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. NARFE National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association Dulles Chapter 1241 Serving Current, Former & Retired Federal Employees, Spouses and Survivor Annuitants In the Dulles Area of Northern

com 1 st Vice President Charles (Chuck) McAndrew Charles.McAndrew@verizon. net 2 nd Vice President Kathleen (Kathy) Loftin Re-tired@cox.net Secretary Bill Schmidt Billschmidt39@yahoo.

1 . NARFE National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association Dulles Chapter 1241 Serving Current, Former & Retired Federal Employees, Spouses and Survivor Annuitants In the Dulles Area of Northern Virginia. April 2017 Visit Dulles Chapter website: Page 1 of 6 Dulles Chapter 1241 Officers President Patricia (Pat) Wolfe wolfepatriciam@aol.com 1 st Vice President Charles (Chuck) McAndrew Charles.McAndrew@verizon. net 2 nd Vice President Kathleen (Kathy) Loftin Re-tired@cox.net Secretary Bill Schmidt Billschmidt39@yahoo.com Treasurer Joseph Irwin irwinjt@gmail.com Legislative Chair Bill Schmidt billschmidt39@yahoo.com Membership VACANT- Patricia Wolfe Chair (Acting) Website Vicky Duarte Coordinator Cookyflower25@yahoo.com Service Officer Wilma M. Grant Wgrant0208@gmail.com Program VACANT Co-Chair(s) Patricia Wolfe (Acting) Hospitality Chair Shirley Boning Shirley.boning@comcast.net Public Relations Jean White Chair amciv1861@aol.com Alzheimer s Co- Art Brophy Chairs brophyaj@cuisp.com Sunshine Rosemarie Curry Committee Antinori13@gmail.com Chaplain David LeRoy dhlleroy@aol.com Newsletter Editor Patricia M. Wolfe wolfepatriciam@aol.com Newsletter Shirley & Jerry Carpenter Distribution Dutchrose1@verizon.net and jbcarp42@verizon.net Photographer Randy K. Sayles rksayles@verizon.net PRESIDENT S GREETING: 1VP Chuck McAndrew, Treasurer Joe Irwin and Area X VP Wilma Grant attended NARFE s Legislative Conference and met with our representatives. The snow prevented Judy Thorne from meeting with Congressman Connolly but she received information from those who were able to make it. See articles on Pages 3-4. It s a busy time! Dick and Mary Ann Giangerelli, Jim and Sue Righter, Wilma Grant, Vicky Duarte, Chuck McAndrew, Bill Schmidt, and I attended the VFC Convention in Williamsburg. See article on Page 5. A big thanks to Vicky Duarte for volunteering to take over as Website Coordinator. Our luncheons continue to feature interesting speakers. Ryan McManus, Legislative Aide, U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R), 10 th District provided an update on national legislation. We look forward to an update on Virginia s Legislative Session in April with a bi-partisan emphasis. Hope to see you there. Patricia Wolfe, President MEMBERSHIP INFO CURRENT CHAPTER 1241 VOTING MEMBERSHIP IS 680; 726 TOTAL Again this month, we have experienced a drop in membership from March 1-April 1 with ten (10) members dropped for non-renewal. We had no new members, reinstatements, or transfers. Robert Finkelstein followed up on last month s list of individuals sent second notices and several said they

plan to renew. Hopefully, our numbers will go up next month. We had six (6) transfers out. This could be the first impact of the optional chapter membership bylaws change.

On a more positive note, no names appeared on the list of potential losses with second letters being sent from National Headquarters.

2 plan to renew. Hopefully, our numbers will go up next month. We had six (6) transfers out. This could be the first impact of the optional chapter membership bylaws change. John Murray of Reston was listed on the report as deceased. Robert Finkelstein learned from his widow that Evan Summer passed away. Our sincerest sympathy to both of these families. On a more positive note, no names appeared on the list of potential losses with second letters being sent from National Headquarters. As you read the legislative information in this newsletter, the NARFE magazine, and the Legislative Alerts, I think we will all agree that it has never been more important to belong to NARFE. NARFE works every day to protect our earned benefits. We are counting on you to help! Ask a friend to join or renew today if your renewal date is close at Please call your reservation and choice of entree to Shirley Boning at (571) or Shirley.boning@comcast.net no later than Thursday, April 20, OUR LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AT AMPHORA DINER, 1151 ELDEN STREET, HERNDON, VIRGINIA AND BEGINS AT 11:30 AM! Remember! If Fairfax Co. schools are closed because of inclement weather, Dulles Chapter 1241 Luncheon Meetings are also cancelled. NOTE FROM MARCH 27 TH LUNCHEON 2VP Kathy Loftin is more than willing to talk to prospective members or to talk with you. She says again, Don t hesitate to contact me if I can answer your questions or put you in touch with the right person who can assist. Kathy Loftin, 2 nd VP, re-tired@cox.net, DULLES CHAPTER 1241 LUNCHEON PROGRAM, APRIL 24, 2017 Speakers: Senator Jennifer Wexton (D), VA 33 rd District and Delegate James LeMunyon (R) VA 67 th District Topic: Update on Virginia State Assembly Session & Legislative Issues of Interest 1VP Chuck McAndrew, President Pat Wolfe, Ryan McManus Luncheon Entrée Choices: Pork Chops w/applesauce, rice & vegetable Chicken Mushroom Ravioli w/cream sauce & vegetable Grilled Salmon Hot Open-Faced Sandwich w/lettuce, onion, honey mustard sauce. Served with salad, rolls, coffee/tea and dessert The cost of the luncheon is $18 which includes tax and a small gratuity. Additional tips are welcome but not required. You may also order from the menu but pay the same amount as you enter the restaurant. Joe Irwin & Chuck McAndrew visit Representative Comstock Page 2 of 6

3 11 TH DISTRICT BUZZ Although a few of us were prevented from attending the scheduled March 15th meeting with Congressman Connolly by the frigid weather, snow, and ice, eight NARFE members attending the legislative conference met with Gerry on the Hill. Participants included Jim Little, Area IX VP; Steve Ledford, VFC National Legislative Chair; and Joe Bush, president of the Springfield Chapter. Mary Lou Vroman, President of the Annandale Chapter and former Congressional District Liaison (CDL) to the 11 th District, led the group and reported, Mr. Connolly was generous, as usual, with his time and attention. Two retired postal employees in the delegation initiated a discussion of the Postal Service Reform Act, on which Congressman Connolly and his staff had devoted a great deal of time, working with others on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in a bipartisan fashion. While not all of NARFE s concerns were addressed, Representative Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), who was generously supported by NARFE-PAC in the fall election, noted in a 3/16/17 press release: As the only Member of Congress with first-hand experience in the Postal Service a wide-ranging career spanning over 30 years, I am passionate about the importance of the Postal Service to this country and the support that it requires. I joined the Oversight and Government Reform Committee knowing that the Postal Service falls under its jurisdiction. After several hearings and meetings, I am glad our committee demonstrated a strong commitment to the Postal Service. This bipartisan consensus is a powerful example of how the American people benefit greatly when we work together for a common good. As one of the only government agencies that touches each and every American on a daily basis, today is a day to celebrate the passage of the Postal Service Reform Act through our committee. I believe this legislation will help stabilize the Postal Service and allow it to thrive well into the future. The second major issue discussed was the Medicare Part B increases owing to the Hold Harmless provision. Connolly indicated that improvements in this situation were more likely than some of the items on the NARFE wish list postal-wise. Page 3 of 6 In conclusion, Joe Bush reported, Rep. Connolly clearly understands the issues active and retired employees face. He understands NARFE issues. However, he acknowledges that there are tremendous challenges to our earned benefits as we move further into Lastly I would bring to your attention an opinion piece in the Reston Connection (3/15/17) by Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly entitled Stop Bullying Federal Workers. Judy Thorne, Congressional District Liaison, 11 th District Congressional District Liaison for 10 th District On March 15, Joseph Irwin, our NARFE Chapter Treasurer and I started our day visiting Congressman Connolly s office. The actual time for the official visit was scheduled to be at 4:00 p.m. which conflicted with our time to meet Congresswoman Comstock. We met with James Walkinshaw, Chief of Staff for Congressman Connolly, Andres Bascumbe, Legislative Assistant, and Nick Burroughs, Staff Assistant at 10:00 a.m. I actually got to meet Lauren Covington, Staff Assistant and the Scheduler for Congressman Connolly which was great! Especially so, since I have been dealing with her on the telephone at various times. At 2:00 p.m. we met in Senator Warner s office and were told that he was in an important meeting and that we would meet with his staff along with Senator Kaine. We then met with Senator Kaine and a member of Senator Warner s staff in a room with around 50 NARFE members. At 4:00 p.m. we met with Congresswoman Comstock and her Legislative Assistant Ryan McManus for about 30 minutes. We had six NARFE members in her office. I also got to meet Kasha Nielsen, the Scheduler for Congresswoman Comstock as I have dealt with her before on scheduling of some of their staff members. So it was great to actually meet her! I passed out our NARFE Magazine March 2017 Issue Page 6, article titled, NARFE ADDRESSES MAJOR THREATS LOOMING IN 115 th CONGRESS to all of the above officials. I started my speech by stating that my mission was to ensure that our representatives clearly understand that we want them to protect our Federal retirees from threats to our retirement, health insurance and other retirement benefits. I stated, If they are looking for savings in the Federal budget, don t chip away at

4 our earned benefits! Instead, I suggest that they should pursue an exit strategy for our military in the Middle East as our troops have been fighting over there for 17 years, longer than the Vietnam War. Yes, I realize ISIS poses big problems, but we have already spent approximately $6 trillion in these wars which include the unfunded liability for permanently injured young men that will be on the rolls of Veterans Administration, maybe for life. Our Entitlements make up over 60% of the total Federal budget. My suggestion for resolving the problem of Social Security and Medicare running out of money is simple! Just raise the Social Security age by five years for each category for folks under 40 years of age and remove the income cap and tax the entire income. As for Medicare, again raise the age by five years for folks under 40 years old and vigorously pursue Medicare fraud of which the Association of Government Accountants claim runs around $60 billion each year." These were my personal suggestions and do not reflect NARFE s official positions. I have very good rapport with Gerry Connolly and Barbara Comstock, so if any of you have any suggestions for me, please let me know. My telephone number is My address is: charles.mcandrew@verizon.net. 1VP/10 th District CDL Charles McAndrew LEGISLATIVE REPORT: National Legislation: While the major media headlines feature the Senate sorting out the confirmation of the Supreme Court nominee and the House holding hearings on how much the Russians are trying to affect our democracy, other significant business is being conducted. Congress is working on the Post Office Reform Bill (cosponsored by Congressman Connelly) which among other things requires that Postal annuitants over 65 be required to sign up for Medicare Part B to qualify for continued FEHBP coverage. NARFE is opposed to the bill because this change to the retirement benefits for existing retirees could be a step to change an agreed-tobenefit. It is felt that one step to make a change in the agreed-to benefit structure for existing recipients could be the first before other changes. Other steps could be much easier to make. There are still several hurdles to overcome before this becomes law. The Congress and the President must agree and the commission that governs Medicare must approve. Since the new arrangement would shift much of the actual cost for Page 4 of 6 treatment from the FEHBP to Medicare, thus creating a significant liability for the Medicare Trust Fund, the Medicare Commission may not be willing to sign on for this change. Recently there have been a lot of headlines about a recent bill in Congress to reverse a FCC regulation that prevented internet providers from selling individuals browsing habits to a third party. The regulation as initially issued would have prevented providers such as Verizon and Comcast from the practice, but the regulations specifically exempted Google, Bing and Yahoo, search engines that we use to browse and search the internet. Congressman Jody Hice (R-GA) recently introduced H.R. 1364, the Official Time Reform Act. This bill would impact future retirement pensions of employees spending more than 80% of their time as a union representative. That bill has been approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and sent to the full House. During the mark-up of the bill, the Committee adopted an amendment introduced by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC). The amendment would prohibit federal employees working 80% or more official time from receiving bonuses. The bill would also legally prohibit engaging in any political activity, including lobbying, by a federal employee using official time. The current bill has a clause that makes it effective upon signing by the President. Many current federal workers who spend a significant time as a union official could face the option of retiring immediately, prior to signing or the loss of 50% of their retirement benefits. Since the issue was not identified as a NARFE issue at the last convention, NARFE has no position on the matter. State Legislation: The General Assembly (GA) held its reconvened session on April 5th and there were not enough votes to override the Governor s vetoes. In Virginia the Governor can also suggest changes to bills which are considered by both houses of the GA. It required a majority in each house to approve such changes. Several issues in the budget as well as other bills were changed in this process. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General and all 100 members of the House of Delegates are up for election this fall. There will be primaries where needed to select candidates on June 13. You are probably beginning to get phone calls about your intent to support one or another candidate. The Virginia Federation of NARFE Chapters (VFC) will hold their annual State Legislation meeting in Richmond on May 17th. Chapter and Area officers and/or members are encouraged to send personnel as well as to send ideas on issues for the plan that will be

adopted at the July VFC board meeting. This year the VFC board will also select appropriate recipients for donations from the VFC political account.

5 adopted at the July VFC board meeting. This year the VFC board will also select appropriate recipients for donations from the VFC political account. Chapters and leaders are asked to make recommendations at the May meeting for consideration by the board. Bill Schmidt, Legislative Committee Chair EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ACTIONS: The Committee did not meet in March since most board members were attending the legislative conference. Treasurer reported a bank balance of $11,092 as of March 31, Distributed 267 March 2017 newsletters via e- mail and 475 via regular mail. Thanks to Jerry & Shirley Carpenter and Vicky Duarte for getting newsletters out despite the snow and ice. Extra copies were provided to prospective members. ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER: In an on-going effort to help save money for the chapter, please consider getting your newsletter via e- mail. You will receive it a few days early and you can share it with others who may be interested in joining NARFE. Just contact Newsletter Editor at wolfepatriciam@aol.com. SUNSHINE COMMITTEE REPORT: During the month of March get well cards were sent to: Carol Hartgen, Kathy Arpa, Bob Simons and Albert Loftin (2VP Kathy Loftin s husband); Thinking of You card to Randy Sayles and sympathy card to Evan Summer Family. Call antinori13@gmail.com. NOTES FROM VFC CONVENTION: The VFC held its 63 rd Annual Convention April 2-5, 2017 in Williamsburg, VA and was hosted by Areas I, II, and IV. One hundred seventy-eight (178) attended. Theme of the convention and for the following year is Preserving our Future. Keynote Speaker was U. S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-3 rd District). NARFE President Richard Thissen and Legislative Director provided update on the organization and the legislative challenges. Several attendees expressed concern about new members getting information on chapters. President Thissen indicated they receive info on local chapter in the welcome letter that is sent from National HQ. VFC President has access to the list of 3,800 national members in Virginia and plans to work on sending them one to let them know about chapters. National Legislative Chair Steve Ledford staffed a NARFE-PAC table and collected $2,705. The Silent Auction for NARFE Alzheimer s Research had 28 donations and raised $1,652. Dulles Chapter contributed two baskets thanks to Wilma Grant, Kathy Loftin, and Pat Wolfe. The final 50/50 proceeds were not available. Alzheimer s Chair reported that VA donated $66,000 in CY2016 and thanked all. VFC Officers for were elected: o Leslie Ravenell - President o o Patricia Taylor - 1 st Vice President Dr. Constance Bails 2 nd Vice President (encouraged by Wilma Grant and others) o Raphael Wong Treasurer o Richard Shrum - Secretary The Bylaws Committee is working on rewriting the VFC Bylaws to implement the One Member, One Vote and Optional Chapter Membership national bylaws changes. This will be voted on at the 2018 VFC Convention. Region X Conference will be held October 11-14, 2017 in Martinsburg, WV and hosted by the West Virginia Federation. The VFC Convention Search Committee visited two hotels in Charlottesville, VA and are very interested in one of the sites for There were 18 vendors in the Exhibit Hall and the vendors were pleased with the traffic. The State Legislative Committee Planning meeting will be held May 17 at the Doubletree Hotel, Koger Center in Richmond. Page 5 of 6

National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association Dulles Chapter 1241 P. O. Box 294 Herndon, VA 20172-0294 RETURN SE

6 National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association Dulles Chapter 1241 P. O. Box 294 Herndon, VA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NONPROFIT ORG U. S. POSTAGE PAID HERNDON, VA PERMIT 6397 Page 6 of 6 Time Sensitive Material Please deliver by April 20, 2017 IMPORTANT NUMBERS: Virginia Fédération of Chapters (VFC) Web site -- NARFE National Web site -- Dulles Chapter Web site -- OPM Retirement Information retire@opm.gov, VA Senate XX (District #) ; VA Delegates XX (District #) NARFE Legislative Hotline ; NARFE Membership Services: CLIP THIS SECTION BELOW AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! nd 33rd 37th 32nd CALL OR WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS! Virginia General Assembly Senator Janet D. Howell (D) P.O. Box 2608 Reston, VA (703) ; FAX (703) SenHowell@aol.com Senator Jennifer Wexton (D) 20 West Market Street Leesburg, VA (703) District33@senate.va.gov Senator David W. Marsden (D) P.O. Box Burke, VA District37@senate.virginia.gov Delegate Thomas A. Greason (R) Winmeade Dr., Box 427 Lansdowne, VA DelTGreason@house.virginia.gov th Kathleen J. Murphy (D) P. O. Box 146 McLean, VA th DelKMurphy@house.virginia.gov Delegate Kenneth R. Plum (D) 2073 Cobblestone LN Reston, VA (703) ; FAX (703) DelKPlum@house.virginia.gov 37 th Delegate David L. Bulova (D) PO Box 106, Fairfax Station Fairfax, VA (703) DelDBulova@house.virginia.gov 67th 86th Delegate James M. LeMunyon (R) P.O. Box Chantilly, VA Ofc: DelJLeMunyon@house.virginia.gov Delegate Jennifer Boysko (D) P.O. Box 347 Herndon, VA (703) (804) DelJBoysko@house.virginia.gov U. S. Congress US Senate, Washington, DC VA Senator Mark Warner (D) 475 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC VA (202) ; FAX (202) Senator Timothy Kaine (D) B40C Dirksen Senate Office Bldg. Washington, DC (202) US House of Representatives, Washington DC th 11th Representative Barbara Comstock (R) 226 Cannon House Ofc Bldg. Washington, DC (202) Representative Gerry E. Connolly (D) 4115 Annandale Rd., #103 Annandale, VA (703) ; FAX (703) (202) ; FAX (202)

NARFE National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association

. NARFE National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association Dulles Chapter 1241 Serving Current, Former & Retired Federal Employees, Spouses and Survivor Annuitants in the Dulles Area of Northern Virginia.