I recently sat in on the NASCOE SW Area State President’s teleconference, with Kevin Dale. Following is a report of that call.
Farm Bill – Currently – Department of Ag is in a tough environment. Long term outlook is not bright with the proposed budget situation. State SED’s have been working on plans to deal with the projected cuts. The Administrator has encouraged SED’s to consult with State Associations with the plan development. NASCOE encourages states to have some involvement. Kevin urged Presidents to make contact with the SED if they haven’t contacted you.
Legislative update: CAPWIZ put out an alert recently regarding the Administration’s efforts to set reduction numbers for the 2012 FY prior to even receiving the budget allocation. Many felt that setting these ceilings was premature and might hurt us in the future. NASCOE is urging caution to ensure that we’re not cutting prematurely at the expense of our employees.
An alert last week posted by NARFE concerned proposed changes to the COLA process. They determined a huge effect on retirees and future retirements. A potential reduction of over $200 a month in certain situations was mentioned. The big $ impact was the potential increase on taxes on withheld health benefits. All were encouraged to check into this and contact their representatives. The NARFE site can be used just as the CAPWIZ site.
They discussed the Big Three Hot Issues - 2012 Farm Bill – Budget Talks – Debt Ceiling negotiations
Debt Ceiling: Talks are leaning toward a larger package with great effect on Agriculture and our employees. The August 2nd deadline in coming fast. Agriculture subsidies and Employee benefits are laying on the butcher block.
Vilsack was out meeting with commodity groups and has discussed potential extensions of portions of the current farm bill. The Secretary apparently voiced concerns regarding the considerations of extensions. There is some thoughts that if considering an extension that they should be for longer periods to help reduce the insecurity and to add stability and also this would help in the long-term budgeting process.
NASCOE is monitoring all these aspects and wants the membership to know that this is just a start and that this is going to be a long tough process.
Question was raised regarding a Legislative Conference this fall? Much depends on the process of the Farm Bill. With all the issue’s on the Hill, NASCOE assures its membership that they are working to insure that the membership is represented and that the legislators are informed of the impacts that their actions will have on American Agriculture and our employees!
Kevin pointed out that we all must stay engaged!
They allowed the two candidates for Vice President to each speak for a few minutes, Mark Van Hoose from OH and Cindy Hall from NE. Each provided a little background info and covered their thoughts on a couple of issues. Both reviewed their past involvement with NASCOE and their qualifications regarding their candidacy.
They provided a couple of updates on the convention. There’s 42 completed Non -Texas registration attendees and 110 registrations from Texas. The National Convention is August 8-13, in Corpus Christi, TX. Janae Rader and I will be attending representing CASCOE.
CASCOE Convention: I want to remind every one of the upcoming State Convention on October 14-16th in Rocky Ford. Registration forms and flyers should be available on the CASCOE website as well as in mailings to COF’s.
Budget Cut’s! Drought, Fires, Too much rain!
Take your pick! For either farmers or COF employees that last year has been quite a ride. This may be the beginning of one of the most important times for CASCOE. With the changes in federal programs and federal employment, your involvement in this process is becoming more important than ever! I hope that all of our employees will take the opportunity to tell their CASCOE representatives what on their mind, provide guidance and suggestions.
Chuck Hanagan, V.P.
I think it is important to remember what CASCOE is about. Taken directly from the by-laws: “To strive to maintain and improve the confidence, esteem, and respect of the public for Farm Service Agency county office employees, and to promote the welfare of the employees.” Now; when things are changing so fast it is even more important to remember how important employee associations can be. Now; in the midst of budget turmoil, it is even more important that our voices be heard. Now; is the time to step up and participate. No matter how small or insignificant you think your statement may be, it is important, it could make a difference. Those individuals in Management, Top Management will never understand what is important and what is needed unless they hear from the employees. CASCOE through NASCOE is the perfect way to make a difference. Don’t get frustrated when changes don’t happen right now, some things take time. Change will happen, let us all work together to make being a FSA employee something to be proud of.
