February 2020 NARFE Magazine

COVER STORY

CIVIL DISCOURSE

Volume 96 • Number 2

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HELPING HANDS: LEARN ABOUT SUPPORT GROUPS

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WASHINGTON WATCH

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NDAA Includes Big Wins for Feds

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Federal Employees Receive Pay Raise

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Are You Ready for the 2020 Election?

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House Elects First Woman to Lead Oversight Committee

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No New Locality Pay Areas in 2021

10 OPM Inspector General Highlights Major Challenges, Including Reorg Proposal

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COVER STORY

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CIVIL DISCOURSE Cut through the chatter to take an objective look at the state of civil discourse in this country as well as how organizations and individuals can foster respectful dialogue.

COLUMNS

Bill Tracker

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From the President

40

Managing Money

DEPARTMENTS

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HELPING HANDS Support groups may be just what you need when you or a loved one is diagnosed with a serious medical ailment.

Questions & Answers

22 Benefits Briefs 42 For the Record 44 NARFE News

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46 Member Perks

On the Web VISIT US ONLINE AT:

COVER STORY

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Volume 96 • Number 2

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FEBRUARY 2020 | Volume 96 | Number 2

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Helen Mosher SENIOR EDITOR Mabel Yu COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Precious Dorch-Robinson GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHEK Beth Bedard EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth J. Thomas, Kathryn E. Hensley, Barbara Sido CONTACT US NARFE Magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Editorial: communications@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Anita Nelson advertising@narfe.org

NARFE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED ON THE TELEPHONE: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFB-NEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org.

ON DIGITAL AUDIO: Issues of NARFE Magazine are also available in audio format through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

For availability, call 202-727-2142 or your local NLS service provider.

The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax-exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

NATIONAL OFFICERS KENNETH J. THOMAS President; natpres@narfe.org KATHRYN E. HENSLEY Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BARBARA SIDO, execdir@narfe.org

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

REGION I James C. Risner (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) TEL: 207-540-6233 EMAIL: rvp1@narfe.org REGION II Kathy Adams (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) TEL: 302-697-6650. CELL: 302-561-5660 EMAIL: adamskhawaii@aol.com REGION III Clarence Robinson (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands) CELL: 404-312-8028 EMAIL: crobin8145@att.net

REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) TEL: 903-660-2784 EMAIL: pappysdad@cobridge.tv REGION VII Rodney L. Adelman (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) TEL: 623-505-4719 EMAIL: narfe7vp@cox.net REGION VIII Helen L. Zajac (California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines) TEL: 707-644-7565 EMAIL: hlzajac125@gmail.com

REGION IV Robert L. Helfrich (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) TEL: 317-501-1700 EMAIL: rvp4@narfe.org

REGION IX Richard Wilson (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) TEL: 253-210-5609, CELL: 425-736-6899 EMAIL: narfe1404@comcast.net

REGION V Cindy Reneé Blythe (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) TEL: 785-256-1450 EMAIL: mrsdocbusyb@yahoo.com

REGION X William Shackelford (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) TEL: 703-830-6590, CELL: 703-201-6304 EMAIL: rvp10@narfe.org

HERE’S HOW TO CONTACT US… TO JOIN NARFE, RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR FIND A LOCAL CHAPTER:

CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 OR GO TO www.narfe.org TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL LISTING:

CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 EMAIL memberrecords@narfe.org OR GO TO www.narfe.org, log in and click on “My Account”

TO REACH A FEDERAL BENEFITS SPECIALIST:

EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org NARFE HEADQUARTERS

606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-7760 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET

NARFE.org

narfe (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Nonmember subscription rate $40. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To ensure prompt delivery, members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2019, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE Magazine, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

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From the President

CAN THE COLA BE FIXED?

I

s the government using the wrong measuring tool to track inflation? You and I know that cost-of-living adjustments

(COLAs) for retirees are always off target, and retirees collectively lose more because they fall further behind inflation with every COLA. Can this be fixed?

Most current federal retirees left the government while under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), which provides a pension based on salary and length of service.

When Congress created CSRS, it provided inflation protection—a COLA each January to keep pace with inflation. And it does, up to a point. But the COLA consistently underestimates how seniors spend their money.

Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses the CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers), which measures the changes in the cost of various products, goods and services used by workingage people, to calculate the COLA. But seniors usually spend less on goods and services used by working-age people and a lot more on healthcare-related items, which are measured more

NARFE’s Mission Statement To support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests.

accurately by the CPI-E (Consumer Price Index for the Elderly). What’s the difference? On average, the CPI-E is nearly 0.3 percent more than the CPI-W. The fix is simple. Congress has before it a bill, H.R. 1553, the Fair COLA for Seniors Act. If enacted, future COLAs would be based on the CPI-E rather the CPI-W. The reality is that most seniors face cost increases each year beyond what’s reflected in the current COLA, because they spend a disproportionate amount of their income on health care costs, which rise faster than general inflation. Health care and prescription drug costs especially affect seniors’ living expenses, and in the past 12 consecutive years, retail drug prices have exceeded the inflation rate. In 2017, drug prices rose twice as fast as inflation.

The 2020 COLA of 1.6 percent will do little to help the millions of federal retirees who spent their working years serving the public. These retirees also face a 5.6 percent average increase to their health care insurance premiums in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. And the monthly cost of Medicare Part B increased by nearly $10.

The CPI-E factors in medical care, services, commodities and health insurance, and is a more accurate representation for some than the CPIW, which does not account for items that make up a larger portion of retirees’ expenses, such as prescription medications, health care costs and housing. H.R.1553 is the fix. Contact your Representative today and urge his/her support.

To promote the general welfare of federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants, to advise and assist them with respect to their rights under retirement, health and other employee and retiree benefits laws and regulations, and to represent their interests before appropriate authorities.

To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of these general objectives.

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KENNETH J. THOMAS NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org

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Washington Watch

NDAA INCLUDES BIG WINS FOR FEDS

A

fter months of negotiation and hard work, NARFE, and the federal community overall, scored some big wins in the fiscal year 2020 National Defense

Authorization Act (NDAA). Specifically, the NDAA contained three provisions advanced by NARFE: providing federal workers with 12 weeks of paid parental leave; blocking the administration’s proposed reorganization of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and studying alternatives to improve OPM operations; and extending federal agencies’ authority to rehire federal annuitants. The president signed the bill in mid-December.

Over a decade in the making, a huge win in the NDAA is the implementation of paid parental leave for federal employees.

Under the provision, federal employees with children born, adopted or fostered on or after October 1, 2020, will be eligible for 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Common in the private sector, adoption of this policy is a historic victory for the federal community and allows the federal government to better compete for top talent.

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separate from the unpaid leave that federal employees are eligible for under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Paid parental leave will not accumulate, and eligible employees must agree to work for their agency for at least 12 ACTION ALERT!

weeks after the leave has ended, or they must repay the leave. The provision also stipulates that employees complete at least one year of federal service before becoming eligible.

The NDAA also included a provision that blocks reorganization of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Language in the bill requires a study by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) to address the responsibilities and challenges facing OPM and offer steps to address them. No reorganization can take place until at least 180 days after the completion of the report. This language was included as a direct response to the administration’s proposed merger of OPM with the General Services Administration,

FEBRUARY

Contact your Representative in support of the Fair COLA for Seniors Act, H.R. 1553, which would use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to measure COLAs for federal pensions.

The CPI-E better accounts for the inflation of goods and services, like health care, seniors most often purchase. Make your message personal at www.narfe.org/legislation.

which NARFE opposes. NARFE worked closely with NAPA, other stakeholders and congressional leaders to craft the language in a way that appealed to both sides of the aisle, while also laying down a marker on any reorganization plans the administration may want to implement. NARFE’s reputation of being a bipartisan problem-solver was clearly on display throughout these negotiations.

Additionally, the NDAA reauthorizes federal agencies’ ability to rehire federal annuitants without offset to their annuities. A rehired annuitant can continue to receive his or her full annuity and salary. This benefits both the agency and the retiree, and it helps with training the next generation of federal managers— especially in the face of severe recruitment challenges. The

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RECEIVE PAY RAISE

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fter a long wait, Congress passed and the president signed legislation to provide federal employees with an average 3.1 percent pay raise in 2020. The House and Senate came together after much negotiation and put forward, in a larger spending package, a 2.6 percent across-the-board pay raise and a 0.5 percent average increase in locality pay. NARFE worked tirelessly to ensure that this raise was included in the package. Federal employees should have noticed the increase in their first full paycheck in January.

The House originally passed an average 3.1 percent raise in its FY20 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, but the Senate version of the bill did not address it, effectively deferring the decision to the president.

Absent congressional action, the president has the authority to set a federal employee pay raise.

While it originally supported a pay freeze, the administration, in August, offered an alternative pay plan that included a 2.6 percent across-the-board pay raise with no increase in locality pay. NARFE commended the president at the time for offering the raise but overall supported a 3.1 percent increase to stay on track with the increases seen in the private sector.

The 3.1 percent average raise matches the military pay raise for 2020. It’s also a significant increase from the 1.9 percent average raise that federal employees received in 2019.

NARFE thanks all of those who contacted their legislators in support of a federal employee pay raise.

authority was set to expire at the end of 2019.

NARFE relentlessly worked to ensure that these provisions were included in the NDAA, and we thank the members who contacted their lawmakers throughout the year. NARFE commends the legislators who came together to enable the federal government to better serve the country.

— BY ROSS APTER, POLITICAL ASSOCIATE

MYTH vs.

REALITY Myth: The federal government must pay federal employees in abidance with local minimum wage laws.

Reality: Based on guidance from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), local minimum wage laws do not apply to federal employees.

Civilian federal employees are covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which sets the current federal minimum wage at $7.25.

OPM states that federal law supersedes conflicting state law based on the supremacy clause of the constitution.

— BY ROSS APTER, POLITICAL ASSOCIATE W W W. N A R F E . O R G

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Washington Watch

ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2020 ELECTION?

E

lection 2020 campaigning is charging full speed ahead, and states like Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina are setting the stage with early primaries and caucus schedules. NARFE members, like many nonprofit organizations, can engage in election year nonpartisan getout-the-vote (GOTV) activities.

NARFE’s goal is to encourage members, employees, families and community members to participate in the political process, and to give them direct access to the essential information they need to be prepared and stay informed.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that there were an estimated 245.5 million Americans of the voting age population (VAP) in 2016. About 157.6 million stated that they were registered to vote, and just over 137.5 million of the VAP told the census they voted. The Bureau’s 2018 midterm election report showed a 53.4 percent national turnout rate—an 11.5 percentage point increase over turnout in the 2014 midterm elections. Results of these studies clearly demonstrate an increase in voter participation and, at the same time, show high numbers of eligible voters choosing to sit on the sidelines on Election Day. Additionally, a 2018 Pew study stated that the 55.7 percent VAP turnout in 2016 puts the United States behind most of its peers in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), placing it 26th among 32 OECD member countries studied (VAP estimates weren’t

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available for three OECD countries at the time of the study).

There are variables that impact voter behavior; however, the challenges that influence GOTV efforts stem from the significant differences in electoral administration by state. Each state has the power to regulate its electoral process; therefore, no state, or even election administration within states, administers elections in exactly the same way.

Some states enforce mandatory identification rules, which can impact underprivileged and minority voters who lack access to the forms of identification required. While some states require a government-issued photo identification card, others don’t require any proof of identification unless the person is a first-time voter.

In California, a utility bill is among the list of items a person can use to prove their identity.

Some states have registration cut-off dates, while others offer same-day registration, which allows citizens to register and vote on Election Day. Indiana and Maryland strip voting rights from people convicted of a felony while they’re serving out their terms, while in Maine and Vermont, convicted felons are granted the right to vote.

A GOTV effort helps alleviate some of these challenges by pulling together state-specific requirements and other essential electoral information in one place. It gives voters direct access to all the information they need, so they

are prepared to cast their votes on Election Day. NARFE’s GOTV Resource Center gives members access to jurisdictional voting requirements, state-by-state primary and caucus schedules, candidate profiles, campaign finance information, and realtime campaign activities and updates. Our goal is to help the NARFE community stay informed throughout the 2020 election year. Visit NARFE’s GOTV Resource Center at www.narfe.org/GOTV2020 to get ready to cast your vote on November 3.

— BY MARSHA PADILLA-GOAD, GRASSROOTS PROGRAM MANAGER

NARFE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY Learn more about how you can take action to protect your earned pay and benefits by reviewing NARFE Grassroots materials at www.bitly.com/ NARFE-grassroots.

HOUSE ELECTS FIRST WOMAN TO LEAD OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

I

n November, the House of Representatives elected Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, to chair the Committee on Oversight and Reform. Maloney is the first woman to lead the powerful committee. She began her chairmanship in the wake of the passing of former Chairman Elijah Cummings, D-MD, in October. The House of Representatives’ Democratic caucus elected Maloney in a secret ballot vote, where she faced competition from Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations. However, Maloney

received a decisive 133 votes, while Connolly received 86.

The most senior member of the committee, having served on it for nearly 30 years, Maloney began her tenure in 1993, the year she was elected to Congress. Maloney said in a statement that she was honored by the opportunity to serve as committee chair, adding “there’s much work to be done, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The 116th Congress has proved eventful for the eminent committee, which has been involved in several high-profile political inquiries

and major legislative efforts.

The Committee on Oversight and Reform has jurisdiction over many of NARFE’s most important legislative priorities, including Postal Service reform, more accurate costof-living adjustments (COLAs) for seniors, and nearly all benefits issues affecting the federal community. NARFE looks forward to working with Chairwoman Maloney to protect and further enhance the earned pay and benefits of the federal community.

— BY SETH ICKES, GRASSROOTS ASSISTANT

NO NEW LOCALITY PAY AREAS IN 2021, SAYS FEDERAL SALARY COUNCIL

T

he Federal Salary Council (FSC) announced no new locality salary adjustments for federal workers in 2021, as reported by Government Executive. Recent results of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) annual study of federal and private-sector workers’ salaries found federal workers now earn 26.71 percent less than workers in the private sector, compared to 31.86 percent less in April 2018.

This five percentage point decrease resulted in no new regions meeting the FSC’s criteria for the creation of new locality pay areas.

To be authorized as a locality pay area, a region must have a minimum of 2,500 federal workers and a 10 percent disparity in salaries within the local market. Although many regions like Nashville and Central Florida didn’t meet FSC’s requirements, they appealed to the council to be reconsidered.

While the council did not take action on most of these petitions, they did recommend unanimously that Pennsylvania’s Wayne County join an already established locality pay area spanning four eastern states.

Critics of the council’s criteria argue there is no correlation between the number of General Schedule (GS) employees and the definition of a local labor market, and that basing locality pay areas on a minimum number of federal workers is outdated, disadvantageous to many regions and should be revisited. In response, the council agreed to develop a working group, with the help of BLS and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to identify any logistical hurdles that would hamper the plan to revisit and possibly revise pay locality methodology.

OPM added six new pay localities in 2019, and while the

council made recommendations for 2020 locality pay areas, it is up to the President’s Pay Agent to approve FSC’s recommendations.

The FSC monitors regions with pay disparities, known as “research areas,” that are not currently approved for established separate locality pay areas. After a three-year research period, these findings develop into recommendations (or not) for new locality pay areas.

BLS conducts locality pay surveys in 47 geographic areas, with survey data representing nonfederal salaries that are compared to GS pay rates for equivalent level of work. The council makes recommendations based on the results of BLS’ study and sends them for approval to the President’s Pay Agent, which is composed of the Secretary of Labor and the directors of OPM and OMB. — BY SETH ICKES, GRASSROOTS ASSISTANT W W W. N A R F E . O R G

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Washington Watch

OPM INSPECTOR GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR CHALLENGES, INCLUDING REORG PROPOSAL

T

he Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a report in November 2019 highlighting what will likely be OPM’s top management challenges for fiscal year 2020 (FY20). According to the OIG’s report, OPM’s challenges are broken into two missioncritical categories at the core of its operation—environmental and internal. Environmental challenges are long-term issues caused by external factors like evolving technological advances, shifts in demographics and national security threats that are continuously changing business models. Internal challenges, on the other hand, are operational issues vital to OPM’s mission. OPM has made notable improvements over time with these issues; once fully addressed, they will likely be removed as major agency challenges.

Among the environmental challenges is the proposal to reorganize OPM and transfer its various functions to the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Executive Office of the President (EOP). Echoing concerns from lawmakers and stakeholders, the watchdog highlights OPM’s lack of documentation and analysis, such as a cost-benefit analysis or comprehensive timeline, showing that the reorganization would improve government.

Additionally, the report raises concerns that OPM has yet to present legal or regulatory authorities that would permit the agency to carry out the plan without congressional approval.

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The report also critiques OPM’s new efforts to move the Chief Human Capital Officers Council, Performance Accountability Council and the Performance Management Office to GSA without legislation or supporting justification.

Doing so, the OIG warns, will only make it more challenging to carry out the plan. The watchdog recommends OPM perform a thorough analysis of the proposed reorganization while working with Congress and oversight bodies to ensure appropriate implementation of the plan. The OIG notes that OPM established a “tollgate” system to review, audit and assess the risks of the proposal.

Another major environmental challenge OPM will continue to face in FY20 is working with agencies to close major government-wide skills gaps.

For years, 29 Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommendations to address critical skills gaps in the federal government have remained open.

Most recently, OPM worked with agency Chief Human Capital Officers to collect information about skills gaps within occupations. OPM continues to work with GSA to develop new practices to tackle the gaps.

Affecting virtually all federal employees and retirees is the internal challenge of retirement claims processing. The report notes that OPM remains focused on permanently reducing call wait time for retirement services to five minutes or less, and reducing case processing time to 60 days or less. In FY19, OPM made progress in implementing

a new email system to reduce calls to the Retirement Information Office and began work on a prototype for its Online Retirement Application.

Looking ahead, OPM’s retirement services office plans to propose new technological capabilities that will allow for more efficient processing and shorter phone wait times.

Internal security governance is another challenge OPM faces, according to the OIG report. This important mechanism requires controls to protect the critical information systems that support the agency’s core mission while also managing the changing risk environment.

The report is available on OPM.gov under the Inspector General section in the Top Management Challenges: Fiscal Year 2020 publication.

— BY SETH ICKES, GRASSROOTS ASSISTANT

LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES • NARFE NewsLine: A weekly newsletter that goes out to NARFE members on Tuesdays and includes weekly recaps of legislative news, compiled

by NARFE’s advocacy and communications teams.

• Legislative Action Center: A one-stop site to send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org.

narfe bill tracker THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION THAT NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES. ISSUE

FEDERAL COMPENSATION

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR H.R. 1534/S. 1174: Federal Employee Paid Leave Act of 2019 / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI Cosponsors: H.R. 1534: 45 (D) 2 (R) S. 1174: 5 (D) 0 (R)

H.Res. 23: Rep. Susan Davis, D-CA Cosponsors: 206 (D) 51 (R)

H.Res. 33/S.Res. 99 Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-MA / Sen. Gary Peters, D-MI

Provides federal employees with 12 weeks of paid leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child and other medical conditions.

LATEST ACTION(S) Paid parental leave for Feds became law on December 20, 2019, P.L. 116-92.

Expresses the sense of the Referred to the House House that the United States Committee on OverPostal Service should take all sight and Reform appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for all business and residential customers.

Expresses the sense of the House that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure that the United States Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the federal government and is not subject to privatization.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (H.Res. 33)

Expresses the sense of the House that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of its six-day mail delivery service.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Cosponsors: 178 (D) 25 (R)

Expresses the sense of the House that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures to restore service standards in effect as of July 1, 2012.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

H.R. 2382: USPS Fairness Act / Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR

Repeals the USPS’ prefunding requirement.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Cosponsors: H.Res. 33: 226 (D) 41 (R) S.Res. 99: 43 (D) 8 (R) 2 (I)

POSTAL REFORM

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

H.Res. 54: Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: 218 (D) 73 (R)

H.Res. 60: Rep. David McKinley, R-WV

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (S.Res. 99)

Cosponsors: 233 (D) 68 (R)

NARFE’s Position:

Support

Oppose

No position

W W W. N A R F E . O R G

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Washington Watch

EDITOR’S NOTE: These bills are all listed online at www.narfe.org/legislation/votervoice.cfm.

ISSUE

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR H.R. 141/S. 521 Social Security Fairness Act of 2019 / Rep. Rodney Davis, R-IL / Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH

WHAT BILL WOULD DO Repeals both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means (H.R. 141)

Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), to provide WEP-affected individuals who are eligible for benefits before 2022 a $100 monthly rebate and $50 for an affected spouse.

Changes the WEP calculation moving forward.

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means

H.R. 4540 Public Servants Reforms the Windfall EliminaProtection and Fairness Act tion Provision (WEP), to provide / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA WEP-affected individuals who are eligible for benefits before 2022 a $150 monthly rebate.

Changes the WEP calculation Cosponsors: moving forward.

84 (D) 2 (R)

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means

H.R. 1254: The Equal COLA Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA

Provides Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees with the same annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retirees.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Requires Social Security and federal retirement programs to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to retirement benefits.

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, Oversight and Reform, and Armed Services

Allows federal employees who started their careers in temporary positions before transitioning into permanent roles to retroactively contribute toward their retirement for the years they held a temporary position.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Cosponsors: H.R. 141: 180 (D) 55 (R) S. 521: 30 (D) 4 (R) 2 (I)

GPO/WEP

H.R. 3934 The Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2019 / Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX Cosponsors: 3 (D) 41 (R)

Cosponsors: 15 (D) 2 (R)

H.R. 1553: Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2019 / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA FEDERAL ANNUITIES

Cosponsors: 39 (D) 13 (R)

H.R. 2478: The Federal Retirement Fairness Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA Cosponsors: 36 (D) 12 (R)

DC STATEHOOD

LATEST ACTION(S)

H.R. 51: Washington, D.C. Admission Act / Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance (S. 521)

Provides for the admission of the Referred to the House State of Washington, D.C. into Committees on Overthe Union. sight and Reform, and Rules

Cosponsors: 224 (D) 0 (R) NARFE’s Position: 12

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Support

Oppose

No position

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Questions & Answers

The following Questions & Answers were compiled by NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute staff.

NARFE does not provide legal, financial planning or tax advice or assistance.

EMPLOYEES POSTPONED RETIREMENT UNDER THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FERS) I am considering retiring from my federal or FEGLI for the last 5 years job at age 58, and although I have already leading up to your date of passed my minimum retirement age (MRA) separation, you will be offered under FERS, I’m planning to wait until I’m 62 the opportunity to regain access to these programs upon to collect my pension so I do not incur a permanent application of your postponed reduction for early age. Do I fill out paperwork for my retirement. Be sure to obtain pension when I leave my job, or do I wait until I am a copy of your entire Official nearly 62 to fill out and file the paperwork? I will have Personnel Folder (OPF) before just over 10 years of service when I separate. you separate, just in case you

Q A

Since you are postponing the application of your retirement (pension) under FERS, you would not fill out any retirement application forms until you are ready to draw your pension. You will simply resign from federal service like younger employees who are not eligible for retirement.

Upon separation, you can expect any applicable coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program and/or

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Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) to be terminated in 31 days. The 31 days of coverage is automatic and at no cost to you. Your agency should supply you with a separation package that will include details regarding Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) for the FEHB and your options to convert FEGLI to an individual policy, if desired.

Unlike younger employees who separate, if you had coverage under the FEHB and/

need this evidence (among other federal service details) later.

You can expect your agency payroll office to give you a lump sum payment for any unused annual leave shortly after you separate. But since you are postponing your application for an immediate type of retirement, you should keep your final Statement of Earnings and Leave (SEL) in a safe place because it will reflect the unused sick leave balance that the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) uses when figuring out the total length of service in the

computation of your annuity. You should also keep your separation Form SF-50 – “Personnel Action,” which includes remarks such as, “Employee appears to be eligible for immediate MRA+10 retirement annuity.”

OPM recommends that you submit your retirement application approximately 60 days before you want your benefits to begin. But since people are experiencing delays at OPM for this type of application, it might help if you submitted your application to OPM 90 days prior. Here is a weblink to the application with instructions: www.opm.gov/ forms/pdf_fill/ri92-19.pdf. The following weblink contains a booklet with more information regarding your situation: www. opm.gov/retirement-services/ publications-forms/pamphlets/ ri92-19a.pdf.

FEDERAL SERVICE RECORDS

Q

I recently left military service and became a federal civilian employee.

While in the military, we were taught to maintain a copy of our military personnel records so we would have them if they were needed later. Do you recommend this for my federal civilian career?

A

Yes. There are many instances where it might be useful to have copies of certain federal civilian service

details. There have been situations where an employee’s Official Personnel File (OPF) was misfiled, lost or destroyed by accident.

If the individual had a copy of such documentation, the OPF could easily be reconstructed. But without such a copy, it might take months (or even years) to recreate such service history.

It is highly recommended that federal employees maintain a copy of their entire OPF. This is especially important before you separate from federal service, because you won’t have easy access to your OPF after you leave. This is true for people who separate for retirement and for people who separate early or midcareer.

If you don’t know how to obtain a physical or digital copy of your entire OPF, contact your agency human resources office for assistance. With some agencies, this may or may not be an easy task, but it’s an important one.

Whether you work for an agency that participates in an OPF program or not, be sure that you obtain some sort of service history detail before you leave that agency. For example, staff who work for Congress may ask for a transcript of congressional federal service from their personnel office upon separation.

Federal employees may also contact their agency retirement office and request a Certified Summary of Federal Service as it pertains to their future retirement.

Although you may not want to have a copy of every Statement of Earnings and Leave (SEL) you’ve ever received, there are certain ones to consider keeping. For example, keep your final SEL from every payroll office, whether you are separating from federal service or transferring to a new agency.

You might even end up changing payroll offices once or twice while working for one agency your entire career.

When you switch payroll offices, the old payroll office sends the old information to OPM for record keeping. The new payroll office resets these balances to $0 and tracks the information moving forward.

If you are a part-time federal employee, you should keep copies of any SEL where you work more hours than you are scheduled to work.

When a part-time employee occasionally works more hours than scheduled, a personnel action (SF-50) is not generated to reflect the additional hours worked, but the SEL records such information. Since part-time service affects the proration factor used in the computation of your retirement, you want to be sure that you are getting credit for the actual hours that you worked.

There are other documents that you might want to obtain and keep copies of, especially if the information isn’t typically maintained in an OPF and W W W. N A R F E . O R G

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Questions & Answers

isn’t always reflected on every SEL. If you paid any civilian deposits or redeposits into CSRS or FERS with OPM, keep the initial deposit/redeposit (amount due) statement as well as the final statement after you have paid the deposit/redeposit in full.

If you paid a military deposit, you should be able to obtain either a copy of OPM Form 1514 – “Military Deposit Worksheet” or the Individual Retirement Record (IRR) from your agency payroll office once the deposit has been paid in full or just before transferring to a new agency.

RETIREES MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS UNDER THE FEHB

Q

Should I even bother looking at Medicare Advantage plans if my younger spouse is not yet eligible for Medicare and is unemployed? She always gets her health insurance through my eligibility for health insurance under the FEHB, typically under Self Plus One enrollment. I was looking at one of the FEHB Medicare Advantage plans, but it is my understanding that she could not get coverage under such a plan. Is that correct? I am newly enrolled in Medicare parts A and B, and I’m thinking that it would be best to get a “normal” health insurance plan through

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the FEHB to cover myself and my wife.

A

Your younger spouse could be covered by one of the new FEHB Advantage plans; however, they might not benefit her very much until she can get Medicare Parts A and B upon reaching age 65.

So, like you surmised, you might not want to consider switching to such a plan until she is old enough to sign up for Medicare.

Also, before switching plans, especially to a Medicare Advantage plan (under the FEHB or Medicare Part C), contact your doctors to confirm that they will accept the plan for potential future medical services.

TWO SEPARATE SELF ONLY PLANS UNDER THE FEHB

Q

Both my husband and I recently retired from federal service. We have always obtained health insurance through his employment, but now we would like to separate our insurance so that we each have our own individual plans.

Can we do that?

A

Yes, as long as you both qualified for immediate types of retirement and as long as you both have been covered under the FEHB for the last 5 years of your federal careers leading up to your

separation dates. You can ask OPM to assist you both with getting individual plans.

OPM will need a completed OPM Form 2809 (www.opm. gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm2809. pdf) from each of you.

Your husband does not need an event code for Part D of the form. The date of the event should be the first of the month after he expects OPM to receive the form. You will need an event code in Part D of the form—use code 2F. The date of the event should be the same as your husband’s date.

Call OPM at 1-888-767-6738 (early morning is better than later in the day) and tell them what you’re doing. Have the forms in front of you just in case you have any additional questions about them. Then, follow the instructions.

DOCTOR WHO DOESN’T ACCEPT MEDICARE

Q A

Will my FEHB plan pay for a medical service if the doctor has opted out of Medicare?

If your doctor is one of the four percent of physicians in the United States that has opted out of Medicare, then your FEHB plan will pay, but check section 9 of your plan brochure as the payment may only cover the difference between what Medicare Part B would have paid (if you have Medicare

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Questions & Answers

NARFE at Your Service Part B) and the plan allowance for the medical service. If you don’t have Medicare Part B and you obtain service from such a physician, it’s possible that your FEHB plan might only pay the amount that Medicare Part B would have paid.

It’s strongly recommended that you avoid this small population of physicians when Medicare becomes your primary medical coverage in retirement. If you do decide to choose to receive medical

care from such a physician, you should definitely talk to the doctor and your FEHB plan to find out what your out-ofpocket costs will be.

To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800-456-8410 and select option 2 for the Federal Benefits Institute; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.

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Benefits Brief

RESTRICTED APPLICATION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY

I

f you were born before January 2, 1954, you have reached your full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security. Why is this significant? Any “earnings test” based on work income that

would have prevented you from drawing Social Security is no longer applicable once you reach your FRA.

So if you are younger than 70 (whether you are actively employed or not), and you are currently married or if you are currently unmarried but divorced after being married for 10+ years and you are not yet drawing your own earned Social Security benefit, you should be aware of the restricted application option.

This option will not be available after January 1, 2024.

If you are married to someone who is drawing Social Security, you can schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office and file a restricted application which allows you to draw 50 percent of your spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA) from Social Security without impacting any benefit that you might later claim from your own work record.

Example: Tony and Sarah are married. Tony wants to wait until age 70 to draw his maximum Social Security benefit of $3,200/ month. Sarah began drawing Social Security when she was 62, so she locked herself in with a permanent reduction for early age, which represents 75 percent of her PIA, and is currently drawing $1,500/month. Sarah’s PIA is $2,000—the amount that she would have received from Social Security if she had waited 22

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until her FRA to claim, based on her own work record.

Now that Tony has reached his FRA, if he were to apply for regular Social Security, he would receive the higher of one of two benefits—either the benefit he earned for himself or the benefit that Sarah earned for him. The benefit he earned for himself is currently just over $2,400/month, and the benefit that Sarah earned for him is $1,000/month (50 percent of Sarah’s PIA).

If Tony wants his own benefit to continue growing with delayed credits until age 70, he can file the restricted application—it restricts any benefit payable to him to the benefit that Sarah earned for him. This allows him to draw $1,000/month from Social Security until he’s ready to switch over to his own larger earned benefit at age 70.

Remember, Tony would not be able to do this if Sarah wasn’t already drawing Social Security.

If you are unmarried but divorced (after 10+ years of marriage) from someone who has a Social Security work record (i.e., 40+ credits) and has already reached his or her 62nd birthday, you can also file a restricted application to draw 50 percent of your former spouse’s

BY JAMES MARSHALL

Federal Benefits Expert

PIA from Social Security without impacting your former spouse’s benefit and without impacting any benefit that you might later claim from your own work record.

Example: Maya and Ernesto were previously married for 15 years before divorcing. Maya wants to wait until age 70 to draw her maximum Social Security benefit.

Even though Ernesto isn’t drawing Social Security yet, because Ernesto is 62 or older, Maya can still file a restricted application to claim the benefit that her former spouse earned for her. Ernesto is currently remarried, but Maya has not remarried and, therefore, qualifies for this option.

Note: Even if Maya was a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employee, she wouldn’t be subject to the Government Pension Offset rules until she retires from federal service.

In the two examples, both Tony and Maya would be missing out on over $50,000 in retirement income (after costof-living adjustments) if they didn’t know about this option.

For more details, refer to the following weblink: www.ssa. gov/planners/retire/applying6. html, or contact one of NARFE’s federal benefits specialists at fedbenefits@narfe.org.

JAMES MARSHALL IS THE PRINCIPAL AT FEDERAL RETIREMENT PLANNING, LLC (WWW. FEDERALRETIREMENTINFO.COM) AND A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO NARFE’S FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE WEBINARS AND NARFE MAGAZINE.

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Cover Story

CIVIL

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DISCOURSE

By David Tobenkin

F

ederal employees are required to dutifully serve the public, observe many ethical obligations, and avoid certain hot-button discussion topics while on the job. There is an expectation that civil servants will be civil. Yet many active and retired Feds responding to a recent NARFE member survey on the current state of civil discourse in the country expressed dismay with the frequent inability of Americans with differing viewpoints to respectfully discuss the major issues of the day.

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“I attend an exercise class a couple of nights per week. In a sudden and angry outburst, the business owner brought up the impeachment hearings, saying the ambassador was a ‘bad person’ and suggesting she was trying to get back at President Trump for calling her back early from Ukraine,” says a Department of the Army operations research analyst who requested that her name not be used. “The business owner, who has been my friend for eight years and has helped me to be healthier, could not cite any facts to establish poor performance on the part of the ambassador.

I defended the ambassador, citing her service to multiple presidents. It was very challenging to stay calm because it felt like an attack on all people who serve the nation. Angry outbursts like that do nothing to enable a reasonable exchange of information or friendly debate.

With the rise of social media, discourse has become most unpleasant. Name-calling appears to be an acceptable substitute for evidence.”

However, NARFE survey respondents who are Trump supporters feel that much criticism of Trump and his language represents the unwillingness of cultural elites to listen to other sectors of society. Trump’s election actually marked a step forward in civil discourse, they contend.

“Civil discourse is increasing,” says Alan G. Reynolds, a retired U.S. Postal Service employee living in Sautee, GA. “There is ever increasing liberalism on the left and an inability to accept that their way is not the only way. They have this fantasy that only they can lead. Unfortunately, government employees have become some of the worst. The Electoral College did its job in 2016. The city populations did not get to tell the rest of us how to live and govern. It is their failure to accept that that has created a toxic environment.”

Many survey respondents said that their personal efforts to combat incivility have been inconclusive and their efforts at civil discourse 26

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I actually feel helpless about trying to have any meaningful conversations because tempers flare and level heads do not prevail— including my own, which I’m disappointed in myself for.”

—BV Mallon, retired program manager

are so unpleasant that they often give up trying and instead hold their tongues.

“I actually feel helpless about trying to have any meaningful conversations because tempers flare and level heads do not prevail—including my own, which I’m disappointed in myself for,” says BV Mallon, a retired program manager and administrator at several federal agencies.

“I’ve come to avoid people and topics.”

Relevant data and discussions with civil discourse experts suggest there is reason to be deeply concerned about the state of civil discourse in America. But there is a silver lining—a plethora of efforts to increase civil discourse and increasing evidence that some of

What Readers Can Do to Facilitate Civil Discourse

Civil discourse leaders suggest a variety of activities individuals and organizations can take to foster civil discourse. Carolyn Lukensmeyer, executive director emerita of the National Institute on Civil Discourse (NICD) encourages readers to:

Join Revive Civility (www.ReviveCivility.org), which empowers Americans to

restore and call for civility in our democracy and our communities. Using tools created by the NICD, mayors can issue Civility Proclamations and citizens can sign pledges and host civility conversations. A civility toolkit is available at www.revivecivility.org/resources.

Encourage your U.S. Representative to join one of the House civility caucuses.

Speak out when civility is violated. “Where core values are being violated, speak up and engage people regarding the importance of treating others with respect,” Lukensmeyer says.

Influence federal policy by becoming a member of CommonSense American (www.commensenseamerican.org), a group that seeks to analyze potential solutions to hot-button issues like immigration and health care in a manner that identifies and supports policy solutions that may feasibly be enacted by Congress and signed into law by the president.

View Divided We Fall (www.dividedwefalltv.org), a docuseries that shows ordinary Americans wrestling with what it truly means to be an American, the divides that prevent it, and what we can do to bridge the gaps.

Take a look at the variety of community-level civil discourse activities available on the website of The Village Square (https://tlh.villagesquare.us), a nonpartisan public education forum that has sponsored numerous civil discourse activities. The group also assists other communities with their civility efforts and provides support as needed, including offering disagreeing speaker pairs to campus and community groups through their Respect + Rebellion project (https://respectandrebellion.com/).

“Don’t consume only one source of news,” says Liz Joyner, founder of The Village Square. “At the very least check in to see what the other side is talking about.” Check out All Sides (www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news) or The Flip Side (www.theflipside.io/), which delivers arguments from both sides to your inbox every morning.

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... those efforts are bearing fruit. Strong feelings of despair can be channeled into productive action to restore civil discourse, say experts.

The Civil Discourse Crisis

There is ample evidence that civil discourse is in crisis, according to a 2019 survey-based study by Weber Shandwick, in partnership with Powell Tate and KRC Research, Civility in American 2019: Solutions for Tomorrow. It found that the vast majority of Americans—93 percent— identify incivility as a problem, with most (68 percent) classifying it as a “major” problem.

“There is no doubt that the level of incivility has dramatically increased since our organization was launched in 2011,” says Carolyn Lukensmeyer, executive director emerita of the National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD), which was founded by the University of Arizona to reduce political dysfunction and incivility in our country’s political system after the shooting of Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. “By 2016, hyperpartisanship and political dysfunction meant that Congress was unable to deal with problems that had faced the country for decades, such as immigration and climate change. Then, in 2016, the presidential election went beyond hyperpartisanship and made it legitimate to attack the dignity of other human beings. Incivility is like a virus infecting the country. It started in Congress but now has spread into our communities, where we worship and where we work.”

Civil discourse is essential to democracy, which relies on conversations to inform voters to make decisions in elections and to enable lawmakers to hammer out legislation that governs the country. French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville’s classic early 19th century description of the new republic, Democracy in America, noted that important to the new and novel experiment in American democracy was that Americans engaged themselves deeply in the civic demands of self-governance.

Starting Locally

How to return to the de Tocqueville ideal?

Many say that a key part of the challenge is simply getting people with differing viewpoints together in one place, ideally in person.

After running political campaigns, Liz Joyner launched The Village Square, a civil 28

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Incivility is like a virus infecting the country.

It started in Congress but now has spread into our communities, where we worship and where we work.”

— Carolyn Lukensmeyer, executive director emerita of the National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD)

discourse organization based in Tallahassee, FL, in 2006. “Tallahassee has unique qualities for a civic organization,” says Joyner. “It really is only two degrees of separation here. While there are 260,000 people in Leon County, where the city is located, we live like a small community with more connectedness than the average community.”

The Village Square has almost 300 members. It’s a nonpartisan forum that holds up to 25 civil-discourse-building events per year ranging in size from 100 to 1,000 individuals, says Joyner, whose father was a U.S. Navy pilot and civilian Pentagon worker and is also a longtime NARFE member. The Village Square now makes its model available to other communities through its Flying Pig Academy.

The organization has supported a variety of efforts to promote respectful discourse on topics that could be controversial. One standing effort is the group’s God Squad, in which a group of clergy members from five different denominations publicly discuss politics, religion, and other civic and social matters.

To be successful, Joyner says such efforts can require careful planning. Priority is placed

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... if people spend more face-to-face time with those with whom they disagree, the conversation can start to shift in a way that causes you to like and understand them a little better.”

—Liz Joyner, Founder & CEO of Village Square

on finding speakers who know and respect one another, have pastimes in common, or otherwise have some link besides their interest in the topic that they will discuss.

Joyner says an important condition for conducting such discourse successfully is that participants not expect the other participant to change his or her point of view.

“People don’t change their minds on longheld policy viewpoints like abortion through discourse,” Joyner says. “But if people spend more face-to-face time with those with whom they disagree, the conversation can start to shift in a way that causes you to like and understand them a little better. We have done post-assessments of events and found they can shift audience opinions toward tolerance of those with other views. Ultimately, what makes democracy work is that we stay in connected disagreement with each other.”

Nationwide Initiatives

NICD is working on improving civil discourse through a variety of efforts, Lukensmeyer says, including training or engagement of more than 12,000 people in civil discourse and listening across differences for understanding; NICD’s Text, Talk, Revive Civility platform on holding respectful conversations and learning about civil discourse, which has reached an additional 13,000 participants; and facilitation of more than 500 civility conversations.

At the federal legislative level, Lukensmeyer notes that a variety of efforts are underway in the House of Representatives, such as through testimony on civility before a House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, which in September held a hearing on Civility and Collaboration. When the House 30

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Class of 2016 came into Congress, they signed a statement committing to civility into the Congressional Record in early 2017. There are also two civility caucuses in the House.

One, the Honor and Civility Caucus, chaired

by Steve Stivers, R-OH, and Joyce Beatty, D-OH, requires new members to join in pairs—a Democrat and a Republican—with an action plan to improve civility. Some notable bipartisan legislative initiatives have managed to bridge the ideological divide.

At the state level, NICD’s Next Generation program, which teams with state legislatures to address hyperpolarization and incivility, has held workshops in 16 states, reaching over 1,000 legislators from both parties. The key to the success of the experience is “that legislators meet as people rather than as party labels,” Lukensmeyer says. “Most find they have much more in common than what divides them.

The significant outcome of this work has been more bipartisan legislation.” Lukensmeyer also says she is working to adapt the civil discourse training that NICD already offers to state legislators for members of the U.S. House.

Effects at the Workplace

Generally, discourse at workplaces are more civil. The 2019 Weber Shandwick poll found that 89 percent of employees report that their workplace is civil.

Still, many employers can and should do more, says Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association.

“Employers must foster a culture of civility in the workplace. Research suggests that simply witnessing rude or destructive behavior leads people to mimic that conduct, so managers and other organizational leaders must lead

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by example and be aware of their actions and how they come across to others. Another way to foster civility in the workplace is to express appreciation to employees, especially those who embody civil behaviors.”

The Smithsonian Institution, a federal government trust instrumentality, has offered voluntary civility training to its employees for nearly a decade, says Tim Holloman, manager of the employee assistance program in the Smithsonian’s Office of Human Resources.

“I started the idea with a former colleague, Chandra Heilman, about 10 years ago, after I read a book about incivility in the workplace and its negative impact on productivity,” Holloman says. “We just decided to take the major tenets of that book combined with our

Employers must foster a culture of civility in the workplace.

Research suggests that simply witnessing rude or destructive behavior leads people to mimic that conduct, so managers and other organizational leaders must lead by example.”

— Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association.

own experiences of seeing employees suffering in situations of incivility and see if anyone was willing to listen. Once word got out about the training, more units requested it. In eight years, we have conducted over 150 sessions with roughly 3,000 participants.”

The Role of National Associations

National associations like NARFE have a natural role in fostering civil discourse, says Arlene Pietranton, chief executive officer of The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Pietranton supports civil discourse efforts within ASHA and as chairwoman of an initiative at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), a national association of associations, to improve civil discourse.

“Associations exist to foster communications and common purposes by bringing members together and figuring out ways to get things done,” Pietranton says. “So, working together is something that many in associations have a long history of doing well, and constructive discourse is important to recognizing and addressing the problems we face.” Yet a 2018 ASHA membership survey revealed that more than half of respondents reported experiencing uncivil discourse related to their professional lives in the previous 12 months. In April 2019, ASHA responded by releasing civility-related tools, templates and resources for public discussions and social media (www.asha.org/About/Civility/).

Surprise Endings

The results of facilitating discourse between ideological opposites can be challenging, surprising—and sometimes amusing.

The Village Square’s Joyner recalls that when the God Squad group was organized, “a group of local atheists pushed back and asked us to put them on the panel to represent ‘the other side,’” says Joyner. “We declined because we said this one series was for religious denominations. But now the atheists are God Squad fans who engage with panelists, are friends with them and sometimes talk at length with them after events. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

—DAVID TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA.

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NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program What is dues withholding?

It is a dues-payment method available to retired NARFE members, their spouses and annuitant survivors giving them the option to have their annual NARFE membership dues deducted from their annuities each month.

Advantages • Save 15% off your annual NARFE dues • Sign up your spouse and double your savings • You’ll never get another dues reminder from us • Your monthly payment is affordable and convenient • You may cancel your dues withholding at any time

How does it work?

One-twelfth of your total dues is automatically deducted from your monthly annuity. Your monthly deduction is determined by the following formula: ($34 NARFE dues ÷ 12) + (Chapter dues - if applicable ÷ 12) = total monthly deduction How do I sign up?

It takes 60-90 days to process your application. Once the process is complete, you will receive a special membership card distinguishing you as a NARFE dues-withholding member.

To learn more about dues withholding, call 800-456-8410.

NARFE Dues Withholding Application for NARFE Members who are Retirees, Spouses of Retirees or Annuitant Survivors Complete this section ONLY if you are signing up for Dues Withholding. If so, DO NOT send payment

o YES. I want to enroll in NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program.

NARFE dues of $34 (a 15% discount off NARFE dues) and chapter dues, if applicable, to be withheld annually.

Civil Service Annuity Number

Social Security Number (9-digit number)

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(Include prefix, CSA or CSF) (Include any applicable suffix)

o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms. Full Name ____________________________________ Street Address ________________________________ Apt./Unit _____________________________________ City _________________________ State _____ ZIP __

NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

NARFE Membership ID _______________________________ NARFE Chapter Number ______________________________

o YES. I also authorize my (NARFE member) spouse’s dues to be withheld from my annuity. (Additional annual dues of $34 and chapter dues, if applicable, to be withheld annually. If YES, enter spouse’s information below.)

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AUTHORIZATION (Withholding will begin in 60-90 days). Send NO PAYMENT with Dues Withholding Application!

I authorize the United States Office of Personnel Management to make appropriate deductions from my annuity payments, not to exceed the amount certified by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association as the amount of dues for which I am annually obligated, in accordance with elections I made above, and to pay the deducted sum to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). This authorization shall also apply to any and all dues changes certified by NARFE membership in accordance with elections I made. Please allow 60-90 days for processing.

I understand that this authorization shall be valid until NARFE receives and processes my written notice of cancellation in accordance with its agreement with the Office of Personnel Management and that any disputes regarding this authorization shall be a matter between NARFE and myself. I hold the Office of Personnel Management harmless for any erroneous allotment deduction made pursuant to this authorization. ___________________________________________________________________________

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HELPING HANDS Thinking of joining a support group? Here’s what you need to know. —By Everett A. Chasen Sooner or later, everyone comes to grips with serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease or dementia, either through their own diagnosis or through the diagnosis of someone they love. When this happens, people often feel alone in their distress. One way to reduce that aloneness is by interacting with peers in support groups.

“Support groups are places where people go to seek support around a common issue, as well as to give support to others,” explains Ranak Trivedi, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. “They come because they want support for their own health condition or that of a loved one—but they often stay because they find they have a lot to offer through their shared experience.”

Managing health conditions is often stressful and isolating. “You can feel like you’re the only one who’s experiencing whatever you’re going through,” Trivedi says. “When you attend a support group, you realize there are others like you. That can be both liberating and uplifting.

“Informal caregivers [such as family and friends] are at even more risk of isolation, because their world revolves so much around the person with the condition,” Trivedi adds.

“People feel guilty that they even need help—they believe they should be able to provide care because of their love for the person they are caring for.

It’s a burdensome experience.” But many caregivers find strength in the more balanced give-take community atmosphere of a support group.

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What Support Groups Do— and Don’t Do

“

Support groups provide a good deal of practical advice. They offer members “life hacks”— strategies, techniques and workarounds that help members manage their time and daily activities in more effective ways. Therapists provide basic guidelines for managing illnesses, but groups offer suggestions to help participants, as much as possible, live the life they were accustomed to living before they or the person they are caring for became ill—even though life will never truly be the same. Groups also help caregivers learn about available community-based resources, some of which may not be directly health related.

There is a significant difference between support groups and group therapy, Trivedi explains. “Support groups tend to be more hands-off. They’re more about peer-to-peer contact and building a sense of community.

They are not meant to help out with psychopathologies (mental and behavioral disorders).”

Support groups tend to be less successful when their discussions or facilitators gravitate toward work such as therapeutic support that would better be done in one-on-one or group therapy sessions. Many support group facilitators are not skilled in that area.

Another threat to the success of a group can come when group members do not participate constructively in discussions, often because their own burning problem is not the same as the stated goals of the group.

“Sometimes, one or two people can be the most vocal or angry people in the group and can lead a group in the wrong direction,” Trivedi says. “That can lead others to feel that their time was wasted, or even to feel worse about what they are going through.

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Support groups are places where people go to seek support around a common issue, as well as to give support to others. —Ranak Trivedi, Ph.D.

The facilitator needs to make sure that before people take part in a support group they are in a place where they can do so, and also ensure group members follow ground rules.”

Finding a Group That’s Right for You “It would be an easy answer for me, as a practicing psychologist, to say people should try a few groups before choosing one,” Trivedi explains. “But people really don’t have the time to find one that fits.” Instead, she suggests if you’ve already built a network of others with similar needs, talk to them to see what they recommend. Otherwise ask your care team, especially a social worker, for their thoughts.

Veterans and their caregivers have an additional way to find groups—through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where Trivedi conducts research with veterans. The VA has a caregiver support line (1-855-2603274) operated by licensed professionals. These professionals can connect caregivers and their loved ones who are veterans with VA services or caregiver support coordinators at nearby VA medical centers. They can also just listen, if that’s what the caller needs.

Some caregivers for seriously injured veterans may be eligible for VA services that include a monthly stipend, coverage of travel

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expenses, health insurance, mental health services and respite care. See www.caregiver. va.gov for details.

Meeting in person is not the only way to access the benefits support groups offer— thousands of online groups exist that are categorized by thematic topics including alcoholism, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and depression.

Facebook offers support groups on a wide variety of issues only open to participants.

Advantages of online groups include the ability to take part in them wherever you are, and to participate at any time of the day.

In-person groups, Trivedi believes, are more intimate and personal. “You get to know the other people in the group much better.” To get the most out of a group, “it helps, if possible, to have a clear vision of what would make the group a successful experience for you. That way, if you feel things are not working out, you’ll know why.”

“There are lots of support groups available online or in urban areas. Look for advertisements for them in community centers, agencies for the aging, senior centers and places like that. You may need to search in places where you wouldn’t normally look for healthrelated information.”

Stew Liff’s Experiences

Stewart Liff, a VA retiree, has faced major challenges in his life, including the loss of his first wife and his own battle with cancer.

“When my wife Pat became ill,” he says, “I really knew very little about the disease she had. I didn’t want to do face-to-face groups, because I thought they would be depressing.

I found online groups more helpful because they allowed me to interact on my own terms and to take part in many conversations without getting overly emotionally involved.

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“Interacting online gave me the chance to ask questions and to receive information other members of the groups were willing to share.” After Pat died, Stew hired a therapist.

“I just thought one-on-one was a better way to address what I was dealing with and to help me get through it. That was an excellent experience for me.”

He approaches his own illness similarly.

He’s joined a number of groups online to keep track of new developments and “help me make more sense of things and understand what others are going through. Also, my (second) wife Lisa is a nurse who understands the oncology field. I rely on her a lot to help me navigate with medical professionals.” Lisa also takes part in online groups for caregivers.

Stew was lucky enough to have a strong network of family and friends, and he kept a diary of his thoughts, feelings and emotions during Pat’s illness and afterward, which he is now turning into a book.

“Don’t get so sucked up into your problems that you lose contact with the rest of the world,” he advises.” “Focus on your passions. The more I do things I’m passionate about, the more I generate positive energy. And the more positive energy I have, the stronger I am.”

Alice and Fred Heyer’s Story

Frederick Heyer, a U.S. Air Force retiree, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007.

He and his wife, Alice, have taken part in several support groups in Fairfax, VA, where they formerly lived, and in Tampa, FL, where they live now. In Fairfax, Alice found Insight Memory Care Center (IMCC), a place she highly recommends to those in the area coping with dementia.

At IMCC, Alice took part in workshops that helped her understand the medical, financial and other implications of Fred’s illness. “The

“

Support groups aren’t for everybody...you may look into a support group and find individual, online or group therapy would be better. —Alica Heyer

questions people asked at these workshops were already like a support group,” she says. “I wanted to learn all I could to be proactive.”

Then she and Fred joined a support group at the center. “We’d all get together and do some sort of activity, then we’d have a meal, and then for 45 minutes we would separate into those with caregivers and those with dementia. It was very, very helpful.”

Before they moved full-time to Florida, the couple spent three or four months in the state every winter, and Alice began attending support groups there as well. She found two support groups she liked, one for couples and one for caregivers. Unfortunately, the couples group was sparsely attended and didn’t fit her needs. The support group she now attends has a simple rule: “What’s said in the room, stays in the room.”

People are known only by their first names, but members still form strong connections.

Alice recommends www.alz.org, the website of the Alzheimer’s Association, as a great resource for Alzheimer caregivers. The site includes a comprehensive list of support groups throughout the nation. The organization also has a 24/7 help line (1-800-272-3900) staffed by trained professionals to support caregivers and those with depression, Parkinson’s disease or dementia, who will “keep you on the line forever,” if that’s what helps.

“Caregivers in support groups probably provide the biggest help to each other by reminding us to take care of ourselves,” she concludes. “Remember what they tell you before a plane takes off: put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and then help others.”

Final Thoughts

Trivedi’s mother, a breast cancer survivor, attended several support groups with limited success. “She liked that the groups offered the ability to help other people with her experiences—but she didn’t like that many other group members used meetings to just lament their problems, Trivedi says.

“She realized that going to meetings and rehashing the what-ifs, and why-mes was not helpful to her.”

You also need to figure out when it’s time to disengage. A group that was once useful to you may not be worthwhile anymore. “Give yourself the freedom to leave when you feel it’s time to do so,” Trivedi says. “Remember, you’re in it to get out of it what you need.”

“Support groups aren’t for everybody,” she concludes. “You may look into a support group and find individual, online or group therapy would be better. Or you may actually be fine.

Just don’t be shy about asking for help!”

— EVERET T (EV ) A. CHASEN IS A WRITER AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA. HE RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.

W W W. N A R F E . O R G

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39

Managing Money

SHOULD YOU RELY ON THE TSP’S ORDER OF PRECEDENCE?

I

t’s not a stretch to say that one of the cardinal sins in the estate planning realm is failing to name a beneficiary on a retirement plan. There are many reasons why—

one reason is that it could subject a non-probate asset to probate. With respect to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), however, there are times when not naming a beneficiary is the logical choice.

Probate is the courtsupervised process that identifies and oversees the distribution of a deceased’s estate according to a will, or by state law if no will exists. Not all assets are subject to probate, though.

For example, assets owned jointly with survivorship, assets held in trust, and assets with beneficiary designations do not pass through probate.

Accounts with beneficiaries might become subject to probate, however, if the decedent named his or her estate as beneficiary, named a beneficiary that died first, or failed to name a beneficiary altogether. In the case of the last two, the default distribution is often to the decedent’s estate, at which point, the courts (through probate) will handle the distribution.

In most situations, it’s a good idea to avoid probate, if possible. Depending on the 40

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2020

state, probate can be costly, administratively tedious and time consuming—a few reasons advisors are forever preaching about the importance of having proper beneficiary designations.

I’m one of those advisors, and while I always (well, almost always), encourage people to name beneficiaries, there may be times when foregoing a beneficiary designation is the right choice for TSP participants— specifically, when a per stirpes designation is desired to ensure descendants aren’t disinherited.

Per stirpes is Latin for “by roots,” or by representation.

In the realm of beneficiary distributions, it means that if a named beneficiary dies before you, the deceased beneficiary’s share will be distributed equally among his or her descendants. In other words, if your child was a beneficiary, and that child dies before you, his or

BY MARK A. KEEN,

CFP®

her share would pass down to his or her children (your grandchildren) equally.

While the TSP allows participants to name primary beneficiaries and contingent beneficiaries, participants may not name contingent beneficiaries to contingent beneficiaries, or elect a per stirpes payout.

This is where not designating a TSP beneficiary comes into play. As set forth in 5 U.S.C. § 8424(d), if a TSP participant dies before naming a beneficiary, or there are no remaining living beneficiaries, the TSP account will be paid according to the following statutory order of precedence: 1. To the participant’s spouse.

2. If none, to the participant’s child or children equally, with the share due any deceased child divided equally among that child’s descendants.

3. If none, to the participant’s parents equally or to your surviving parent.

4. If none, to the appointed executor or administrator of the participant’s estate.

5. If none, to the participant’s next of kin who is entitled to the participant’s estate under the laws of the

BENEFITS RESOURCES NARFE offers members a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www. narfe.org/federalbenefits and www.narfe.org/ FederalBenefitsInstitute.

state in which the participant resided at the time of his or her death.

Note that the second distribution method, “with the share due any deceased child…” is a per stirpes payout, and, other than naming a trust as beneficiary (which has its own pitfalls to look out for), is the only way to invoke a per stirpes payout for the TSP. If you’re worried that foregoing a TSP beneficiary designation will lead to probate,

you’ll be happy to know that if a payout occurs under one of the first three in the numbered list, the order of precedence ensures probate will not be involved.

The order of precedence is not without its own concerns, however. If there is no living spouse, descendant or parent, then the fourth type of recipient will likely come into play, in which case, the TSP account will be distributed to the estate and ultimately distributed through probate.

To avoid any potential complications, I still recommend naming individual beneficiaries, but relying on the order of precedence may be a valid strategy in limited circumstances.

MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, IS PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK, AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE AND REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE, INC. (SFA). SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES ARE OFFERED THROUGH SFA.

National Life Membership Application National Life Membership offers a hedge against future dues increases and affirms a member’s ongoing support of NARFE’s mission to serve federal employees and retirees. National dues are paid for life; applicable chapter dues are billed annually.

CONTACT INFORMATION o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms.

Full Name _____________________________________________ Street Address _________________________________________ Apt./Unit ______________________________________________ City _______________________ State _____ ZIP _____________ Phone (__________) ____________________________________ Email ________________________________________________ Date of Birth _____ /_____ /_________ dd mm yyyy Recruiter ID # (if applicable) _______________________________ Chapter Number (if applicable) _____________________________ (call 800-456-8410 for chapter information)

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Member Number: _________________________________

I am a (check all that apply)

o Active Federal Employee o Active Federal Employee Spouse

o Annuitant o Annuitant Spouse o Survivor Annuitant

Life Membership Fee Schedule Ages 30-39 40-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-90 91-100+

Single or Quarterly Payment Installments $1,796 $450.25 1,408 353.25 1,127 283.00 960 241.25 801 201.50 653 164.50 514 129.75 392 99.25 251 64.00 127 33.00

PAYMENT INFORMATION o Single Payment or o Quarterly Installments (4 payments)

Life Membership fee amount: $__________________ PAYMENT OPTIONS

o Check or Money Order (Payable to NARFE) o Charge my: o MasterCard o VISA o Discover o American Express Card No. __________________________________________

New members: Membership is open to civilians in any agency of the federal or D.C. (before Oct. 1, 1987) governments eligible for a federal annuity.

Expiration Date _____ /_______ mm yyyy

Thank you for becoming a National Member for Life. You will receive a membership card, certificate and special lapel pin. Please allow six weeks for processing. Dues payments & gift contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

Name on Card _____________________________________ Signature _________________________ Date ___________

MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO NARFE Member Services 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 W W W. N A R F E . O R G

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41

2019

G FUND

F FUND

C FUND

S FUND

I FUND

DECEMBER

0.16%

-0.08%

3.01%

2.15%

3.24%

NOVEMBER

0.14%

-0.05%

3.63%

4.54%

1.15%

OCTOBER

0.14%

0.28%

2.16%

1.93%

3.60%

YTD

2.24%

8.68%

31.45%

27.97%

22.47%

1 YEAR

2.24%

8.68%

31.45%

27.97%

22.47%

3 YEAR*

2.49%

4.16%

15.25%

11.14%

9.97%

5 YEAR*

2.27%

3.25%

11.71%

9.17%

6.20%

10 YEAR*

2.23%

3.99%

13.59%

13.08%

5.85%

L INCOME

L 2020

L 2030

L 2040

L 2050

DECEMBER

0.74%

0.86%

1.83%

2.15%

2.43%

NOVEMBER

0.71%

0.83%

1.77%

2.10%

2.38%

OCTOBER

0.70%

0.79%

1.67%

1.95%

2.20%

YTD

7.60%

9.38%

17.60%

20.69%

23.23%

1 YEAR

7.60%

9.38%

17.60%

20.69%

23.23%

3 YEAR*

4.79%

6.19%

9.10%

10.26%

11.26%

5 YEAR*

3.96%

5.06%

7.04%

7.82%

8.49%

10 YEAR*

4.32%

6.70%

8.47%

9.41%

N/A

2019

*ANNUALIZED

*ANNUALIZED

RETURNS are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Source: TSP (For additional monthly returns, go to www.tsp.gov.)

G Fund: Government securities (specially issued to the TSP) F Fund: Government, corporate and mortgage-backed bonds C Fund: Stocks of large- and medium-size U.S. companies S Fund: Stocks of small- to medium-size U.S. companies (not included in the C Fund) I Fund: International stocks of 21 developed countries L Fund: (Lifecycle) Invested in the G, F, C, S and I Funds (The proportion of L Fund balance invested in each of the individual TSP funds depends on the L Fund chosen.)

OPM RETIREMENT CLAIMS PROCESSING STATUS

Claims Received

Inventory Monthly FYTD (Steady State Average Processing Average Processing is 13,000) Time in Days Time in Days

’18

NOVEMBER 7,510 19,162 61 62 DECEMBER 5,782 18,019 60 61 JANUARY 13,264 23,121 58 60 FEBRUARY 10,792 23,370 58 57 MARCH 10,048 20,201 50 55 APRIL 6,993 17,802 56 55 MAY 7,877 17,228 62 56 JUNE 8,201 18,501 60 56 JULY 8,000 18,413 55 56 AUGUST 8.878 17,576 50 56 SEPTEMBER 7,456 17,376 57 56 OCTOBER 7,044 17,882 59 59 NOVEMBER 7,822 18,390 62 61 FOR THE NUMBER of new retirement cases the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) receives each month by agency and the percent with errors that it returns to those agencies, go to www.opm.gov/retirement-services/. l Source: OPM

2019

For the Record

LABOR MARKET, SPENDING SPUR TSP GROWTH

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FUND RETURNS

42

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2020

Unexpectedly robust employment growth and indications of progress in trade negotiations powered U.S. stocks to new highs. The Federal Reserve cited the strong labor market, healthy consumer spending, weak business investment, and muted inflation pressures in its decision to leave its target for short-term interest rates unchanged. The C and S Funds posted gains. The I Fund enjoyed even stronger growth, thanks in part to a weaker U.S. dollar. Longer-term interest rates rose, contributing to a loss in the F Fund.

All of the L Funds posted gains..—BY MICHAEL JERUE, FINANCIAL ANALYST, THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN

COUNTDOWN TO COLA

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) decreased by 0.10 percent in November 2019. To calculate the 2020 costof-living adjustment (COLA), the 2020 third-quarter indices will be averaged and compared with the 2019 third-quarter average of 250.199. The percentage increase determines the COLA. November’s index, 250.644, is up 0.18 percent from the base.

Benefits awarded under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to individuals suffering work-related injuries or illnesses are adjusted according to each calendar year’s percentage change in the CPI-W. November’s index is 2.39 percent higher than the December 2018 base index of 244.786.

The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services. Included are various government fees, such as water charges, auto registration fees, and sales and excise taxes.

MONTH

CPI-W

Monthly % Change

% Change from 250.199 239.668

OCTOBER 2019 2017

240.573 250.894

-0.15 0.26

0.28 0.38

NOVEMBER

250.644 240.666

-0.10 0.04

0.18 0.42

DECEMBER

240.526

-0.06

0.36

JANUARY 2020 2018

241.919

0.58

0.94

FEBRUARY

242.988

0.44

1.39

MARCH

243.463

0.20

1.58

APRIL

244.607

0.47

2.06

MAY

245.770

0.48

2.55

JUNE

246.196

0.17

2.72

JULY

246.155

-0.02

2.71

AUGUST

246.336

0.07

2.78

SEPTEMBER

246.565

0.09

2.88

Donate to NARFE Programs Support Alzheimer’s Research NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research: $14 Million Fund

$13,284,349.22*

*Total as of November 30, 2019 100 percent of all contributed funds go to Alzheimer’s research.

If you have any questions, write to: NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIR Olivia Williams 22 Garden Springs Road Columbia, SC 29209

Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $______________ Every cent that is contributed is used for research.

q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms. Name:____________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________ City:______________________________________________________ State:_____________________________________________________ ZIP:______________________________________________________

EMAIL: oeashf3@gmail.com

Chapter Number:___________________________________________

WRITE YOUR CHAPTER NUMBER ON CHECK; MAKE IT PAYABLE TO:

Credit Card Information:

q MasterCard

q VISA

AND MAIL TO:

q Discover

q AMEX

Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601-7633

Card Number:______________________________________________

NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research

YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

Expiration Date:_____(mm)/____ (yy) 3-Digit Security Code:______ Signature:_______________________________ Date:___ /___ /____ Name: (please print)________________________________________

Give to the NARFE-FEEA Fund MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-FEEA Fund PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO:

FEEA 1641 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314

q YES!

I would like to help with my contribution.

The NARFE-FEEA Fund supports NARFE members during disasters; provides scholarships to their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; and funds other programs to support NARFE members at the direction of NARFE and FEEA. Enclosed is my NARFE-FEEA Fund Contribution: $______________

YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

Name:____________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________ City:______________________________________________________ State:_____________________________________________________ ZIP:______________________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________ To make credit card or e-check contributions, visit www.feea.org/ givenarfe.

NARFE News

NARFE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 25 AT 3 P.M. Is your child, grandchild, or great-grandchild a high school senior looking for a college scholarship? NARFE partners with FEEA to offer a limited number of $1,000 scholarships.

To apply, fill out the 2020 FEEA common application at www.feea.org/our-programs/ scholarships/before the March deadline.

FEDCON20 REGISTRATION OPENS IN FEBRUARY

J

oin us at FEDcon20, NARFE’s premier national conference, at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, from August 30 to September 1. Designed to appeal to NARFE leaders, members, and nonmembers alike, attendees will enjoy thought-provoking speakers, legislative updates, leadership and advocacy training, intensive benefit

education and the opportunity to engage and connect with friends and many new federal colleagues as well. The conference will feature inspirational keynote speakers and breakout sessions focused on federal benefits, legislative issues, leadership development and technology.

Consider turning your trip into an educational vacation. Arrive early

or stay after the conference to enjoy the exciting sights and activities Scottsdale has to offer. NARFE’s discount room rate of $115 per night is available three days before and after the conference, while availability lasts.

Registration opens on February 3.

To register or for more information about FEDcon20, visit www.narfe. org/fedcon20.

Contribute To NARFE-PAC I want to make a monthly sustainer credit card contribution:

OR

q $25/month

I want to make a one-time contribution: q $250 – Gold lapel pin and water bottle q $100 – Silver lapel pin

q $10/month q Other: ______/month ($10 minimum) Sustainers receive a sustainer lapel pin and NARFE-PAC 17oz stainless steel thermal bottle that keeps liquids hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours.

q $50 – Bronze lapel pin q $25 – Basic lapel pin q Other: _________

q Please do not send any gifts for my contribution (This saves NARFE-PAC money!)

NARFE Member #: _________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________________ State: ___________

ZIP: _______________

Only members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association may contribute to NARFE-PAC. NARFE will neither favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution or the failure to make a voluntary contribution to this political action fund. NARFE-PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

44

| F E B

2020

q Charge my credit card (required for monthly contribution) q MasterCard

q VISA

q Discover

q AMEX

Card #: ________________________________________________ Exp. Date: _____ /_________ mm

yyyy

Name on Card: _________________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Or mail check payable to NARFE-PAC to: NARFE Attn. Budget & Finance 606 North Washington St. | Alexandria, VA 22314

NARFE MEMBER BENEFITS • Access the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute for powerful resources to help you fully understand and manage your benefits.

Active and Retired Federal Employees ...

Join NARFE Today!

The only organization dedicated solely to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE informs you of any developments and proposals that affect your compensation, retirement and health benefits, AND provides clear answers to your questions.

Who Should Join NARFE?

If your future security is tied to federal retirement benefits—federal retirees, current employees, spouses and individual survivors—you should join NARFE.

• Visit the Legislative Action Center to contact your representatives about bills affecting federal benefits.

• Get monthly issues of NARFE Magazine with news and insights for the federal community.

• Visit the Member Perks page for a full listing of the many time-, money- and hassle-saving benefits available only to NARFE members.

• The opportunity to get involved at the local level by joining a chapter in your area.

1Q6

NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION YES. I want to join NARFE for the low annual dues of $40.

q

q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.

PAYMENT OPTIONS q Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE) q Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.) q Charge my: q MasterCard

______________________________________________

Full Name

______________________________________________

Street Address Apt./Unit

______________________________________________

City

State

ZIP

______________________________________________

Phone

q Discover

q AMEX

___________________________________________ Card No. Expiration Date _____ /________ mm

______________________________________________

q VISA

yyyy

___________________________________________ Name on Card ___________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Date

TOTAL DUES

______________________________________________

$40 Annual Dues X ___________ = ___________ Per Person # Enrolling Total Dues

I am a (check all that apply)

Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Email

q Active Federal Employee q Annuitant

q Active Federal Employee Spouse

q Annuitant Spouse

q Survivor Annuitant

q Please enroll my spouse _________________________________________

Spouse’s Full Name

LOOKING TO MEET OTHERS in the federal community and participate in NARFE at a local level? Call 800-456-8410 to learn about a NARFE chapter in your area.

_________________________________________

Would you like to receive a FREE one-year chapter membership? Choose one: q Chapter closest to home OR q Chapter #____________

THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN

MAY WE THANK SOMEONE? Did someone introduce you to NARFE? Please provide their Name and Member ID.

Spouse’s Email

1. Complete this application and mail with your payment to NARFE Member Services / 606 N Washington St / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914.

2. Join online at www.NARFE.org.

3. Call 800-456-8410, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Name ___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members, and will not be sold or rented to third parties.

(08/19)

Member Perks Perks Member

SAVE MONEY WITH NARFE PERKS NARFE appreciates your service, and so do businesses across the country.

Whether you are planning your next vacation or planning for retirement, members can save money on everyday purchases, thanks to our Affinity Partners. It’s just one more way we’re able to say “thank you” for being a NARFE member.

R

ShopNARFE

PUT YOUR NARFE MEMBERSHIP TO WORK Money-saving discounts that benefit you.

For a complete list of Member Perks, visit www.NARFE.org/memberperks.

46

| F E B

2020

INSURANCE: NARFE Insurance Services 1-800-233-5764 www.narfeinsurance.com

Plans administered by Mercer Health offering life, short term recovery, pet, travel, vision and hospital insurance policies.

Nationwide

1-855-550-9216

Discover how Nationwide’s suite of insurance solutions can help protect your financial future.

TRAVEL: Choice Hotels International 1-800-258-2847 www.choicehotels.com

Receive 20% off of your next stay when you use the special rate id 00801967.

Alamo 1-800-331-1441

www.alamo.com

Drive Happy with Alamo, where NARFE members receive year-round discounts using contract id A991900.

Avis 1-800-633-3469 www.avis.com

Avis has 5,500 locations worldwide.

Get discounted rate using the AWD number A701900.

MemberDeals

www.memberdeals.com/ narfe/?login=1

Exclusive discounts on nationwide attractions and entertainment.

WELLNESS: Brookdale Senior Living 877-713-2762 www.brookdale.com/narfe

Discounts on memory care, independent and assisted living communities, and more throughout the U.S. Offer good on new move-ins only.

HearUSA

1-855-845-2706 www.hearusa.co/narfe

The Nation’s Most Trusted Name in Hearing Care. Choose from 250+ models from 11 manufacturers, including Bluetooth, Wireless, Nearly Invisible and more!

PERSONAL SERVICES: Allied Van Lines – Coleman Worldwide 800-239-4099, ext. 99445 nicole.wood@colemanallied.com Discounted moving services across the United States.

Office Depot/Office Max

1-855-337-6811, ext. 2897 www.officediscounts.org/narfe

Save up to 80% on more than 93,000 products. Shop online or in any Office Depot or Office Max Store.

Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios offers NARFE members that are new customers to Verizon Fios a discount on the double and triple play packages IF the new account is opened online using the link found at www.narfe.org/memberperks.

W W W. N A R F E . O R G

|

47

The Way We Worked

HORSEPOWERED ROAD MAINTENANCE This 1922 photo shows a U.S. Forest Service road crew in Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest. Even though trails created by the Forest Service in the 1890s were used for communication and firefighting, their recreational potential wasn’t recognized until much later. Road crews today maintain existing roads and construct new ones in ways that cause minimal disturbance to the environment.

Many of the simpler tools road crew use, especially hand tools such as rakes, have remained unchanged, but others have been mechanized, such as motorized graders and dozers. These are in stark contrast to pre-automobile days when the Forest Service operated with horse-pulled vehicles.

PHOTO from the Records of Forest Service, National Archives, courtesy of National Archives History Office , in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org 48

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2020

DID YOU KNOW? Congress created the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in 1905, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to fulfill the public’s need to expand the uses of national forests and grasslands.

The USFS manages and protects the land and its resources; it also conducts research on forestry.

The national forests cover approximately 193 million acres of land—almost the size of Texas.

With increasing populations of people living in urban areas, the national forests have become a natural outlet for outdoor activities such as backpacking and fishing.

Visit www.foresthistory.gov

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