind style. I will not ruin his surprise because he may use this material at the PDC. Mort provided us with an Income Tax & Financial Planning Quickfinder handout with every rate and phaseout imaginable. A very handy one-page reference guide for this tax season. He started with an explanation of capital gains. The holding period for long term capital gains has been reduced from 18 to 12 months. The maximum rate remains at 20%. Mort gave us a heads-up about adjusting the cost basis for stock splits if the taxpayer did not sell the entire position. Next, there is now a tax-free gain of $250,000 for single and $500,000 for joint taxpayers on the sale of your home. You must use/occupy the residence for 2 of the prior 5 years. This tax-free gain can be taken every two years if you should choose to move that often. The new Child Tax Credit for This credit includes all children under 17 years of age and for 1998 is $400 and for 1999 and is $500. There is an additional credit for 3 or more children. Next, the HOPE Credit for education expenses for the first two years of higher learning. It is a nonrefundable credit for 100% of $1,000 tuition and fees. Then, Mort covered the Lifetime Learning Credit effective June 30, 1998 for qualified tuition and fees for college or graduate school. Everyone from juniors and seniors in college to law school to adult education courses. From 1998 to 2002, the amount is 20% of $5,000. The strategy for parents of college bound children would be to take the HOPE during the freshman and sophomore years Once again, we all look forward to Mort s presentation at the PDC in May. Joe Shattuck President s Message As I prepare this message, it is hard to believe that we are starting the final months of our chapter program year, and it seems that these next few months will he busy ones. Our March luncheon will feature Barbara Reilly of DCAA as speaker. The April luncheon will be our annual Past President's Luncheon in which we hope to have many of our past chapter presidents attending this luncheon. Ben Redmond, the City of Philadelphia Inspector General will be the featured speaker. Both of these luncheons will be held at the First Union Center at 5th and Market Streets. On April 15th, we also plan to once again host our annual VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program) at 30th Street Station. We are actively seeking volunteers to help us out in this worthwhile project. We ask that you spare us an hour or two of your time assisting individuals in their last minute tax preparations. Please see Paul Sager for further details or to sign up. Bob Peterson is working hard on the annual PDC scheduled for May 14, He has lined up veteran radio and TV broadcaster and commentator on investments, Fred Sherman, to be our luncheon speaker. Over the last several years, participation in this conference has increased to 200 conference participants for the 1998 PDC. Let s see if we can top that number in Also, please make sure that your address is up to date so that you don't miss the mailing that will shortly be going out. If you need any details, give Bob a call or visit the chapter website. I hope to see you at the luncheon on the 17th. Dennis Zawacki

3 3 The Philadelphia Penn Chapter Officers and Directors The CGFM Committee promotes the awareness of the Certified Government Financial Management certification among AGA chapter members. President 1st Vice-President Dennis T. Zawacki, (US Attorney) Bob Peterson (DCAA) Education Larry Levin (DCAA) The Education Committee plans and develops programs to enhance public sector professional development in the areas of accounting, auditing, budgeting, and financial management. 2nd Vice-President Mike Walsh (HHS) Treasurer Vince Gallo (EPA) Historian Charles Hoeger (DOD) The Historian maintains chapter records and history to provide a link between the current officers and directors and prior chapter leadership. Secretary Past President John Bocelli (EPA) Fred Warren (EPA) Committee Directors Awards Gabrielle Nelson The Awards Committee is responsible for recognizing the achievements of chapter members. The committee identifies and recommends candidates for chapter awards and arranges for the awards. CGFM Larry Levin (DCAA) Membership Cathy Mastropieri (EPA) The membership committee works to retain existing members and attract new members through networking and promoting the chapter, enhancing agency outreach, and welcoming new members. Newsletter Joe Shattuck (DCAA) The Newsletter Committee produces a monthly publication to keep members informed of upcoming meetings, special events, and member achievements. Public Service Paul Sager (City - Phila) The Public Service Committee seeks to perform public service by researching new areas and participating in activities.

4 4 The Philadelphia Penn Recognition Paul Brezinski (EPA) AGA s Chapter Recognition Program provides each chapter with a guide to a well-rounded operation that contributes to the professional growth of its members. Unlike a competitive program where chapters compete against each other, AGA s Chapter Recognition Program measures an individual chapter s performance against its own preestablished standards; thereby, enabling the chapter to evaluate its own strengths and weaknesses. Credits are given in the areas of chapter administration, meetings, newsletters, membership, education, public service and awards. Webmaster Bob Peterson (DCAA) The Webmaster maintains the chapter Internet site on the World Wide Web. Research / Bylaws Joe Shattuck (DCAA) The Research Committee publishes information on government financial management research in coordination with the AGA National Research Office. The Bylaws Committee reviews and verifies that Chapter bylaws conform to National standards. (Descriptions of committees reprinted from the May 1996 Reporter - the Detroit Motor City Chapter newsletter) Regional Vice President Robert L. Dodson Chapter Activities John Bocelli, Secretary, submitted the minutes of the Chapter Executive Committee Meeting held on February 17, 1999 at the First Union Building, 5th & Market Streets: Chapter President submitted an agenda with eleven members of the Board present. Treasurer reported a Chapter cash balance of $7,738 as of February 16. In addition, there is on the books an accounts receivable balance of $1,440. Deadline for submitting articles for the newsletter is February 26. This edition will be highlighting Paul Brezinski. Chapter Recognition Officer provided a report on the points accumulated to date (7893). Approved the location and timeframe for the Voluntary Income Taxpayer Assistance (VITA) Program. Thc VITA Program will be at the 30th Street Post Office on April 15. Approved the donation of two $100 checks to the Salvation Army & Ronald McDonald's House. Discussed the scholarship program and the establishment of criteria to evaluate potential candidates. Awards to individuals sponsored by chapter members will be based on community service, grade point average and a written essay. Received a membership disclosing that this year the chapter has 20 new members with a total membership of 257.

5 5 The Philadelphia Penn Discussed the May Professional Development Conference with the confirmation of Fred Sherman as our luncheon speaker. In addition, the fees were approved: $60 for members and $120 for nonmembers. Decided that the luncheon for Chapter Past Presidents will be April 21. Next Executive Committee meeting will be Wednesday March 17 at 11:15am in the First Union Bldg., 5th & Market Sts., 2nd floor Dining Room. Paul Brezinski, Director of the Recognition Committee reported our chapter recognition points earned for the month ended February 1999: Category YTD Max Points Administration 1,825 2,000 Meetings 998 2,000 Newsletter 1,870 2,000 Education Events 1,600 3,000 Membership N/A 2,000 Community Service 600 2,000 Awards 1,000 1,000 Total Points 7,893 14,000 Goal 10,000 Percentage of Goal 78% Vince Gallo, Treasurer, reported that the chapter finances as of February 1999 are as follows: Cash Balance, 02/16/99 $7, Accounts Receivable $1, Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria for Awarding College Scholarship from the Philadelphia Chapter The Philadelphia Chapter plans to award $1,000 in scholarship money to a high school / college student that is sponsored by a Philadelphia Chapter member in good standing. Scholarship candidates should apply using the following criteria: a. The student can be ANY major. b. The student must be a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate for the upcoming academic year c. The scholarship must be used for college tuition only (no room/board, books, fees, etc.) d. The student must be classified as a full-time student as determined by the college or university regulations. e. The student must maintain, as a minimum, an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. f. A certified high school (for current high school seniors) or college (for current undergraduates) transcript must be submitted. g. In addition to meeting the AGA Philadelphia Chapter scholarship criteria, the student must submit an essay stating his or her goals and how this scholarship will help meet those goals. The chapter Executive Committee will review all candidates and select the recipient considered as the best qualified for the scholarship. DEADLINE: April 15, Mail all application materials to: Association of Government Accountants Philadelphia Chapter ATTN: College Scholarship Application P.O. Box Philadelphia, PA

6 6 The Philadelphia Penn Chapter Web Site Contact Bob Peterson at for any questions or comments. PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to join the chapter s electronic mailing list for lunch registrations, last minute updates, etc., please the chapter at the above address. All addresses will be kept strictly confidential for chapter purposes only. Thank you. Cathy Mastropieri, Chair of the Membership Committee, reports that the Philadelphia Chapter has 20 new members for the year. Unfortunately, we have 35 members who have been suspended for not renewing their memberships. This brings our total membership figure to 257. Our goal for the year is 299. Our new member goal is 54. So, we still have quite a bit of work to do to meet our goals. We would like to welcome the new members, who are: Solomon Steiman, Michael Paneio, and Michael West, CGFM, from DOJ, Carol Donato, CPA, and Steven Simon from DCAA; Philip Burg, CGFM, Army Audit; Tina Shimony, CPA, HUD; Michael Dobrowolski, EPA; Brian Carroll, SEC; Jane Floyd, IRS; Wesley Williams, CGFM, Navy; Gary Kibler, CPA, CGFM, Paul Conforti, CGFM, and Maxine Maser, CGFM, from the private sector; Art Caldwell, Naomi Philips, and Despina Wilson from State Government; Regis Garris, CGFM, County Govemment; Gerald Spiegelman, CGFM, City Government; and Leslie Pride. Regarding the status of our contest to see who can sponsor the most new members- Dennis Zawacki, our Chapter President, is winning so far, having sponsored six new members. Lisa White, Sandra Downs and John Wodarczyk sponsored one member each. The winner of the contest will be announced at the May PDC. National Activities AGA Calendar of Events June 20-23, 1999: AGA s 48th Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Marriott, New Orleans, LA National AGA Website Philadelphia Chapter Luncheons and Activities Wednesday, March 17, 1999 Barbara Reilly, Regional Director DCAA Wednesday, April 21, 1999 Ben Redmond, City of Philadelphia, IG Friday, May 14, 1999 (All Day) Annual Professional Development Conference

7 7 The Philadelphia Penn Notice of Next Luncheon & Meeting NEW LOCATION: First Union Bldg. 5 h and Market Sts. Second Floor Dining Room Center City Philadelphia DATE: Wednesday, March 17, 1999 TIME: Exec Meeting begins at 11:15 am Lunch begins at 12:00 Noon SPEAKER: Barbara Reilly, Regional Director TOPIC: DCAA Quote of the Month The administration of government, like a guardianship, ought to be directed to the good of those who confer, not of those who receive the trust. Cicero Association of Government Accountants The Philadelphia Penn P.O. Box Philadelphia, PA Editor: Joe Shattuck (DCAA) The Philadelphia Chapter publishes The Philadelphia Penn monthly. If you would like to contribute, please contact me at or mail your material to the above address. Thank you. COST: $10.00 for AGA Members $15.00 for Non-Members. TO REGISTER: Call Dennis Zawacki at (215) or John Bocelli by 12 noon on FRIDAY, March 12 th

8 8 The Philadelphia Penn

9 9 The Philadelphia Penn