NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES IOWA FEDERATION OF CHAPTERS #15 January, 2018 Newsletter A NOTE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT JEANNE EBLE As I write this, I am watching 2017 disappear under the snowflakes! Happy 2018 to everyone! The Iowa NARFE Federation had a busy year in 2017 with many changes in line for the new year. Congratulations to Dorman Otte, Des Moines, and Bruce Coleman, Waverly, for being selected to serve on NARFE National Committees. It is an honor to have these two members selected as there were many nominees from around the country. Membership and people willing to take leadership roles continue to be issues for Iowa NARFE. We closed both the Spencer and Carroll chapters this past year and there are rumblings of other chapters wanting to close. This is such a shame. I encourage you all to consider a leadership position. These can be very fulfilling and most require little time. On to the good news! The Iowa entity chapter is up and running! Chapter 436 was chartered to serve as this new concept in chapters. Members enjoy the same rights and privileges of NARFE membership with officers who maintain the chapter on a dayto-day basis. Chapter 436 provides Iowans access to chapter membership when the home chapter closed or they do not have convenient access to a traditional chapter. Chapter 436 provides a stable membership with set dues and officers. The Federation s outgoing President serves as Chapter President. Please contact Bruce Coleman at 319-290-4910 or bactccoleman@msn.com for further information. The annual Federation Convention is now the Federation Conference. This change is due to the new National bylaws. As a requirement of the new one member, one vote, the Federation is tasked with allowing all members access to any votes which might take place. The slate of nominees and ballots will be posted on the Iowa Federation Website www.narfe.org/ia prior to February 22. The ballots need to be returned to the Ballot Committee by April 15. Chapter Presidents need to ensure their members are aware of where to obtain the conference and voting information. Thank you for your service to NARFE and our great country!! FEDERATION SECRETARY ELAINE MARTENS When Chapters update their Constitution or Bylaws, please send me a copy for the Federation files.
2018 IOWA FEDERATION CONFERENCE TOM HOMAN The 64 th Iowa Federation Conference is May 24-25, 2018, at the Meskwaki Bingo and Casino Convention Center. The Conference has been switched from 3 days to 2 days. The Conference will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 24 and adjourn approximately at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 25. Attached to this newsletter are registration forms, hotel information and a tentative schedule. This information will also available on the Iowa NARFE website: www.narfe.org/ia. District III (Chapter 170, North Central Iowa; Chapter 207, Cedar Valley; and Chapter 875, Northwest Iowa) is hosting the Conference. LEGISLATIVE CHAIR DORMAN OTTE Thanks to you, the Iowa NARFE membership, for your legislative advocacy in 2017! Members sent numerous messages directly or thru the NARFE Legislative Action Center (LAC) to the congressional delegation to protect present and future benefits. For example, between 5/19 and 9/19 there were 3433 letters sent through the LAC. Also many of you visited your congressman or senators at various town meetings. NARFE members, along with similar federal family organizations, have thwarted the following proposed threats to our benefits in the proposed 2018 budget. Note: as of this writing the 2018 budget has not been passed and there are risks that some of the following may still be included. Eliminating COLAs for federal retirees covered by FERS. Reducing COLAs by 0.5 percent each year from what they would be otherwise for federal retirees covered by CSRS. Eliminating the FERS Annuity Supplement for new retirees. Increasing federal employee contributions to retirement by 1 percent of pay each year for the next six years, without benefit increase. Basing retirement benefits for new retirees on the high five years of salary instead of the high three years. Limiting the rate of return on the Thrift Savings Plan s (TSP) G fund. Limiting the government FEHB insurance premiums for retirees to inflation. NONE OF THESE PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN PASSED INTO LAW --- YET! So the continued watch and your advocacy with the congressional delegation are very important! 2019 PROSPOSED FEDERAL BUDGET The President has already signaled that there will be a pay freeze for federal employees in his proposed budget. In addition, those options outlined above may well be on the table again with the President and some members of Congress wanting to reduce our benefits. Members of the federal family need to continue advocating for the protection of earned benefits! STATE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSED INCOME TAX REFORM The Iowa Federation of Chapters state legislative initiatives include 1) Raising the state income tax deduction from $6,000 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,000 to $24,000 jointly filed as married; 2) eliminate state income tax on defined private and public pension plans 3) freeze property taxes above $200,000 for seniors. For this 2018 legislative session we are focusing on items 1 & 2. These initiatives 2
are not just for federal employees BUT FOR ALL IOWA SENIORS. The Governor and both houses are controlled by the Republicans. Their priority agenda includes state tax reform for businesses and individuals. The Democrat s likewise have their own reforms but must work with the majority party to have a chance. The Republicans proposed reform is developing because they are struggling with adequate tax revenue issues for the 2019 budget. State revenues are projected to be least flat versus increased cost of services rising and how to pay for them. State Senator Brad Zaun (R) of Urbandale has before the Senate Ways & Means Committee SF 34, An Act providing an exemption from computation of the individual income tax of certain amounts of retirement income and including retroactive applicability provisions. This bill includes items #1 & #2 of our initiatives. In visiting with Senator Zaun, it is his goal to include this in the proposed tax reform bill. NARFE has been fighting for this legislation for a number of years. Here is where your help is needed. Visit with your state representative and senator about the above legislation. Many of you know them personally. Fight for inclusion in the tax reform bill as it is being developed; educate you friends for them to lobby also. NARFE ON THE HILL 2018 This will be our third year for this NARFE member legislative activity at the Capitol. It gives you opportunity to visit face-to-face with your state representative & senator particularly on the issue we discussed above. Bring a car load from your chapter. The time and date will be published later as we see progress of legislation. Thanks for your effort --- local people do make a difference by personal contact! PAC CHAIR HARRY HEALEY We currently stand at 27 NARFE PAC Sustainers from Iowa. How about we see if we can push that to over 30? You have probably broken all your New Year's resolutions by now (like people our age make New Year's resolutions!) So how about making a New Year's resolution that is actually easy to keep, i.e. no dieting. Sit down right now and write out a check for NARFE PAC. Cut the NARFE PAC ad out of your most recent NARFE magazine and send that check in. Or better yet become a NARFE sustainer. We have been dodging bullets since last May when the Trump Administration came out with its' budget proposals. We dodge those bullets because of the effort of Jessica Klement and the Legislative team at NARFE headquarters. And the fuel that gives them the clout to be successful is NARFE PAC. Less than 20% of our members contribute to PAC. Isn't it time you joined the fight to save your earned benefits. I know you care. Quit acting like you don't. DATES TO REMEMBER January 31: Emmett due Per Capita to Treasurer February 22: Check the Iowa Website of slate of nominees April 15: Final day to return Ballots May 1: Registration for the 2018 Federation Convention due to Lyle Mackey May 16: Deadline for reserving rooms at Meskwaki Convention Center for Conference. May 24-25: Iowa Federation Conference at the Meskwaki Bingo and Casino Convention Center in Tama 3
2018 Lodging Information for Iowa NARFE Conference Meskwaki Hotel 1504 305 th Street, Tama, Iowa 52339 Group Sales Division 1-800-728-4263 Meskwaki Hotel is pleased to provide the lodging for your NARFE Conference May 24-25, 2018. The Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel is the largest full service casino in the Midwest. The establishment is known for offering deluxe hotel accommodations, luxurious spa and salon treatments, multiple dining options and a variety of gaming. With over 400 lush hotel rooms, indoor swimming pool, relaxing whirlpool and ultra-modern exercise room you can forget you are in a casino. There is also an RV Park with 50 electrical sites, paved pull-through level sites, sanitary dump station, restrooms with showers, and laundry facility. Multiple breakfast options are available at the casino. The conference will have coffee and limited pastries available. Limited electric scooters are available at a cost of $15 for 4 hours or $30 for 24 hours. Please inquire when making your hotel reservations. FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL l-800-728-4263 and ask for the NARFE Conference group reservations There is no guarantee on room types but we requested King and Double The cost of the room per night is $69 plus 7% Tribal Tax. These rates are applicable for nights of May 23 and 24 th, 2018. Those of you traveling greater distances may elect to arrive the evening before the conference begins. DEADLINE FOR RESERVING HOTEL ROOMS MAY 16, 2018 4
2018 REGISTRATION FORM 64 TH ANNUAL NARFE CONFERENCE IOWA FEDERATION OF CHAPTERS May 24-25, 2018 Meskwaki Motel and Convention Center, Tama, Iowa Complete one form for each person attending Mail to: Lyle Mackey 1697 10 th St. S.W. Mason City, Iowa 50401 Circle One: Member Guest Name: (Badge Name): Address: City: State Zip Telephone: E-Mail: Chapter Number and Name Fees: Amount Paid Registration (After May 8 - $25) $20 $ Lunch, May 24 th, Deli $16 $ President s Reception/Banquet $20 $ Lunch, May 25 Potato Bar/Salad Bar $14 $ Total $70 $ Circle Entrée for Banquet; Three Meat Lasagna, Pasta Primavera(Vegetarian), Grilled Chicken Breast Supreme, Indicate special dietary needs here: Make Check Payable to: NARFE Registration Deadline: May 1, 2018, No refunds after May 2, 2018 5
2 DAY TENTATIVE 2018 NARFE IOWA FEDERATION CONFERENCE AGENDA May 24 25, 2018 Day 1 10:00 10:10 Welcome Federation President 10:10 11:30 SKYPE Legislative Issues Noon-1:00 Lunch Noon 1:00 1:30 Formal Opening 1:30 Federation Officer Reports 2:00 Committee Chair Reports 3:00 Regional VP, Region V Events 3:30 Memorial Service 4:30 Break for Room Check in 5:30 President s Reception Social Time Cash Bar 6:00 Meal 7:00 Entertainment 7:45 Door Prizes Day 2 8:30 Business Meeting Reconvenes Committee and Vendor Reports Legislative Comments / District Breakout Noon-1:00 Lunch 1:00 Business Meeting Reconvenes 1:00 Remarks by Region V VP, Carol Ek Recognition of Past Presidents Final Comments 3:00 Adjournment 6
2018-2019 COMMITTEES STANDING COMMITTEES ALZHEIMER S Sherry Gray, Co-Chair Ann Vanora, Co-Chair 717 Dorchester Place NE 6590 NE 8 th Court Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-7357 Des Moines, IA 50313 sherryg19@aol.com annvanora@q.com FEDERAL/STATE LEGISLATION Dorman Otte 931 30 th St West Des Moines, IA 50265-3222 dormanotte@msn.com CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT LIAISONS District 1 (Representative Blum) Harry Healey... irish13155@yahoo.com District 2 (Representative Loebsack) Jim Stolley... jmstolley@aol.com District 3 (Representative Young) Dorman Otte... domanotte@msn.com District 4 (Representative King) Alan Steckman... asteckman@yahoo.com ELECTED COMMITTEE NOMINATING Mary Straussburger (1 Yr.) Gene Baker (2 Yr.) Harry Healey (3 Yr.) 3318 W Denison 1026 N 3 rd St 1219 42 nd St NE Davenport, IA 52804 Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 brn2shp@q.com evbaker@frontiernet.net irish13155@yahoo.com APPOINTED COMMITTEES AUDIT Jim Gearhart, Chair Dan England Larry Moore 5625 Woodlawn Ave. 10224 NW 107 th Pl 10339 Hwy F-24 West Des Moines, IA 50266 Granger, IA 50109-9784 Mingo, IA 50168 narfe148dm@dwx.com larrymingo@aol.com BALLOT AND TELLER Gene Baker, Chair Don Schluter Joe Dygas 1026 N. 3 rd St. 2940 Stone Creek Rd 802 NE Hayes Dr Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Marion, IA 52302 Ankeny, IA 50121 evbaker@frontiernet.net dschluter@aol.com jdygas43@gmail.com 7
BUDGET AND FINANCE Madonna Nisson, Chair Elaine Martens Janet Ramsted 2306 Chestnut St 60211 570 th Street 3099 28 th Ave Atlantic, IA 50022 Atlantic, IA 50022 Marion, IA 52302 mlnisson@mchsi.com emartens59@gmail.com kensdoll44@yahoo.com Emmett Stevermer, Ex Officio 2607 Tyler Ave Ames, IA 50010 emmettjs1@msn.com BY-LAWS Jeanne Eble (1 Yr.) Mary Stolley (2 Yr.) Madonna Nisson (3 Yr.) 22 Timberline Drive 2867 Cedar St 2306 Chestnut St Blue Grass, IA 52726 Davenport, IA 52804 Atlantic, IA 50022 eblejm@hotmail.com jmstolley@aol.com mlnisson@mchsi.com MEMBERSHIP Joe Dygas, Chair Gene Baker Mary Strassburger 802 NE Hayes Drive 1026 N. 3 rd St. 3318 W Denison Ankeny, IA 50021 Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Davenport, IA 52804 jdygas43@gmail.com evbaker@frontiernet.net brn2shp@q.com Bruce Coleman 301 Emery Drive Waverly, IA 50677 bactjccoleman@msn.com PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINARS Jim Gearhart, Chair Joe Dygas Larry Moore 5625 Woodlawn Ave. 802 NE Hayes DR 10339 Hwy F-24 West West Des Moines, IA 50266 Ankeny, IA 50121 Mingo, IA 50168 narfe148dm@dwx.com jdygas43@gmail.com larrymingo@aol.com Dorman Otte 931 30 th St West Des Moines, IA 50265-3222 dormanotte@msn.com RESOLUTIONS Bruce Coleman, Chair Dee Coonradt Margaret Beaver 301 Emery Drive 2311 W Bremer Ave 1809 Delores Waverly, IA 50677 Waverly, IA 50677 Knoxville, IA 50138 bactjccoleman@msn.com deeco7@outlook.com ronmaggiebeaver@iowatelecom.net 8
FEEA COORDINATOR Trudy Coleman 301 Emery Drive Waverly, IA 50677 trudycoleman730@msn.com RULES Larry Moore, Chair Jane Ann Berry Margaret Beaver 10339 Hwy F-24 West PO Box 46 1809 Delores Mingo, IA 50168 Monroe, IA 50170 Knoxville, IA 50138 larrymingo@aol.com jancorky@windstream.net ronmaggiebeaver@iowatelecom.net APPOINTED POSITIONS NARFE-NET COORDINATOR HISTORIAN FEDERATION WEB MASTER Jeanne Eble Richard Lensch 22 Timberline Dr. 1411 E 19 th St Blue Grass, IA 52726 Atlantic, IA 50022 eblejm@hotmail.com richard.lensch@gmail.com NARFE PAC Harry Healey 1219 42 nd St NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 irish13155@yahoo.com OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY LEGISLATION, TRAINING AND SERVICE OFFICER Dorman Otte Bruce Coleman 931 30 th St 301 Emery Drive West Des Moines, IA 50265-3222 Waverly, IA 50677 dormanotte@msn.com bactjccoleman@msn.com MEMBERSHIP, NARFE-PAC AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Joe Dygas, 2 nd Vice President 802 NE Hayes DR. Ankeny, IA 50021 jdygas43@gmail.com 9