Executive Report

MIDWEST AREA EXECUTIVE REPORT

September 2008

Where the heck did summer go?  For some reason I think I missed it because I didn’t do half the things that were on my list  Maybe, I better make a shorter list for next year.

The NASCOE Convention kicked off the NASCOE year and I think it was a very successful convention.  The management group from Washington DC was there and met with each area during their area meetings as well as addressed the general session.  Their willingness to discuss issues openly was greatly appreciated.   Nebraska did an excellent job as host.  I am also proud to say the Midwest won the Hee Haw Skit contest.  The cast from IL, MN, IN, and WI delivered their lines with precision never witnessed before and had the audience and themselves rolling. Iowa also had a skit of their own and did great as well. I encourage everyone to try to get to Gatlinburg for NASCOE’s 50^th anniversary.

There were not any contested elections or real controversial issues prior to the convention but the NASCOE budget and membership dues became the main topic.   A review of the financial state of NASCOE was shared with the members in attendance.  The fact that we have lost over 1000 members in the last four years and experienced significant cost increases has lead to the current situation. NASCOE has not raised its dues in 10 years and if we continue to spend at our current rate we could be broke in three years.   The NASCOE Committees reviewed their expenses and submitted items that could help reduce costs and the Exec Committee will be acting on those recommendations.  The members in attendance were also asked to tell the Executive Committee what things were important to them and should be priorities when looking at cost cutting items. The membership indicated that legislative activities and member benefits should be our priorities and that we should not make significant cuts in those areas. After significant discussion in the area meetings, the delegation voted to increase annual membership dues $15 and associate dues $5 beginning July 1, 2009.  Each state association will have to determine how this will be passed on to their individual members. Annual membership dues will be $55 per person and associate dues will now be $30 beginning July 1, 2009.

The dues increase won’t happen until next July but there will be plenty of things going on during the next year. A field review of the PT positions will take place during the next few months which could lead to potential upgrades for some PTs.  We will need to deal with potential USDA reorganization after the first of the year. 

Some other good news is that there is legislation that has been passed by the House that will give FERS retirees credit for their unused sick leave. The Senate will consider the bill when they return from break. There is also legislation that will increase the age for dependents covered by FEHB from 22 to 25. I would anticipate some Cap Wiz alerts on this legislation as well as Reorganization issues. I also feel there will be a full legislative conference this spring because of these issues and the potential changes in the administration.

We will also be looking for negotiation items this fall. With the implementation of the new farm bill, changes in the performance management system, and other issues there should be a lot of items to consider.

I was very honored to be reelected as your Area Executive for another year.  I look forward to the upcoming year and the challenges NASCOE will be facing.  If you have any concerns please contact me and I will do my best to see that they are addressed.  With the support and input from the membership, I feel the NASCOE leadership will have another successful year. 

Take care,

Jon Williams

MWA Executive