March 2015 NARFE Magazine

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COVER STORY

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WashingTon Watch

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President Tells Agencies to Advance Sick Leave for Birth, Adoption

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FECA Recipients to Get 0.3 Percent COLA

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Senate Leaders Selected; Johnson Will Head Senate Government Panel

10 Bill to Provide Feds a

3.8 Percent Pay Raise Introduced

10 Dorf Joins Legislative

Team, Freeman Promoted

11 Congressional Recesses Offer Advocacy Opportunities

Cover Story NARFE-PAC IN THE AGE OF SUPER PACS. Despite having fewer financial resources than many super PACs and traditional PACs, NARFE-PAC can and does compete effectively.

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EBOLA: What Feds Should Know. Federal employees are on the front lines in the fight against Ebola. Here’s how they are keeping safe.

11 Committee Approves Sick Leave for Disabled Vets

12 NARFE Bill Tracker Columns

4 From the President 38 Managing Money 40 The Informed Citizen 42 Alzheimer’s Update DEPARTMENTS

14 Questions & Answers 44 For the Record: TSP

Investments, COLA Chart

On the Web

46 NARFE News, 2015

Scholarship Application

visit us online at:

www.narfe.org

52 The Way We Worked

like us on facebook:

NARFE National Headquarters follow us on twitter:

@narfehq

ON THE COVER

Illustration by Bill Pragluski, Critical Stages, LLC

w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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MARCH 2015 | Volume 91 | Number 3

Editor Margaret M. Carter Assistant Editor Ken Fanelli Editorial Administrator Toni Vallario

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association NATIONAL OFFICERS RICHARD G. THISSEN, President; natpres@narfe.org JON DOWIE, Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org

Graphic Design Charlene Gridley Editorial Board Richard G. Thissen, Jon Dowie

Editorial Office: narfe magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Email: communications@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Warren Berger Media People Inc. 122 East 42nd St., Suite 1622 New York, NY 10168 Phone: 212-779-7172, ext. 223 Email: wberger@mediapeople.com 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 866-5047300 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.

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

REGION I James P. Crawford (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) Tel: 603-630-5191 Email: seacaptains@metrocast.net REGION II Evelyn Kirby (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) Tel: 410-604-1141 Email: ekirby@atlanticbb.net REGION III Jerry Janci (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virgin Islands) Tel: 662-412-2029 Email: lettermanj@aol.com REGION IV Edward J. Konys (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) Tel: 937-470-0566 Email: region4vp@gmail.com REGION V Carol R. Ek (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) Tel: 620-241-1131, CELL: 620-504-2202 Email: ek617@att.net

Here’s How to Contact Us… If you want to:

Join NARFE Call (toll-free): 800-627-3394 or go to: www.narfe.org Change your address, phone number or email Call (toll-free): 800-456-8410 Email: memberrecords@narfe.org

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: hlz17@aol.com REGION IX Lanny G. Ross (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) Tel: 360-692-9741 Email: lannyjean@comcast.net REGION X William Shackelford (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) Tel: 703-830-6590, CELL: 703-201-6304 Email: wshack1951@aol.com

For any other NARFE matter:

Call NARFE Headquarters: 703-838-7760 Email: hq@narfe.org Fax: 703-838-7785 Write: NARFE 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

www.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 $45. 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 © 2015, 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, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

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t’s the summer of harrowing flights in a B-24 bomber and 1944 and a weath- somehow made it back to the U.S. ered U.S. sergeant is Besides the Purple Heart and the walking in Rome only Bronze Star, my father cherished this days after the Allied watch because it was a reminder of the Liberation. There is a best part of the war for anysoldier—the joyous mood in the streets and this homecoming. tough soldier wants to remember this He nicknamed the watch Ritorno for day. He’s only weeks away from homecoming, and the rare heirloom is returning home. He finds an interesting now valued at $42,000 according to timepiece in a store just off the Via The Complete Guide to Watches. But to Veneto and he decides to splurge a our family, it is just a reminder that little on this memento. He loved the nothing is more beautiful way it felt in his hand, and than the smile of a the complex movement healthy returning GI. inside the case intrigued We wanted to bring this him. He really liked the little piece of personal hunter’s back that opened history back to life in a to a secret compartment. He faithful reproduction of thought that he could the original design. We’ve squeeze a picture of his wife The hunter’s back used a 27-jeweled moveand new daughter in the case back. He wrote home The Ritorno watch back ment reminiscent of the that now he could count opens to reveal a special best watches of the 1940s compartment for a and we built this watch the hours until he returned keepsake picture or with $26 million worth of to the States. This watch can be engraved.

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From the President

Keep NARFE-PAC Strong

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s the 114th Congress gets into full swing, the priorities of the new leadership in both chambers are

becoming clearer.

While Rep. John A. Boehner, R-OH, remains Speaker of the House, many of the lower chamber’s committee chairs − including those heading panels that oversee issues of critical interest to NARFE − have changed. In the Senate, of course, there have been major changes as the leadership has switched from the Democrats to the Republicans, and all committee chairs are new.

Leadership changes create new political dynamics, and the NARFE Legislative Department is working hard to develop new relationships and retain ties to our friends in Congress on both sides of the aisle. I want to assure you that Legislative Director Jessica Klement and her team are working diligently to maintain the

excellent reputation that NARFE enjoys within both chambers of Congress.

There are many indications that federal employee and retiree benefits will be front and center in congressional budget discussions this year. As we become aware of legislative activities, we will provide the latest information available, present guidance and request grass-roots action from NARFE members. Please take action when we ask you to get involved. We need everyone to be proactive in informing each individual legislator about our Association’s – and their constituents’ – positions.

This brings me to a very important request: We are once again designating March as “NARFEPAC Month,” and I ask that each of you contribute, to the greatest extent possible, to NARFEPAC. These funds are used to support our friends in Congress as well as the party committees.

Your contributions to NARFE-PAC provide us an opportunity to speak directly to the leadership of both parties, which improves our influence.

Please contribute to NARFE-PAC and help us persuade members of Congress to support NARFE’s legislative goals and to oppose any proposals that put federal workers’ and retirees’ earned benefits at risk. A strong NARFE-PAC ensures that your voice is heard.

Richard G. Thissen NARFE national President natpres@narfe.org

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Washington Watch

President tells Agencies to advance sick leave for birth, adoption

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resident Obama has issued a presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to advance up to six weeks of paid sick leave to their employees in connection with

the birth or adoption of a child, or for other sick leave-eligible purposes. According to the memorandum, the leave will be granted “irrespective of existing leave balances.”

The president also asked Congress to provide more than just an advance by passing legislation allowing for six weeks of paid administrative leave for the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child.

The January 15 memorandum lauded the larger benefits of such policies. “Offering family leave and other workplace flexibilities to parents can help achieve the goals of recruiting and retaining talent, lowering costly worker turnover, increasing employee engagement, boosting employee morale, and ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce,” it said.

NARFE President Richard G. Thissen expressed support for the executive action, recognizing that “America is the only industrial-

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ized nation whose civil service employees do not receive a single week of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child.”

Thissen added, however, that more needs to be done. “While the president’s proposal is a good start, NARFE urges Congress to take it a step further by passing legislation that will support America’s workers and strengthen

the federal workforce by affording them paid parental leave,” he said.

On January 26, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-NY, introduced a bill, H.R. 532, that would provide six weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees after the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child. The bill does not have a cost.

NARFE supports the measure, and NARFE President Thissen attended the press conference at which it was announced.

NARFE’s members confirmed their support for the policy by adding a proposal for paid parental leave to NARFE’s Legislative Program for the 114th Congress.

—By John Hatton, Deputy Legislative Director

Feca recipients To get 0.3% COLA INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING insurance benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) will receive a 0.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their benefits effective March 1 and paid in the April electronic funds transfer. FECA covers individuals who are unable to work because of on-thejob injuries or illnesses. Last year’s FECA COLA was 1.5 percent.

Additional COLA information is available in For the Record, p. 44.

SENATE LEADERS SELECTED; JOHNSON WILL HEAD SENATE GOVERNMENT PANEL

T

he 2014 congressional elections brought a shift in power in the Senate. With 54 seats, Republicans now hold a majority in the upper chamber.

Democrats have 44 seats; there are two Independents. In the House, the GOP has been the majority party since 2011.

The February issue of narfe magazine included a list of House committee leaders. The Senate recently completed its committee rosters. Leaders of the Senate and of the committees with jurisdiction over federal employee and retiree issues are listed below.

Senate Leadership. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, was elected Majority Leader, and Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, was elected Majority Whip. Sen. Harry Reid, D-NV, who held the position of Majority Leader during the 113th Congress, now serves as Minority Leader. Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-IL, serves as Minority Whip.

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which is responsible for the oversight Johnson

of all federal agencies and departments, as well as the federal workforce, is now led by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-WI. Johnson has been Carper on the committee for his entire four years in the Senate. Sen. Thomas Carper, D-DE, chairman of the committee during the 113th Congress, now is the ranking member.

Subcommittee membership had not been determined as of press time, but the committee agreed to form three subcommittees.

Senate Finance Committee. The Senate Committee on Finance has jurisdiction over all matters related to taxation and revenue, as well as Social Security and Medicare.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-UT, was elected by the Republican Conference to be the new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He served as ranking member on the committee from 2011 to 2014. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-OR, who took over as chairman when Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT, became U.S. Ambassador to China in early 2014, is the committee’s ranking member.

Enzi, R-WY, to be the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

He served on the committee during the last Congress and is the first accountant to ever hold the chairman position. Independent Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont will serve as ranking member.

The Senate Budget Committee is responsible for drafting Congress’ annual budget plan and monitoring budget actions of the federal government. With both the House and Senate held by the same party, the budget process will play a more prominent role this year.

—By Carolyn Dorf, legislative staff asssistant

Legislative Resources • Legislative Hotline: A weekly update of legislative news, compiled by the NARFE Legislative Department staff, distributed via email and available by phone (toll-free) at 877-217-8234 and online at www.narfe.org.

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

Senate Budget Committee. The Republican Conference elected Sen. Michael B. w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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Washington Watch

bill to provide Feds a 3.8 percent Raise introduced in House, Senate

R

ep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-VA, introduced H.R. 304, the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act, which would provide federal employees a 3.8 percent pay raise in 2016. A companion bill, S. 164, was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Brian Schatz, D-HI, and Benjamin L. Cardin, D-MD. The legislation, introduced January 13, comes on the heels of a 1 percent raise for federal employees this year and last, preceded by a pay freeze in the previous three years.

Connolly called the legislation

“a down payment on trying to help restore some of the losses that have been incurred by federal employees.” In addition to the pay freeze, Connolly noted that federal employees have suffered through “four years without locality pay, higher retirement contributions for certain employees, wagereducing work furloughs, cuts from sequestration and a government shutdown.”

NARFE endorsed the legislation, and the Federal-Postal Coalition, which NARFE chairs, sent letters of support to Connolly and Schatz.

DORF JOINS LEGISLATIVE TEAM, FREEMAN PROMOTED

C

arolyn Dorf joined NARFE in January as legislative staff assistant. Prior to joining NARFE, Dorf was an intern in the Washington, DC, office of Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-PA. She also spent her final semester of college interning in his Easton, PA, district office.

She graduated in 2014 from Muhlenberg College in AlDorf lentown, PA, with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and history.

Jason Freeman, former legislative staff assistant, was promoted to political and legislative specialist. In his new role, Freeman has

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day-to-day administration and management of NARFE-PAC, the Association’s political action committee. He also will assist the Association’s lobbying team and will represent NARFE at meetings of the Association’s coalition partners. Freeman joined NARFE in 2013. He had served as a government affairs intern at two WashFreeman ington, DC, government relations firms and as a campaign intern on two congressional campaigns. He is a 2012 graduate of the University of Delaware with a bachelor of arts degree in public policy.

The last time federal employees received a pay raise of more than 3 percent was in 2009.

Federal wages lag behind the private sector, which discourages individuals from pursuing careers in federal service. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Salary Council determined that private-sector pay outpaces federal salaries by 35 percent. Passage of the FAIR Act would help close that gap and enable the federal government to compete for the best and brightest in the job market.

—By carolyn dorf, Legislative staff assistant

MYTH vs.

REALITY Myth: The federal government doesn’t need a paid parental leave policy because employees can use a combination of their sick and annual leave, or forgo pay for 12 weeks.

Reality: It is true that federal employees can use a combination of accrued sick and annual leave after the birth or adoption of a child, or take 12 weeks of unpaid leave as allowed under law. However, based on their years of federal service, these parents may not have accrued 12 weeks of sick or annual leave.

Additionally, it is not wise to deplete accrued sick leave.

COngressional recesses offer narfe advocacy opportunities

M

arch is the start of spring. The weather begins to warm up; days become longer. And members of Congress plan more opportunities to meet with their constituents during upcoming recesses.

NARFE members also should emerge from winter ready to take advantage of these advocacy opportunities.

Members of Congress will be in their districts and states for several stretches in March, April and May (see below), providing prime time for NARFE members to introduce themselves to their

members of Congress.

The federal community will be facing attacks from Capitol Hill as the budget process develops early this spring. If NARFE members wait to contact legislators when the votes are being held on the floor of the House or Senate, they have waited too long.

The most effective way to start a relationship with Congressional offices is with a meeting. Chapter leaders should reach out to representatives, and federation leadership should contact senators to schedule a meeting. The meeting should introduce the

upcoming congressional recesses HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: March 9-13 March 30-April 10 (Easter and Passover Holidays) May 4-11 May 22-29 (Memorial Day Holiday) SENATE: March 30-April 10 (Easter and Passover Holidays) May 25-29 (Memorial Day Holiday)

legislator to NARFE and provide background on its issues, what the federal community has already contributed to deficit reduction and NARFE’s legislative priorities for the 114th Congress.

NARFE members can echo the messages brought up during congressional office meetings in more informal settings with members of Congress. During recesses, many members host town hall meetings. These are excellent opportunities for representatives and senators to hear from NARFE members and constituents.

TIP: Attend the event, show that you are civically engaged and interested, and ask questions. Don’t forget to wear your NARFE gear!

A town hall schedule and a guide on attending town hall events (with sample questions) are available on the legislative portion of NARFE’s website at www.narfe.org/legislation.

—By Sarah Weissmann, Grass-roots program manager

COMMITTEE APPROVES SICK LEAVE FOR DISABLED VETS

A

t its first meeting in the 114th Congress, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved legislation January 27 to provide sick leave immediately upon employment to first-year federal employees who are disabled veterans.

The committee had approved a similar bill in 2014, but it was not considered by the full House in the 113th Congress (2013-2014).

The Wounded Warriors Federal

Leave Act, H.R. 313, was introduced by Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-MA. Currently, federal employees begin their service with no sick leave and accumulate four hours of sick leave each pay period for a yearly total of 104 hours. Disabled veterans new to federal service often face multiple medical appointments and ongoing treatment for their conditions and to maintain their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating.

The bill would make available all 104 hours of sick leave up front to first-year employees who qualify under the VA as 30 percent disabled or more. All leave used under the bill would have to be certified as used toward the employee’s service-related injuries, and any unused time could not be carried over to the employee’s second year.

NARFE supports the bill.

—By Jason Freeman, political and legislative specialist w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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Washington Watch

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

Bill Number / Name / Sponsor H.R. 138: Access to Insurance for All Americans Act / Rep. Darrell Issa, R-CA

HEALTH CARE

Cosponsors: 0

H.R. 313: Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act / Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-MA Cosponsors: 4 (D), 2 (R) SICK LEAVE FOR WOUNDED VETERANS

H.R. 304: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-VA Federal Compensation

What Bill Would Do

Latest Action(s)

Repeals the Affordable Care Referred to nine House Act and establishes a national committees health program administered by the Office of Personnel Management to offer Federal Employees Health Benefits Program plans to individuals who are not federal employees or retirees. It creates separate risk pools for federal and non-federal participants.

Entitles any federal employee who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more, during the 12-month period beginning on the first day of employment, up to 104 hours of leave, without loss or reduction in pay, for purposes of undergoing medical treatment for the disability for which sick leave could regularly be used. Requires the forfeiture of any of the leave that is not used during the 12-month period.

Approved by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on 1/27/15

Provides for a 3.8 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2016.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

See story, p. 11

Cosponsors: 33 (D) S. 164: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

Cosponsors: 1 (D)

See story, p. 10

H.Res. 12: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should take all appropriate measures ensure the continuaPostal Reform to tion of its six-day delivery services / Rep. Sam Graves, R-MO

Expresses the sense of the House that the U.S. Postal Service should maintain sixday mail delivery. As a resolution, it will not be sent to the president and, therefore, cannot become law.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Cosponsors: 84 (D), 16 (R) NARFE’s Position: 12

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Support

Oppose

No position

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Departs July 23 & September 24, 2015. Start in historic Dublin with a city tour including the Bank of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Cathedral (the largest church in Ireland). Head south with a stop at the Rock of Cashel followed by Waterford with an included tour of the famous crystal factory. Continue to Cobh, visit Blarney Castle, and perhaps kiss “The Blarney Stone,” en route to Killarney. Drive the spectacular “Ring of Kerry,” offering stunning scenery and tour Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, built in 1425. View the Cliffs of Moher, discover Galway, the Connemara region, Kylemore Abbey and the Sligo area.

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Questions & Answers

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

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

employees

Q

Credit for Unused sick leave I’m planning to retire this year under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). How much of my unused sick leave can be credited as service time in my annuity calculation?

A

Employees under FERS who retire after January 1, 2014, have 100 percent of their unused sick leave added to their service for retirement purposes.

Two-Fed Family and continuing FEHBP

Q

I have a question about a two-federal-employee couple. The wife works for the U.S. Postal Service. Her husband works for the Department of Agriculture. For the past 20 years, the wife has been the enrollee for their health insurance under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). When she

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retires, they will continue on her health plan. She does not plan to elect a survivor benefit for her husband. If she were to die first, can her retired annuitant husband switch over to a self-only federal employee health insurance plan and have the government contribute to it in the same way it would have been if he had retired on a self-only plan? Can you provide a citation from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on this situation?

A

As long as the nonenrollee spouse is eligible in his own right to continue FEHBP coverage into retirement, there should be no problem in the

event his enrollee spouse predeceases him without electing a survivor benefit. To be eligible, he has to have either been enrolled himself or been continuously enrolled as a dependent under his wife’s FEHBP enrollment for the five years immediately preceding his retirement. If he meets that requirement, then at some point in the future when he loses his coverage as a dependent, he is eligible to enroll in his own right.

The fact that his spouse did not elect to provide him a survivor benefit would not be a factor in this situation. If you look at the Qualifying Life Events that allow retirees to change FEHBP plans or options outside of the annual Open Season, you will read, under the heading of “Loss of Coverage under FEHB or Another Group Insurance Plan”: “If you are an annuitant eligible to enroll, but you are covered as a family member under another

FEHB enrollment, you may enroll in your own name if you lose coverage under the other enrollment.” OPM cite: (www. opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/ healthcare/reference-materials/ reference/annuitants-andcompensationers/#effdate)

Is Union Time used to Calculate retirement?

Q

I have a lot of years of federal civilian service under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) in a number of positions and agencies. For a period of time, I was a local union officer on a full-time basis. I’m looking to retire soon and would like to know whether the period of time that I served as a union official is creditable for retirement computation.

A

It depends. The Office of Personnel Management’s CSRS and FERS Handbook for Personnel and Payroll Offices says the following: “Under 5 U.S.C. 8332(k)(1), the service of an employee who enters on approved leave without pay (LWOP) to serve as a full-time officer or employee of an employee organization is fully creditable if the employee elects, within 60 days after entering on LWOP, to continue coverage and pays the employee deduction and agency contribution to the retirement fund.”

“The service of an employee on approved leave without pay (LWOP) who serves as a full-time officer or employee of an employee

organization is not creditable for any retirement purpose if the employee does not elect to continue coverage or does not pay the deductions and contributions as described. By law, such an employee is not entitled to receive credit for any LWOP, including the 6 months of leave in a calendar year normally provided under 5 U.S.C. 8332(f).”

You probably should meet with your agency retirement benefits counselor regarding the period of time you were a full-time union officer and together determine if that time will be counted as creditable service in your retirement calculations.

retirees doctors won’t take new medicare patients

Q

Since I moved, I have been unable to get a good primary care doctor. Most of the doctors have banded together and refuse Medicare patients. We miss out on a lot of primary insurer benefits. Since I cannot obtain a doctor who accepts Medicare, can I drop Medicare Part B and just have my Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and be able to obtain a good doctor?

A

Yes, you can disenroll in Medicare Part B at any time. You can do so by visiting or writing to your local Social Security office. If in the

future you decide to re-enroll in Medicare Part B, you can do so during Medicare’s open enrollment period held annually from December through March. Be aware that if you disenroll from Medicare Part B and later decide to re-enroll, you will have to pay a late enrollment fee that equals 10 percent of the Part B premium for every 12 months you were not enrolled.

However, we suggest you contact your local BCBS office and ask for a list of preferred providers who also accept Medicare patients. They should be able to give you the names and contacts for any physicians who have agreed to their payment limits.

confusion on FERS Basic Death Benefit

Q

I have a question on a statement in the January 2015 issue of narfe magazine. In the article on Survivor Benefits (p. 24), it says the Basic Employee Death Benefit is $30,000. I retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1976. My Basic Employee Death Benefit was $10,000.

Has my benefit now changed to $30,000 due to cost-of-living adjustments?

A

The Basic Employee Death Benefit is a provision under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) that provides a benefit for a spouse of an employee who dies while working. The provision does not apply to you since you are w w w. n ar f e . o r g

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Questions & Answers

retired and you retired under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).

Cancelling life insurance coverage

Q

I’m retired and in my 70s.

I don’t have any family dependent on me and everything is paid for. I am paying a great deal for the federal life insurance coverage I have. How do I cancel my enrollment?

A

Write to the Office of Personnel Management and request to no longer be enrolled in the Federal Employees’

Group Life Insurance Program.

There is no form needed, but you must sign and date the letter.

Address the letter to: U.S. Office of Personnel Management, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017.

OPM Doesn’t compute tax-free portion

Q

Please let your readers know that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) does not calculate the nontaxable portion of your annuity and report it on Internal Revenue Service form 1099-R if you are a survivor annuitant. How do you suggest survivors do this?

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You are correct. OPM does not provide the tax-free portion of the annuity on a survivor annuitant’s IRS form 1099-R. OPM has said in the past that it cannot provide this information as easily for survivor annuitants as it can with most other annuitants. This is primarily because many surviving spouses are also paid for minor children.

The best reference for survivors to use to calculate the nontaxable amount of their annuities is IRS Publication 721, Tax Guide to U.S. Civil Service Retirement Benefits.

If they need more assistance, survivors can consult with a professional tax adviser, or they

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Questions & Answers

can call or visit their state IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. To find the closest center, go to www.

IRS.gov.

Federal Annuity is a lifelong benefit

Q

I retired from the federal government after 36 years of service. I have been retired for more than 20 years.

When will my annuity stop?

A

Your annuity will not stop.

You met the age and service requirements to retire voluntarily. Therefore, your annuity will last for the rest of your life.

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Getting a replacement Benefits Booklet

Q

I have lost the benefits booklet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent to me when it completed work on my retirement case. Can I get another one?

A

Yes. OPM will provide retirees and survivors a copy of the original booklet, Your Federal Retirement Benefits, or an updated one. To contact OPM to request that a booklet be sent to you, call this toll-free number: 888-767-6738 or use OPM’s Services Online at www.opm.gov.

Spousal SS benefit affected by GPO

Q

When I retired from federal service under the Civil Service Retirement System, I combined my military service with my civilian service.

I also get a modest monthly Social Security payment. My wife received only Social Security benefits until her death last April.

Social Security is telling me I’m not entitled to a part of my wife’s Social Security. Is that right?

A

No, that doesn’t sound quite right. You are entitled to a widower’s benefit based on your wife’s Social Security record, but the amount

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Questions & Answers

NARFE at Your Service you are eligible to receive may be wiped out due to the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

The GPO provision reduces the amount of your Social Security widower’s benefit by two-thirds of your federal annuity. In some cases, this can reduce the amount you are eligible for to zero.

Even if the GPO doesn’t reduce the amount to zero, it still may be lower than the amount of your own Social Security benefit. As you may know, you can receive only one benefit from Social Security, and usually Social Security pays the higher of the two benefits.

If you think you should receive something from your wife’s

Social Security, you can make an appointment at your local Social Security office and discuss the issue with a representative.

The Social Security Administration has an informative fact sheet on the GPO available on its website, www.ssa.gov, as well as a GPO calculator. To access the fact sheet, go to www.ssa.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10007.pdf.

To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 703-838-7760 and ask for the Federal Benefits Service Department; send your question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.

NARFE service officers are available to answer questions and to assist in helping with a variety of benefit matters. Check your chapter newsletter for the name and phone number of your service officer. For the nearest service officer, call NARFE (toll-free) at:

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Cover Story

NARFE-P I

t’s “NARFE-PAC Month,” and with the pivotal 2016 elections approaching, a central challenge of NARFE’s political action committee (PAC), will

be how it can best compete with a relatively new type of political organization on the campaign election scene — one that can throw vast sums of money into congressional races: the super PAC. A series of federal court decisions beginning in 2010, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, have opened the door to increased political spending by super PACs, formally known as independent expenditure-only committees. Super PACs are organizations allowed to raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, and then spend unlimited sums to advocate for or against political candidates, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

By David Tobenkin

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Illustration by Bill Pragluski, Critical Stages, LLC

PAC

w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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In contrast, under federal campaign finance rules, traditional PACs such as NARFE-PAC are limited to per-candidate contributions of $5,000 per election, which typically allows $10,000 per election cycle if contributions are made toward both the primary and general elections. Individuals such as NARFE members may only give $5,000 per year to a federal PAC like NARFE-PAC. There is no question that the proliferation of super PACs has had an impact on the overall influence of traditional PACs. “Overall spending on congressional elections since the Citizens United decision (the elections in 2010, 2012 and 2014) was about $3.65 billion per year, or $1 billion more, on average, than overall spending in the two previous elections (2006 and 2008), which cost about $2.67 billion,” says John Hatton, NARFE’s deputy legislative director. “That represents about a 37 percent increase in spending. At least a significant portion of that can be directly attributed to a rise in independent expenditures by outside (noncandidate or party committee) groups. In an environment with more overall spending, and all else held equal, NARFE-PAC makes up a smaller percentage of the overall campaign financing pie and, therefore, has less relative influence on its own.”

But that is not the end of the story, says NARFE Legislative Director Jessica Klement.

While the size of financial contributions and financial heft have their place in political campaigns, they are not all that matters, Klement says. Despite having fewer financial resources than many super PACs and traditional PACs, NARFE-PAC can and does compete effectively, she says.

“Our money is spent very wisely and strategically,” she says. “In the last cycle (2013-2014), 76 percent of the candidates who received NARFE-PAC contributions won their races.

In the previous cycle, it was 87 percent. But whether a candidate wins or not is not always the correct measure. Close margins in the races where our candidates lost is preferable to assuring a 100 percent success rate by only giving to safe candidates.”

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PACs and the Rise of Super PACs

PACs are committees chartered to administer, disburse and disclose funds contributed voluntarily and used solely for political purposes. The Federal Election Campaign Act requires all PACs to register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and to file periodic reports disclosing the money raised and spent. In addition, all candidates must identify the PACs that contribute to them.

NARFE-PAC, founded in 1982, is a separate, segregated fund of NARFE that includes only voluntary contributions from NARFE members made specifically for political purposes.

Essentially, NARFE-PAC depends on the direct, voluntary contributions of NARFE members, as campaign finance laws prohibit dues monies from being diverted to NARFE-PAC from NARFE’s general funds.

In 2010, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and a subsequent federal circuit court decision opened the door to the proliferation of a new political animal, the super PAC. In Citizens United, 550 U.S. 310 (2010), the Supreme Court held that the conservative lobbying group Citizens United did not violate the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (also known as the McCain-Feingold Act or BCRA), which was drafted to limit the flow of money into political campaigns, by advertising and paying to have a movie critical of Hillary Clinton, Hillary: The Movie, aired within 30 days of the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.

It also struck down the provisions of the BCRA that prohibited corporations (including nonprofit corporations) and unions from making independent expenditures and engaging in “electioneering communications.”

In a subsequent case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, SpeechNow v.

FEC, 599 F.3d 686 (D.C. Cir. 2010), that court struck down federal limits on contributions to federal political committees that make only independent expenditures and do not contribute to candidates or political parties. The court found that the activities of SpeechNow.org, an unincorporated nonprofit association organized to promote the First Amendment rights of free

Show Off Your NARFE-PAC Pride!

NARFE recognizes generous NARFE-PAC donors based on the following contribution levels (made over the course of the 2015-2016 election cycle):

$25-$49.99 Basic Level NARFE-PAC 20152016 lapel pin (red, white and blue) $50-$99.99 Bronze Level NARFE-PAC 2015-2016 lapel pin $100-$199.99 Silver Level NARFEPAC 2015-2016 lapel pin $250-or more Gold Level NARFE-PAC 2015-2016 lapel pin plus a NARFE duffle bag.

Additionally, members who sign up for monthly credit card contributions of $10 or more receive the NARFE Sustainer lapel pin and a NARFE duffle bag.

In addition to giving using the envelope on the cover wrap of this issue, NARFE members can give online at the NARFE website, www. narfe.org, or at chapter meetings. (Chapter NARFE-PAC officers may request supplies of the Basic Level NARFE-PAC pin to promote contributions at chapter meetings. Because of limited supplies, the duffle bags and the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Sustainer pins will be distributed primarily from NARFE Headquarters.)

speech and freedom to assemble by expressly advocating for federal candidates supportive of its views and against those opposed to them, was not barred by those provisions.

As a result of those decisions, “We ended up with no law on this and, thus, super PACs were born,” says Jennifer Duffy, senior editor at The Cook Political Report.

This new breed of PACs can accept unlimited contributions from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, and then can spend unlimited sums in the form of independent expenditures for or against political candidates.

What they cannot do is contribute directly to, or coordinate their efforts with, a particular candidate’s campaign.

Many have criticized the effect of super PACs on the electoral process, particularly the use of money they have raised to flood television airwaves with commercials for or against candi-

dates just before elections. And many question whether super PAC coordination with candidates, a practice that super PACs are supposed to be prohibited from doing, is actually occurring.

It is clear that the amount spent by super PACs is growing. “In just 10 months of operation in 2010, almost 80 super PACs emerged, spending a total of approximately $90 million – more than $60 million of which went to elect or defeat federal candidates through independent expenditures,” noted a 2013 Congressional Research Service report, “Super PACs in Federal Elections: Overview and Issues for Congress.”

“Super PAC activity increased sharply in 2012; more than 400 active super PACs spent more than $600 million directly supporting or opposing candidates.”

Still, the effect of all that new spending is not entirely clear. There is some evidence that even the best-funded PACs and super PACs may w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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not have that much more influence despite their split among many candidates, than in general extra dollars. elections, where both candidates are more likely “Money didn’t buy the midterms,” concluded to have the financial support of their respective an analysis in the [nonpartisan] National parties, Hudak says.

Journal of the November 2014 midterm election He also says that it is likely that super PACs results. have a greater impact in races where the candi“Yes, Democrats were swept from power, and dates have clearly divergent views on key issues, (Majority Leader Harry) Reid from his post as as this facilitates super PAC spending to highlight leader,” wrote author Shane Goldmacher. “Yet the candidates’ differences on those issues. few observers would place the blame on a lack The future path of super PACs may depend of money. Instead, most would point to a tough on how they are treated by courts and regupolitical environment, a hostile Senate map, lated by federal agencies, says Hudak. “Conand – more than anything else – an unpopular gress could offer better definitions for what a president, as the factors that dragged down super PAC is and is not, for what is prohibited Democrats nationwide.” candidate support and what is not, and what The possible caveat to that analysis is that types of spending are acceptable. The Federal several political observers quoted by GoldElection Commission and the IRS could also macher noted that the fact that neither side help clarify legal and regulatory aspects. The could buy the election in part reflected the fact results and actions related to the 2016 camthat both sides spent so heavily in the election. paigns could drive cases that will help provide “Super PACs are clearly having an impact, clarity.” but whether they are changing the outcomes of races is not clear,” says John Hudak, a fellow A Continuing Role for PACs at the Brookings Institution’s Center for EffecSome openly doubt how much of an effect tive Public Management and managing editor super PACs will have on traditional PACs. “For of Brookings’ FixGov blog. “Usually more PAC most traditional PACs that have a particular and super PAC money is met with other PAC interest or membership interest, super PACs and super PAC money. Still, if only one side was will not have that much impact,” says Duffy. “A spending money, it would have an effect.” traditional PAC doesn’t have the same amount Neither Brookings nor Hudak take a position of money that a super PAC has and, even if you on whether super PACs are good or bad, Hudak did, would you be doing the same things that says. “In general, some people think what super PACs do? I don’t think so, and I don’t super PACs are doing is great, while others think that the presence of super PACs has think they represent a problem for the Member Contributions to NARFE-PAC system.” $2,500,000 Generally, super PACs tend to have a $2,000,000 larger influence in primaries, where a $1,500,000 given party’s support for candidates may be $1,000,000

The chart at right shows NARFE-PAC contributions by election cycle. Contributions have decreased considerably over time, a trend NARFE hopes to reverse in 2015-2016.

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$920,309.66

$500,000 $Election Year

8990

9192

9394

9596

9798

9900

0102

0304

0506

0708

0910

1112

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NARFE-PAC: Questions and Answers

What is NARFE-PAC? NARFE-PAC is a separate, segregated fund of the Association comprised only of voluntary contributions from NARFE members specifically for political purposes. There can be no commingling of monies contributed to NARFE-PAC and other monies of the Association. The two elected national officers of NARFE and the Legislative Director constitute NARFE’s Political Action Committee (PAC) Board. The Board is responsible for the final decision on which candidates for the House and Senate will receive NARFE-PAC contributions.

How does NARFE-PAC decide to whom to give money?

A number of factors are considered when deciding whether to contribute to a particular candidate for congressional office, including, but not limited to: • Voting record on NARFE issues, or candidate questionnaires for nonincumbents; • Recommendations from federation NARFEPAC coordinators, with input from local chapters, including how accessible the candidate is to local NARFE members, chapters and the federation; • The influence a legislator can exert in support of NARFE goals – whether it is through a party leadership position, committee assignment or a particular area of expertise; • The competitiveness of the candidate’s race.

Is NARFE-PAC limited to making disbursements to congressional candidates from a particular state based on the amount of NARFE-PAC contributions received from NARFE members in that state?

No. NARFE-PAC is a national PAC and is not

NARFE-PAC:

designed to have parity between the amount of money received from NARFE members in a state and NARFE-PAC disbursements made to candidates in that state. NARFE-PAC pools the voluntary contributions from NARFE members throughout the country to create one unified PAC, allowing NARFE-PAC to wield its influence where it can make the biggest impact.

Is there anything we should know before discussing NARFE-PAC with a member of Congress or congressional candidate?

Yes. Do not discuss NARFE-PAC contributions with members of Congress or staff while at their congressional offices, as legislators and staff conduct official government duties within these government-owned buildings. At worst, this could be a violation of federal law. Also, campaign contributions may not be given in exchange for official acts or promises of official acts by a candidate, including in exchange for votes or cosponsoring bills.

Can we collect money for NARFE-PAC at a chapter meeting or federation convention?

Yes. However, due to campaign finance law, individual contributions to NARFE-PAC cannot be consolidated and transmitted via chapter or federation account check. A cashier’s check, money order or personal check must be used and names and member IDs recorded for each contributor.

What does it mean to be a NARFE-PAC Sustainer?

The NARFE-PAC Sustainer program allows NARFE members to sign up to make monthly contributions to NARFE-PAC. Monthly contributions must be made using a credit card and be at least $10.

by the numbers

32,743

NARFE members contributed to NARFE-PAC in the 2013-2014 election cycle.

$920,309.66

was contributed to NARFE-PAC during the 2013-2014 election cycle.

$28.11

was the average contribution during the 2013-2014 election cycle.

$1 million

is NARFE-PAC’s goal to raise during the 20152016 election cycle. Help us reach this goal by giving now. Every dollar counts!

Where can we learn more?

A NARFE-PAC-specific page on the NARFE website, www.narfe.org, includes links to resources, including the NARFE-PAC Toolkit, a NARFE-PAC brochure, forms, and contribution and disbursement reports, which show how much money each federation and chapter has raised for NARFE-PAC and to which candidates NARFE-PAC funds have been given. The contribution and disbursement reports are member-protected.

—By Jason Freeman, Political and legislative specialist

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dampened membership in particular PACs.” At the end of the day, traditional PACs still offer a great campaign investment for individuals, Duffy says. “What percent of a given PAC’s membership could max out to a candidate?” she asks. “PACs allow someone who gives $100 a year to a PAC a big boost by combining that with other contributions to the PAC to make a $10,000 contribution to a candidate. It increases the value of their contribution.”

In the case of NARFE-PAC, super PACs are not the first campaign finance giant with which it has had to contend. NARFE-PAC, which works in conjunction with NARFE’s lobbying and grass-roots efforts, has long had experience functioning as an advocate without the deep pockets of some others advocating on Capitol Hill. NARFE is not one of the PAC financial heavyweights. Among all PACs, the leaders for contributions to candidates and other commit-

tees from January 1, 2013, to November 24, 2014, were the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education, first with contributions of $5.6 million; Honeywell International PAC at $5.03 million; and Engineers Political Education Committee at $4.97 million, according to Federal Election Commission data.

Among membership PACs such as NARFE, NARFE-PAC ranked 44th in contributions to candidates and other committees, with contributions of $441,000 over the same period, less than one-tenth of the contributions of the top membership PAC, the National Association of Realtors PAC, which made contributions of $4.9 million over that period.

Fight Fire with Fire?

Still, would it make sense to, in essence, fight fire with fire and establish a NARFE super PAC?

NARFE-PAC NARFE Legislative Director Jessica Klement stresses the importance of NARFE-PAC leaders at the regional, federation and chapter levels in promoting NARFE-PAC. “It is critically important that our leaders support what NARFE-PAC is doing and make sure members understand the value of NARFEPAC,” Klement says. “Otherwise, members’ only interaction with NARFE-PAC may be through narfe magazine, which is not sufficient.”

The influx of more money into political campaigns, in part due to the rise of super PACs, means that NARFE-PAC coordinators need to be more proactive than in the past, says Donald Binder, NARFE-PAC coordinator for the NARFE Washington Federation and NARFE-PAC regional coordinator for Region IX, which includes Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.

Campaigning, particularly for the House, now begins as soon as a new Congress is sworn in. Thus, Binder says, NARFE-PAC requests start right after the new Congress

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Best Practices

takes office.

Binder says that one challenge is that many members choose to favor NARFE’s official charity, Alzheimer’s research, over contributions to NARFE-PAC. He says that it is important that NARFE-PAC coordinators and chairs articulate often and passionately the importance of NARFE-PAC’s mission in supporting members’ earned benefits.

Binder strives to publish information about NARFE-PAC activities that is as upto-date as possible, to the point of obtaining approval for altering the publication date of the Washington Federation newsletter to provide more current PAC information.

“The key issue for NARFE-PAC is educate, educate, educate. We need to do a better job,” Binder says. “We need to use the new tools in the Toolkit that are on the NARFE website and have someone talk about NARFE-PAC at every chapter meeting and federation convention.”

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Klement says such an entity would not be a good fit with NARFE for several reasons. Practically speaking, the benefits of establishing such an entity would be to allow, first, contributions of more than $10,000 by the super PAC to issuerelated campaigns and, second, non-NARFE members and NARFE members to contribute unlimited amounts to the super PAC. But that would provide little benefit to NARFE, Klement says, as the Association’s membership largely includes those living on fixed incomes. Existing fundraising rarely results in large individual donations, and there is no presumed pool of well-heeled outsiders likely to contribute large sums to a NARFE super PAC. “Other similar groups have giving tiers that are higher than ours,” Klement points out. “One does breakfast with the president of the association during its convention for a PAC contribution of $750. That wouldn’t work for NARFE. Our VIP breakfast at our convention in Orlando was $50, and as a sustainer credit-card member who gives more than $100 in a cycle, you come in free. We have to tailor our incentives to our members to be successful.”

Klement says there are some positive signs regarding member interest in NARFE-PAC: “Our breakfast in Orlando brought in 300 attendees, 100 more people than two years earlier, and there was more attention on NARFEPAC at that convention than in the past.” At the convention, one-time contributions totaled $9,500, and 57 new sustaining pledges will annualize to an additional $7,800.

But that will not change the organization’s financial position in the larger picture with respect to the viability of forming a super PAC, she notes.

Also, establishing a super PAC would involve requirements and rules that could prove costly and administratively difficult. A NARFE super PAC would, for example, require the newly established super PAC to use its own overhead and to have separate employees and building space.

But aside from financial reasons, there are other reasons why a NARFE super PAC would not make sense, Klement and Hatton say. Most significantly, the federal rule barring super PACs 30

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from making contributions directly to candidates would work against NARFE’s typical efforts to develop relationships with candidates.

“In many cases, we would prefer to send NARFE members within the members’ congressional districts or states to a local event rather than attend (as a lobbyist) an event in Washington, DC,” Hatton says. “We believe this helps show members of Congress that this is money coming from voters within their state, and helps build a relationship between NARFE constituents and their members of Congress.”

“NARFE-PAC money creates the opportunity to meet the leadership and attend some of the smaller high-powered events,” says Alan Lopatin, a Washington, DC, lobbyist who provides lobbying services to NARFE. “It’s a personal relationship that allows you to be a trusted voice to legislators.”

Klement says it is not just the amount of money that is raised, but rather how it is used that can be important in campaigns.

Money raised by NARFE-PAC is spent sticking to the knitting of funding the general campaigns of candidates, says Klement. “We are not doing TV ads; rather, the money goes directly to candidates running for office to spend as they see fit. One can reasonably ask what benefit the incredibly negative, sometimes false ads supported by super PACs are having on the public.”

In some cases, NARFE-PAC campaign contributions may have helped make the difference, says NARFE’s Hatton. “It is difficult to point to any one factor as the cause of an election victory,” he says. “At the end of the day, voters make their decisions about the candidates based on the information presented to them. But in particularly close races, a last-minute pitch could make the difference in voters’ minds. In the 2012 general election, our very last PAC contribution went to the re-election campaign of [now former] Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-NC, who went on to win his race by just 654 votes,” Hatton says. “The late infusion of cash just may have pushed him over the finish line.”

—David Tobenkin is a freelance writer based in the greater Washington, DC, area.

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Federal Employees

e bo

What every government employee know about the disease

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and

o la

e and retiree should

Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection from one of the strains of the Ebola virus. The virus, found in several African countries, was first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Since then, outbreaks have appeared sporadically in Africa. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current Ebola epidemic is the largest ever. It affects countries in West Africa, especially Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali. As of January 1, two cases originating in Africa and two cases involving health care workers have been reported in the United States.

On October 25, 2014, President Obama committed the United States to combatting Ebola throughout the world.

“We have to work together at every level − federal, state and local,” he said. “And we have to keep leading the global response, because the best way to stop this disease, the best way to keep Americans safe, is to stop it at its source − in West Africa.” In his State of the Union message January 20, Obama expressed his pride in the U.S. troops, scientists, doctors, nurses and health care workers who are “rolling back Ebola.”

While it is unlikely that many federal workers will contract Ebola at their workplace, some employees − especially those who work in health care and transportation security at West African embassies or in border protection − are more at risk than others.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has deployed men and women in uniform to Monrovia, Liberia, as part of the United Nations’ “Operation United Assistance” mission. And DOD troops and civilians also are part of what has been called a “whole of government” response to the epidemic, led by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the CDC. The federal government has established nine mobile labs in and near Monrovia, eight operated by DOD and one by CDC. DOD trainers are teaching West Africans how to dispose of the bodies of Ebola victims in a dignified and safe man-

By Everett A. Chasen Top: A U.S. serviceman disinfects his shoes at an Ebola treatment center in Liberia. Bottom: USAID airlifts medical supplies to areas affected by Ebola.

Photos: USAID

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Federal Employees and

ebola ner, and are helping Africans living in hard-toreach forest regions and rural communities.

The CDC is assisting with exit screening and communication efforts in West Africa to keep sick travelers from getting on planes, and is working with airlines to address crew and airline staff concerns while making sure humanitarian and public health organizations are able to continue sending assistance to affected countries.

The agency also is working closely with Customs and Border Protection and other organizations at ports of entry, especially international airports, to use routine processes to identify travelers who show signs of the disease. It also is helping prepare American health care facilities to manage patients suspected of having Ebola.

In addition, federal medical researchers − including those at the National Institutes of Health and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research − are working on two vaccines and a treatment for the virus. One vaccine is already being tested on humans to determine its efficacy and safety.

In a statement, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) said, “there are hundreds of thousands of health care, emergency response, transportation security and DOD civilian workers who are potentially at risk of Ebola exposure.”

DIFFERENT ENEMY, SAME BATTLE

Some federal employees involved in the fight against Ebola are veterans of battles against other infectious diseases, such as pandemic influenza threats and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Among the federal employees who have worked with viruses before is Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. Fauci became director of NIAID in 1984 and helped lead the federal government’s response to HIV. He told The Washington Post recently that there were similarities between the responses, saying that people developed “anxiety about things that were scientifically unrealistic,” especially as it related to rumors about how the viruses are spread.

And Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel placed Ebola in the context of a challenge to which DOD has previously prepared to respond. On November 17, 2014, at Fort Campbell, KY, Hagel said: “The 34

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challenges and threats that face our country in the world today are not just from Islamic fundamentalists or from terrorists but from health diseases and pandemic health threats that threaten the world. Ebola is part of that overall scope of threats.”

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency has invested more than $300 million since 2003 to develop medical countermeasures against hemorrhagic fever viruses and has used that information to help develop vaccines to counter the current epidemic.

WHAT AT-RISK EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS SHOULD KNOW

The Ebola virus can be spread from person to person through direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth; with the blood or body fluids of a person who is ill with Ebola; through objects such as needles and syringes that have been contaminated with the virus; and through infected fruit bats or primates such as apes and monkeys.

According to the CDC, Ebola is not spread through the air like the flu, by water or in general by food. There is no evidence that mosquitoes or other insects can transmit the Ebola virus. If a person does not have symptoms of Ebola, such as fever, severe headache, muscle and stomach pain, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding or bruising, he or she is not contagious. These symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is eight to 10 days.

In Africa, Ebola may be spread as a result of handling wild animals hunted for food and by contact with infected bats. Only a few species of mammals − such as humans, bats, monkeys and apes − can be infected by and spread the Ebola virus.

“CDC currently recommends against nonessential travel to the affected countries,” says Kristen Nordlund, CDC public affairs officer.

“It really is important to know and be realistic about your exposure,” explains Nordlund.

“Only people who have been in one of the affected countries or have been in contact with blood or body fluids, contaminated objects, or an infected animal could be at risk.”

DOD GUIDANCE

In an October 28, 2014, memorandum, General Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of

Staff, required all service members participating in Operation United Assistance to be monitored for 21 days after their departure from West Africa.

Dempsey’s memo was followed by an October 31 memo from Jessica L. Wright, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Wright’s memo described the level of surveillance DOD requires for deployed troops, both during deployment and afterwards.

These measures include a full evaluation by a health care professional for all individuals reporting exposure to Ebola while deployed. The memo also requires all military personnel moved out of the theater of operations due to an elevated risk of exposure to be quarantined for 21 days at a designated DOD facility.

Participating DOD personnel already were required to undergo one of three training programs before deployment. All deploying service members must learn about the basic disease process, transmission and symptoms; avoidance awareness; recognition of Ebola symptoms; proper hand washing; how to put on and remove personal protective equipment; and other issues.

Personnel assigned to medical units or expected to handle exposed casualty remains also receive training in clinical care, outbreak epidemiology, control measures, cleaning and disinfecting, and waste disposal techniques, among other topics. They also learn how to provide psychological support to people with Ebola and to the staff of African medical units.

Civilian DOD employees serving in West Africa, and other American citizens helping to end the epidemic, can opt out of the monitoring required of service members. Those who choose to abide by CDC guidelines cannot go on temporary duty travel for the 21-day active monitoring period.

OTHER AGENCIES’ ACTIONS

Other agencies also have provided guidance to their at-risk staff. The Office of Health Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided guidance to DHS staff and contractors conducting airport screening of travelers from Ebola-affected countries. All travelers from countries where there are Ebola outbreaks must arrive at one of five designated U.S. airports − in New York City; Newark, NJ; Washington, DC; Chicago; and Atlanta.

DHS staffers have been reminded to observe the agency’s RING guidance (Recognize, Isolate,

Notify and Give Support) on managing ill travelers. DHS employees charged with escorting travelers to hospitals or to CDC centers are required to wear gloves, face shields or goggles, facemasks and a personal protective suit when they encounter any traveler who is demonstrating symptoms consistent with Ebola.

All DHS employees interacting with travelers must wear gloves, and those conducting additional inspections or agriculture inspections must wear goggles and a facemask.

Federal health care employees also have received guidance from the CDC similar to that given to all hospitals in the United States. CDC has suggested all health care workers be provided with basic disease information, guidance documents, diagnostic tools and job aids to help them safely identify and care for patients with Ebola.

Health care workers are asked always to use standard infection control precautions when dealing with patients and are told if there are concerns that a patient could meet the criteria for Ebola, that patient should immediately be separated from others.

Patients suspected of being infected with Ebola should be assessed for either travel to or from West Africa or contact with someone infected with Ebola. Other factors include a recent fever as well as other symptoms of infection. Patients with both exposure and symptoms should immediately be isolated in private rooms. In addition, a log should be established of everyone who enters and leaves the patients’ rooms and appropriate personal protective gear should be worn when dealing with the patient.

Throughout, CDC guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting and managing waste should be followed.

In addition, federal health care providers should alert other state or local public health authorities, and hospitals’ infection control program head and other appropriate staff should be notified.

OPM’S ROLE

For most federal agencies, the Ebola outbreak is not the first time their employees have been placed at risk of contracting communicable diseases, including those that require quarantines.

Every winter, many federal workers are exposed to strains of influenza that are either seasonal or pandemic. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has developed guidelines for w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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Federal Employees and

ebola agencies when a potentially pandemic strain of influenza appears. Those guidelines formed the basis for the agency’s Ebola guidance.

In a November 25, 2014, memo, OPM Director Katherine Archuleta reminded federal agencies of the wide range of human relations policies and options available to them in this area.

OPM believes agencies should, in general, follow CDC recommendations in determining what worksite and duty restrictions, if any, should be placed on employees potentially exposed to the Ebola virus. However, state or local health authorities, or health officials of foreign governments in nations where feds who serve outside the United States reside, may also provide movement restrictions on those U.S. government employees that would prevent them from reporting to their normal workplaces. Agencies are required to support such restrictions.

For employees quarantined until 21 days after their last possible exposure, OPM suggests agencies allow for telework assignments. They may also, at their discretion, allow employees to take sick leave, annual leave, advance leave or leave without pay; or they may place the employee on excused absence (administrative leave). According to Archuleta, “while excused absence is generally used as a last resort, it may be approved in special circumstances.”

However, for employees who are quarantined due to possible exposure to Ebola directly resulting from a work assignment, OPM believes “it would be appropriate to provide some amount of excused absence.” In these special circumstances, “an agency head may reasonably determine that excused absence is the appropriate tool,” although an agency may attach conditions to its use.

Employees quarantined for reasons not relating to their work may request donated annual leave under the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program, since the quarantine qualifies as a “medical emergency.”

OPM also addressed the issue of actions an agency should take if an employee refuses to report to work because another employee − who has recently traveled to West Africa and hasn’t had to be quarantined − will be working at the same location. According to the memo, “an employee has no right to refuse to report to work in this situation, and no right to special accommodations.”

At its discretion, however, an agency may grant 36

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the employee’s requests for use of annual leave, compensatory time or credit hours. Ad hoc telework options are also an alternative.

Should a federal employee actually be diagnosed with Ebola and have contracted the disease through a work assignment, that employee may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and may be granted excused absence, even for a short period of time after the employee is free of the virus, based on a physician’s recommendation. An employee whose diagnosis was not caused by work will have sick leave granted or advanced for a reasonable period of time − including the recovery period − and if telework is practicable, those requests also can be granted.

IS IT ENOUGH?

On October 14, 2014, J. David Cox, Sr., president of AFGE, said, “our members at TSA [Transportation Security Administration], Border Patrol and elsewhere have expressed concerns about their risk of exposure.” Cox said the union would continue working “to ensure all appropriate precautions are in place and to ensure that our officers receive the best prevention training and personal protective equipment available.”

AFGE and the AFL-CIO have asked Congress for funding or legislation to ensure that workers and the public are protected. Among those protections are requests for measures prohibiting retaliation against workers who publicly raise concerns about their facilities’ preparedness, and for compensating workers who lose their jobs due to Ebola exposure. “[We] believe that protecting ([ederal] workers is an integral part in protecting the public from exposure and ensuring health care facilities are properly equipped to handle the treatment of communicable disease,” AFGE says.

As of now, however, no federal employee has become infected with the virus, and it is hoped precautions currently in place will keep workers safe.

“We want to thank the other federal agencies and their employees for helping in this fight,” says the CDC’s Nordlund. “The organizations and people that we have worked with have been incredibly professional and willing to help.”

—Everett A. (Ev) Chasen is a writer and a communications consultant, and coauthor of the book “The Manager’s Communication Toolbox,” published in 2012 by ASTD Press. He retired from the federal government in 2009 after 35 years of service.

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Tax Time Tip: Rules for Reporting Cost basis

T

ax season is upon us, and fretting over tax information — receipts, 1099s, documentation related to a recently sold investment’s cost basis

and the like — is in full force. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires investors to pay tax each and every year that they receive income, such as dividends and capital gains distribution, from their investments. This holds true whether they receive these distributions as cash or reinvest them to purchase additional shares.

Investors who reinvest their investment income must make adjustments to the original cost and report the adjusted cost upon the sale of the investment.

Cost basis tracking and reporting is perhaps one of the most arduous and error-prone exercises embarked upon by investors. Proper reporting is not only required for the most obvious reason – it’s the law – but it’s important for investors as well because it ensures they won’t be subject to double taxation.

For example, let’s assume that on January 15, 2013, John invests $10,000 in ABC Mutual Fund, purchasing 1,000 shares for $10 per share. In December 2013, ABC Mutual Fund pays a dividend of $1,000, which John reinvests at $9 per share to purchase an additional 111.11 shares. John adjusts his cost basis to $11,000, and when he files his 2013 tax return, he’ll report and pay tax on the

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$1,000 dividend.

If John sells all of his shares in ABC Mutual Fund for $11,000 the following year, he’ll report the sale on his 2014 tax return, and the $11,000 cost basis for a taxable gain of $0. Had John failed to track the cost basis, and simply reported the $10,000 purchase as the cost, he would have shown a gain of $1,000, effectively paying tax on the dividend twice.

Investors may sell less than all of their shares in an investment, and if they purchased these shares at different times and prices (as in John’s case), they may have different tax bases for different shares. In this case, the IRS provides three different methods for determining tax basis of the shares sold: specific identification; first in, first out (FIFO); or average cost.

The average cost method may be used with open-ended

By Mark A. Keen,

CFP®

mutual funds and is determined by taking the total cost of the investment (including all reinvested distributions) and dividing by the total number of shares owned. John’s average cost is $9.90 per share – $11,000 divided by 1,111.11 shares.

FIFO requires investors to use the first share purchased as the first share sold. If John chose FIFO as his cost basis reporting method, he would report the cost of the 1,000 shares he originally purchased until those 1,000 shares are gone, followed by the cost of the 111.11 shares he purchased through reinvestment.

For example, if John sold 500 shares of ABC Mutual Fund, he would report a cost per share of $10. John would have 611.11 shares left – 500 of the shares with a cost of $10 and 111.11 shares with a cost of $9. If John subsequently sold 550 shares, he’ll report a cost of $10 for 500 shares and $9 for 50 shares.

The specific identification method permits investors to pick and choose the shares they sell and may be used when investors are able to identify the securities being sold. If they qualify, investors may use this method to their advantage, selecting the shares that produce the smallest taxable gain, taxable loss, or other outcome best for his or her circumstances.

FINANCIAL TOOLS NARFE offers an online retirement calculator and other financial planning tools. Find out more at www.narfe.org/ federalbenefits.

Considering many investors hold investments for years, even decades, accounting for every purchase, sale, stock split, reinvested dividend and capital gain distribution can be challenging. Until recently, tracking and reporting cost basis fell solely on the shoulders of investors. Fortunately, new rules are shifting the burden from investors to the investment firms with which the investment is held. Don’t be fooled, however. The new rules

weren’t put into place to help investors. They were put in place to recapture the billions of dollars of tax revenue the Government Accountability Office estimates is lost each year because of incorrect cost basis information. Regardless, for those citizens who maintain meticulous records, the new rules are a welcome change.

Don’t throw out your records, though, as the new rules apply only to shares purchased after the start date for the relevant security type (stocks, January 1, 2011; mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, January 1, 2012; and certain bonds and options, January 1, 2015). To learn more about cost basis, see IRS Publications 550 and 551.

Mark A. Keen, CFP®, is partner, Keen & Pocock, 10300 Eaton place, Fairfax, VA, and an investment adviser representative and registered principal of The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Securities and advisory services are offered through SFA. Email: mkeen@keenpocock.com.

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39

The Informed Citizen

Power of 1: You

By Christopher Farrell, senior analyst

R

epublicans scored large gains in the Congress (net gain of 14 House seats and nine Senate seats), among governors (net gain of three governors) and state legislatures (net gain of some 300 seats) this past November. At both the national and state levels, the GOP holds more seats than any time since 1928. In addition to majorities in the House and Senate, Republicans now control 68 state legislative chambers to only 30 by Democrats.

ficial’s mailing address, phone number and website, where updates can be requested.

Knowing your legislators’ names is the start. The goal is for them to learn about our issues from their NARFE constituents via correspondence, chapter speaking invitations and face-toface meetings.

However, the not-as-well-publicized fact is that there are even more first-term legislators whose political party is the same as the previous holder of that position.

Turnover in state legislatures is much higher than in Congress.

The 1,092 state senate elections produced 181 brand-new state senators. Of the 5,411 seats in the “lower” chambers of the 49 bicameral legislatures, 4,957 seats were up in 2014. In these seats 1,144 turnovers occurred.

Only some turnover is due to term limits (223 state legislators were term limited). The larger causes are electoral defeat or voluntary retirement. Bottom line: Turnover has created much opportunity for the agile advocate.

Resources • To access NARFE’s Legislative Action Center, select Legislation at the top left of the home page and then scroll down. The specific URL is http://cqrcengage. com/narfe/.

• The Library of Congress provides a gateway to the legislatures of the states and territories: http://thomas.loc. gov/home/state-legislatures. html. Many of these sites provide comprehensive information, such as listing of legislators, maps and locators and a searchable database of pending legislation.

• To access a list of the 71 newly elected members of Congress. use www.narfe.org/legislation/ articles.cfm?id=3217.

• To see a state-by-state list of legislative turnover use www. ncsl.org/research/elections-andcampaigns/2014-post-electionturnover.aspx.

Want additional information?

Contact the author, cfarrell@ narfe.org or phone 571-4831265.

When, Why and How Politicians are ever eager to please, but particularly so when first elected and at the start of a new session. If you have not done so already, now is an excellent time to contact your congressional delegation, governor and state legislators by 40

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telephone, mail or email. Almost all members of Congress want their constituents to register on their websites for electronic newsletters. Governors and state legislators will vary widely, but most send periodic updates during the session and a summary at adjournment.

When asking for periodic updates, tell your elected officials something about yourself and that you will share their communications with fellow NARFE chapter members. Congressional staff and state legislative aides will mark you as a potential opinion leader.

Updated Legislative Action Center NARFE’s Legislative Action Center is both entirely new and a work in progress. What is already available for the mere insertion of a ZIP code (even better to use your ZIP+4) is a list of both national and state elected officials. Below each photograph is a link to further information, which usually includes the of-

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Alzheimer’s Update

Our Committee, your commitment

A

s the new chair of the NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the committee, its members and the role

we play in support of NARFE’s efforts to raise funds for research aimed at finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

The committee is composed of 10 members, each of whom serves as the Alzheimer’s coordinator for one of NARFE’s 10 geographic regions.

I am the coordinator for Region VII (for a list of states in each region, see p. 2 of every issue of narfe magazine under “Regional Vice Presidents”). The other committee members, who will serve through 2016, are: Dennis Gawron, Region I; James Boyle, Region II; Louise Shay, Region III; Diana Iuliano-Chan, Region IV; Janice Neuschafer, Region V; Helen Landry, Region VI; Barb Leetch, Region VIII; Gen Boguslawski, Region IX; and Donna Shackelford, Region X. Some of these members also serve as federation Alzheimer’s coordinators, which gives you an idea of their dedication to this worthy cause.

I was appointed by National President Richard G. Thissen to succeed Jane Rodgers as committee chair. Jane served faithfully on the committee for many years, and we applaud her service and dedication. Gen Boguslawski continues as vice chair and historian.

42

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As regional coordinators and national committee members, we: • Oversee NARFE’s Alzheimer’s fundraising for our region; • Act as an information resource for federation and chapter Alzheimer’s coordinators; • Attend the annual NARFEAlzheimer’s Committee meeting with staff from the Alzheimer’s Association; • Visit federation conventions in our regions, if invited, to talk about the program; and • Vote annually on which research projects to fund with NARFE-collected monies.

In addition, we keep track of fundraising activities in our regions, monitor contribution amounts and resolve any discrepancies on the gift analysis reports provided to NARFE by the Alzheimer’s Association.

You may have read in the January issue of narfe magazine that NARFE surpassed the $11 million mark in raising funds for Alzheimer’s research in late 2014. Your generosity made this happen! At the 2014 National Convention, a new goal was set to raise $12 million by

By Merv Stuckey, NARFE-alzheimer’s Chair

the end of 2016. Another goal of mine is to help raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s robs people of their dignity, their health and ultimately, their lives. While the large majority of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s are over age 65, there are an estimated 200,000 people in the United States who are in their 40s and 50s and suffering from this terrible, debilitating condition. Funding for research is ongoing, but it is far below the level of support for other major diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

In addition to donating funds, each of us can help fight Alzheimer’s by volunteering for clinical trials through the Alzheimer’s Association’s TrialMatch program. This is a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers and physicians with current studies. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association online at www.alz. org/trialmatch for more information. There are several clinical sites across the country.

Your investment is a little of your time, which makes it possible to advance research in slowing or curing this disease.

Merv stuckey is chair of the NARFEAlzheimer’s National Committee. email: narferoadrunner@comcast.net. This column appears quarterly.

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2014

’15

2014

For the Record

Thrift Savings Plan Monthly Returns G FUND

F FUND

C FUND

S FUND

I FUND

FEBRUARY

0.18%

0.62%

4.58%

5.43%

5.58%

March

0.19%

(0.15%)

0.85%

(0.69%)

(0.57%)

APRIL

0.20%

0.90%

0.75%

(2.47%)

1.51%

MAY

0.20%

1.21%

2.35%

1.52%

1.72%

June

0.19%

0.14%

2.07%

4.45%

0.99%

JULY

0.19%

(0.19%)

(1.37%)

(4.38%)

(1.95%)

AUGUST

0.20%

1.12%

4.01%

4.98%

(0.14%)

SEPTEMBER

0.18%

(0.58%)

(1.40%)

(5.10%)

(3.82%)

OCTOBER

0.20%

0.96%

2.45%

4.11%

(0.63%)

NOVEMBER

0.17%

0.74%

2.70%

1.33%

0.51%

DECEMBER

0.18%

0.21%

(0.24%)

0.99%

(4.13%)

JANUARY

0.18%

2.13%

(2.99%)

(1.85%)

1.19%

YTD

0.18%

2.13%

(2.99%)

(1.85%)

1.19%

LAST 12 MO

2.27%

7.31%

14.32%

7.86%

(0.10%)

10 yr

3.39%

4.65%

7.44%

10.43%

7.08%

L INCOME

L 2020

L 2030

L 2040

L 2050

FEBRUARY

1.15%

2.73%

3.44%

3.94%

4.44%

MARCH

0.19%

0.17%

0.14%

0.12%

0.09%

APRIL

0.31%

0.39%

0.37%

0.32%

0.32%

MAY

0.64%

1.20%

1.46%

1.63%

1.78%

JUNE

0.58%

1.19%

1.52%

1.77%

1.96%

JULY

(0.26%)

(0.97%)

(1.34%)

(1.63%)

(1.86%)

0.84%

1.64%

2.07%

2.40%

2.61%

(0.42%)

(1.36%)

(1.84%)

(2.18%)

(2.50%)

OCTOBER

0.61%

1.09%

1.36%

1.58%

1.70%

NOVEMBER

0.55%

1.04%

1.27%

1.42%

1.55%

DECEMBER

(0.04%)

(0.50%)

(0.67%)

(0.76%)

(0.94%)

JANUARY

(0.08%)

(0.58%)

(0.83%)

(1.02%)

(1.18%)

YTD

(0.08%)

(0.58%)

(0.83%)

(1.02%)

(1.18%)

4.13%

6.12%

7.04%

7.66%

8.03%

AUGUST

’15

SEPTEMBER

LAST 12 MO

THIS CHART is provided as a service to NARFE members who enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan while employed by the federal government. Retirees are not eligible for enrollment. These returns are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Percentages in () are negative. Source: TSP

Funds report mixed results in january Global markets ended mixed in January as lessthan-robust U.S. and global economic outlooks and declining energy prices continued to create uncertainty. Large stocks (C Fund) fell as corporate earnings prospects looked too optimistic.

Small stocks (S Fund) closed lower in sympathy with large stocks. International equities (I Fund) rose on hopes that stronger central bank intervention would support future economic prospects. The fixed income markets (F Fund) closed strongly higher on the backs of lower interest rates and the prospects of slower global growth.

—BY Benjamin Gong, Financial analyst, Thrift Savings Plan

Countdown to cola

T

he Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) decreased 0.71 percent in December 2014.

To calculate the 2016 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices of July, August and September 2015 will be averaged and compared with the 2014 third-quarter average of 234.242. The percentage increase, if any, determines the COLA. December’s index, 229.909, is down 1.85 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. December 2014’s index is 0.3 percent higher than the December 2013 base index of 229.174. Therefore, FECA recipients will receive a 0.3 percent COLA in 2015, effective March 1.

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

44

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Monthly % Change

% Change from 234.242

October 2014

233.229

-0.40

-0.43

November

231.551

-0.72

-1.15

December

229.909

-0.71

-1.85

January 2015 February March April

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: 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.)

CPI-W

May June July August September

Donate to NARFE Programs Support Alzheimer’s Research

Your charitable contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Write your chapter number on check; make it payable to: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research

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

Please circle: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. and mail to: Name: Alzheimer’s Association Address: 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor City: State: ZIP: Chicago, IL 60601-7633 Chapter Number: Credit Card Information:

MasterCard VISA NARFE members contributed for If you have any questions, write to:

Discover AMEX Alzheimer’s research: $12 Million Fund National Committee Chair Card Number: Merv Stuckey, 2272 E. Buster Mountain Dr. Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Oro Valley, AZ 85755-4709 *Total as of December 31, 2014 3-Digit Security Code: 100% of all contributed funds go to Name: (please print) Email: narferoadrunner@comcast.net

$11,155,996* Alzheimer’s research.

Signature

Join the Silver CIrcle Clip this contribution form and mail to: NARFE Silver Circle, 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

•For a contribution of $25 or more, you will receive a Silver Circle pin, and your name will be listed in narfe magazine with other contributors.

•For a contribution of $1,000 or more, your name will be placed on the “Wall of Fame” at NARFE Headquarters.

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

/

Enclosed is my Silver Circle contribution: $ ID # (ID # may be found on your narfe magazine label or your NARFE membership card)

Name: Address: City: Silver Circle contributions are NOT deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Installment Plan Wall of Fame 12-month installment plan

Give to the Scholarship and Disaster Funds

Please mail coupon and check to: FEEA 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80227

/

All donations go to the NARFE General Fund to support NARFE programs and operations.

State:

ZIP:

My check is enclosed

(Please make check payable to NARFE Silver Circle.)

Please charge my credit card Card type MasterCard VISA

Discover AMEX Card Number: Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Name: (please print)

Signature

Make check payable to: NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund or NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund.

Date

YES!

Date

/

/

I would like to help with my contribution.

Please check appropriate box(es). To make credit card contributions, call 800-338-0755. Scholarships are available to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of federal civilian retirees and current federal employees who are NARFE members.

NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund

Amount: $

NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund

Amount: $

Name: Address: City:

State:

ZIP:

NARFE News

Scholar dollars

Federations Set Dates

F

orty-two NARFE federations Springfield; IN, 4/21-23, Indianapowill hold conventions this year. lis; IA, 5/20-22, Tama; KS, 4/26Dates and locations are: AL, 28, Topeka; KY, 4/07-09, Louis4/13-16, Orange Beach; AZ, 5/3-5, ville; LA, 4/8-10, Alexandria; MD, Sierra Vista; AR, 5/14-15, Pine Bluff; 4/26-28, Ocean City; MA, 5/07-08, CA, 4/29-30, San Luis Obispo; CO, Devens; MI, 6/3-5, Lansing; MN, 4/30-05/02, Aurora; DE, 6/10, Do5/19-20, St. Cloud; MS, 4/17-19, ver; DC, 4/18, Washington, DC; FL, Louisville; MO, 4/15-17, Kansas 5/12-14, Orlando; GA, 4/29-05/01, City; NE, 5/3-5, Columbus; NV, Warner Robins; HI, 4/09-10, Oahu; 5/13-14, Reno; NH, 5/20, Rochester; Life Membership 3/26/13 3:49 PM 1 ID, 5/18-20, Apl_New Nampa;Design IL, 5/20-22, NJ,Page 4/27-28, Atlantic City; NC, 5/5-

The application form for NARFE’s 2015 Scholarship Program appears at right (p. 47). The application also is available online at www. narfe.org (choose “Scholarship Program” from the “About NARFE” pull-down menu). The deadline to apply is April 24. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the program, see p. 45.

7, Hickory; ND, 5/6-8, Bismarck; OH, 4/24-25, Strongsville; OK, 5/14-15, Midwest City; OR, 5/3-5, Clackamas; Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands, 10/17, San Juan; SC, 4/2729, Columbia; SD, 5/12-14, Huron; TN, 4/20-21, Clarksville; TX, 4/295/2, Killeen; UT, 5/14-15, Cedar City; VT, 5/21, Berlin; VA, 4/13-15, Fredericksburg; WV, 5/18-20, Pipestem; WI, 5/4-6, Eau Claire.

NARFE NATIONAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Life Membership Fee Schedule Ages

Contact Information n Mr. n Mrs. n Miss n Ms. Full Name _____________________________________________ Street Address _________________________________________ Apt./Unit______________________________________________ City _______________________ State _____ ZIP _____________ Phone (__________) ____________________________________ Email_________________________________________________ Date of Birth _________ /_________ /___________________ dd

mm

yyyy

Recruiter ID # (if applicable) _________________________________ Chapter Number _______________________________________ (call 800-456-8410 for chapter information) Membership Information Member Number: ______________________________________ (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.

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.

46

| m a r

2 015

Single or Quarterly Payment Installments 30-39 $1,796 $450.25 40-50 1,408 353.25 51-55 1,127 283.00 56-60 960 241.25 61-65 801 201.50 66-70 653 164.50 71-75 514 129.75 76-80 392 99.25 81-90 251 64.00 91-100+ 127 33.00

I am a (check all that apply) n Active Federal Employee n Active Federal Employee Spouse n Annuitant n Annuitant Spouse n Survivor Annuitant

PAYMENT INFORMATION n Single Payment or n Quarterly Installments (4 payments) Life Membership fee amount: $ ______________________ PAYMENT OPTIONS n Check or Money Order (Payable to NARFE) n Charge my: n MasterCard n VISA n Discover n American Express Card No. __________________________________________ Expiration Date _________ /_________ mm

yyyy

Name on Card ______________________________________ Signature ____________________________ Date ________ MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO NARFE Member Records 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

NARFE 2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Applicants: • Must be high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college full-time in a degree program in the fall/winter of 2015.

• Must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on an unweighted 4.0 scale.

• Must be sponsored by a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent who is a current NARFE member. (Step-parents, step-grandparents, etc., can also sponsor.) Sponsor must be living at the time application is submitted.

• Must provide your email address on the application. Your application receipt will be sent to this email address; please add “confirmation@feea.org” to your address book.

• Must provide the following materials in your packet: r Official 2015 NARFE scholarship application. Photocopies are acceptable. r Full transcript, including fall/winter 2014 grades. Report cards and photocopies are acceptable. If mailed separately by the school, must arrive by program deadline. r Copies of American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT), or other entrance examination scores. (Homeschooled students must provide equivalent of transcript and test scores as applicable.) r List and brief description of any awards or volunteer/ community service activities (not to exceed two pages). r Written recommendation from a teacher or counselor, on school or other official letterhead. r One stamped, self-addressed #10 envelope (used to notify you in the event you do not win). r Essay

ESSAY TOPIC INFORMATION The essay must be typed, double-spaced, not more than two pages on the following topic: Young people are often mentioned as a disaffected portion of the electorate because many do not vote. Why do you think so many choose not to vote? What specific actions would you recommend to bring young people into the electoral process?

All of the materials (except transcript, if necessary) must be mailed in the same 9”x12” (or larger) envelope, postmarked no later than April 24, 2015, to: NARFE Scholarship Awards, c/o FEEA, 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80227. DO NOT FOLD MATERIALS. DO NOT USE STAPLES OR PAPER CLIPS. Please note: All materials submitted with the application will become the property of FEEA and will not be returned under any circumstances. If needed, make a copy of the information for yourself before mailing.

The NARFE Scholarship Program is administered by the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) and is made possible by your tax-deductible contributions to the NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund, 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80227.

New!

For more information, obtain a copy of the newly updated Guide to NARFE’S Annual Scholarship Awards Program (F-105). To get your copy, send an email to scholarship@narfe.org; download it from the NARFE website, www.narfe.org; or call Headquarters and request scholarship information.

Acknowledgement receipts are emailed to eligible applicants who submit a complete application by the deadline. Emailing of receipts may take 8-12 weeks after the deadline, due to the volume of applications received. Applicants desiring earlier confirmation of delivery should use a mailing service that provides delivery confirmation. Please add confirmation@feea.org to your address book to ensure receipt of your confirmation email.

Please complete the following. Incomplete applications and applications sent to NARFE Headquarters will not be considered.

Student’s Name:______________________________________

I am taking college courses in high school: o Yes

Complete Home Address:

NARFE Member’s Name: ______________________________

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Relationship to Applicant: o Father o Mother o Grandfather o Grandmother

Home Telephone: _____________________________________

NARFE Member No.: __________________________________

Email Address: _______________________________________

Chapter No.: ________________________________________

Applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA): __________________ (Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on an unweighted 4.0 scale)

Member’s Complete Home Address:

College or University (planning to attend): ________________ ____________________________________________________ (Must be a college freshman by fall/winter 2015)

o No

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Member’s Telephone: _________________________________ Member’s Email Address: ______________________________

Active and Retired Federal Employees ...

JOIN NARFE TODAY!

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association 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 benefit questions.

Who Should Join?

Three Easy Ways To Join 1.

2.

3.

N A R F E M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C AT I O N n YES. I want to join NARFE. n Mr. n Mrs. n Miss n Ms. Full Name ________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________ Apt./Unit ________________________________________

I am a (check all that apply) n n n n n

Active Federal Employee Active Federal Employee Spouse Annuitant Annuitant Spouse Survivor Annuitant

n Please enroll my spouse

City _______________________ State _____ zIp ________

Spouse’s Full Name ________________________________

phone (__________) _______________________________

Spouse’s Email ____________________________________

Email____________________________________________

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 without your express permission.

Choose Your Membership Type o Local Chapter Close-to-Home Membership – $40* Affiliation with the NARFE chapter closest to your home.

Receive narfe magazine each month; attend meetings, often with invited speakers; network; and get involved in grass-roots lobbying efforts.

Chapter Affiliation: Chapter # __ __ __ __(if known, otherwise enroll me in the chapter closest to my zIp code). *First-year dues. Subsequent years, $40 plus local chapter dues.

OR

o eNARFE Chapter Online Membership – $40 NARFE’s electronic chapter. Receive narfe magazine by mail each month, and all other communications by email and on eNARFE.org. Get important updates and legislative action alerts, and have access to the eNARFE blog.

Including email address strongly recommended.

Total Dues $40 First-Year Dues X __________ = __________ per person # Enrolling Total Dues

PAYMENT OPTIONS n Check, Money Order or Bill pay (payable to NARFE) n Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.) n Charge my: n MasterCard n VISA n American Express n Discover Card No. _____________________________________ Expiration Date _________ /_________ mm

yyyy

Name on Card _________________________________ Signature _____________________________________ Date _________________________________________ MAY WE THANK SOMEONE? If applicable, please provide the name, membership and chapter number of the member who introduced you to NARFE: Recruiter’s Name __________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID __________________________ Recruiter’s Chapter Number _________________________

MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO NARFE Member Records / 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program What is dues withholding?

It is a dues-payment method that gives NARFE members (retirees) the option of having their annual NARFE membership dues deducted from their annuities on a monthly basis.

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: (National dues ÷ 12) + (Chapter dues ÷ 12) = Total Monthly Deduction

Advantages • Save 15% off your annual membership 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!

Application process 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 800-627-3394.

Retirees, spouses of retirees and annuitant survivors are eligible for dues withholding.

NARFE Dues Withholding Application for Retirees n YES. I want to enroll in NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program (Annual dues of $34 plus Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.)

Social Security Number (9-digit number)

–

Civil Service Annuity Number

–

C S

–

–

–

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

n Mr. n Mrs. n Miss n Ms. Full Name _______________________________________

NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Street Address ___________________________________

NARFE Membership ID ____________________________________

Apt./Unit________________________________________

NARFE Chapter Number____________________________________

City _________________________ State _____ ZIP _____

n YES. I Also Authorize My (NARFE Member) Spouse’s Dues To Be

Phone (__________) ______________________________ Email ___________________________________________ Date of Birth _________ /_________ / ____________________ dd

mm

yyyy

Withheld From My Annuity. (Additional annual dues of $34 plus Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.)

If YES, enter spouse’s information below.

Spouse’s Name ___________________________________________ Spouse’s Membership ID ___________________________________

AUTHORIZATION (Withholding will begin in 60-90 days). No payment should be forwarded with 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 make below, 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 make below: 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. ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________

Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant

Date

Dues payments and gifts or contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

MAIL THIS FORM TO: NARFE, ATTN: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 www.narfe.org 800-627-3394 rr@narfe.org Do not send money with this form

DW-2 (08/12)

Member Perks

NARFE Member Perks

are designed to provide NARFE members with a quality option in their search for commonly used products and services.

NARFE makes no guarantee on any products and services listed, and encourages its members to shop and compare before making a decision on any financial matter.

Credit Union

NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union 800-328-1500 www.NARFEpremierfcu.org As a member of NARFE, you have the privilege of joining NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union, which has been serving members since 1935. We offer extensive services at competitive rates to members nationwide. Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. For more information, call the number above, email jparish@narfepremierfcu.org or visit the website.

insurance

NARFE Insurance Services 800-233-5764 www.narfeinsurance.com Designed and administered by Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services, LLC, exclusively for NARFE members: Senior Whole Life, Term Life, Medicare Supplements, Hospital Income Plan, Short Term Recovery Insurance, Pet Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Cancer Care, Enhanced Dental Insurance and Long Term Care. Go to the website for more information on these programs.

GEICO 800-368-2734 NARFE members with good driving records may be eligible for quality au-

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tomobile insurance from GEICO. Ask about the NARFE discount available to members in many states. Call today for your free, no-obligation rate quote. Be sure to mention that you’re a NARFE member!

• Discount amount varies in some states • Discount not available in all states or in all GEICO companies • One group discount applicable per policy.

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program 800-LTC FEDS www.LTCFEDS.com Make long-term care insurance part of your retirement plan. With benefits designed specifically for the federal family, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program offers a smart way to help protect savings and assets, and remain independent should you need long-term care services someday. Start planning for the future. Visit www.LTCFEDS.com today.

Vacation rentals

Government Employees Travel Opportunities® 877-867-3639 www.getravelop.com/narfe Offers government employees, retirees and their families 7-night stays for only $349 on accommodations at popular destinations worldwide.

Book online and save on your next vacation stay.

hotels

Choice Hotels International 800-258-2847 www.choicehotels.com With 6,000 hotels in the United States and throughout the world, Choice Hotels® offers something for everyone. Join the Choice Privileges® rewards program and earn points with every qualifying stay toward free nights, Airline Rewards, gift cards and more. As a NARFE member, receive 20% off your next stay at participating hotels when you use Special Rate ID 00801967. This offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Advance reservations required.

Wyndham Hotel Group 877-670-7088 As a member of NARFE, you will receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations.

Call and give the agent your special discount ID number, 8000002694, at time of booking to receive discount.

Whether you are looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something more cost-effective, we have the right hotel for you... and at the right price. So start saving now.

Call our special member-benefits hotline 877-670-7088 and reserve your room today at one of these fine hotels: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Days Inn®, Ramada Worldwide®, Super 8®, Wingate By Wyndham®, Baymont Inns and Suites®, Hawthorn Suites® By

Wyndham, Microtel Inns and Suites®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®.

car rentals

National You Drive A Hard Bargain. Receive up to 20% off rentals at National Car Rental. To make a reservation call National Car Rental at 1-800-CARRENT® and reference Contract ID 5282909.

Alamo

mention you are a NARFE member and ask for Todd.

Wheaton World Wide Moving 800-248-7960 www.narfe@wvlcorp.com At Wheaton, we know interstate relocating is much more than trucks and boxes. Moving is not simply an address change. It’s a life change.

With a network of top-quality agents throughout the United States, Wheaton provides peace of mind with every relocation. We offer you, as a NARFE member, benefits to help you have a positive interstate relocation experience. Call Angela and mention you are a NARFE member to start the moving process.

Drive Happy® with Alamo® where NARFE members receive year-round discounts. Call 1-800-462-5266 and reference Contract ID 262544.

The employees/owners of Avis offer guaranteed low rates and quality services to members of NARFE. Call 800-331-1441 and mention ID# A991900.

Moving services

Bekins Van Lines 800-248-4810 www.narfe@bekins.com All NARFE members will receive contracted pricing for all interstate shipments. This will apply to packing, transportation and full-value coverage against damages. In addition, Bekins Van Lines can assist with instate shipments, local moves and international moves with competitive pricing and quality service. Please

1. Stroke/Carotid Artery 2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 3. Atrial Fibrillation 4. Peripheral Arterial Disease.

You will receive a confidential written report within 21 days. Life Line Screening and NARFE encourage you to share these test results with your doctor. All four screenings cost just $135. To schedule an appointment, please call the number above and give the operator code number BKHN075 or visit the website. Coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.

narfe merchandise emergency services

Avis

Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct the following screenings using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology in your neighborhood.

MASA 800-423-3226 Medical Air Services Association has been the industry leader in prepaid emergency assistance services for more than 30 years. NARFE members have experienced MASA’s “peace of mind” services since 2001. Now NARFE members are entitled to even more: air ambulance transportation, helicopter transportation, ground ambulance, vehicle return, mortal remains transport, and much more!

Call MASA Today. It Could Save Your Life!

health screening

Life Line Screening 800-324-9906 www.lifelinescreening.com/ NARFE

NARFE General Store 855-99NARFE (855-996-2733) www.narfegeneralstore.com As the official provider of NARFE merchandise, the NARFE General Store offers NARFE-approved name badges, business cards, customizable logo products and plaques. Check out our online catalog.

NOT A MEMBER? GO ONLINE: It’s easy to join online at www.narfe.org. Click “Join NARFE.” TURN TO PAGE 48: Fill out the Membership Application and mail it to NARFE to receive all the perks of being a NARFE member.

Call (Toll-Free) 800-627-3394.

w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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The Way We Worked

Census maps led to gps apps In the photo above, U.S. Census Bureau staff in Jeffersonville, IN, hand annotate more than 2.5 million block numbers on maps prepared for the 1980 Census. A major modernization took place for the 1990 Census with the Census Bureau’s creation of the Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing (TIGER) database, the first nationwide digital map of roads, boundaries and other features. Today’s smartphone apps that provide driving directions can trace their roots back to TIGER. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau; David M. Pemberton, history staff, U.S. Census Bureau; 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. Website: http://shfg.org/shfg/.

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Did you know?

TIGER, the Census Bureau’s nationwide digital map created for the 1990 Census, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Read about this amazing technology’s history, its use today and the agency collaboration that made it possible at www.census.gov.

Click on “Geography” at the top of the page, then “TIGER Products” and then on “TIGER Story Map (Part 1).”

“My friends all hate their W E N No cell phones… I love mine!” t Contrac Here’s why.

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I couldn’t hear it” Jitterbug is designed with an improved speaker. There’s an adjustable volume control, and Jitterbug is hearing-aid compatible.

“My cell phone company wants to lock me in on a two-year contract!”

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“I’ll be paying for minutes I’ll never use!”

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“I don’t need stock quotes, Internet sites or games on my phone, I just want to talk with my family and friends” Life is complicated enough…

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“What if I don’t remember a number?”

Friendly, helpful Jitterbug operators are available 24 hours a day and will even greet you by name when you call.

“I’d like a cell phone to use in an emergency, but I don’t want a high monthly bill” Jitterbug has a plan to fit your needs…

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Order now and receive a FREE Car Charger for your Jitterbug – a $24.99 value. Call now!

“My phone’s battery only lasts a couple of days” The Jitterbug’s battery lasts for up to 25 days on standby.

Enough talk. Isn’t it time you found out more about the cell phone that’s changing all the rules? Call now, Jitterbug product experts are standing by.

NEW Jitterbug5 Cell Phone

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Please mention promotional code 48992.

1-877-778-0793

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly minutes carry over and are available for 60 days. If you exceed the minute balance on your account, you will be billed at 35¢ for each minute used over the balance. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the GreatCall phone and the activation fee (or set-up fee) if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes. You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2015 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. ©2015 GreatCall, Inc. ©2015 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

Navy

To make room in our warehouse, we are selling all of our jersey pants for $5 LESS than the regular price!

NOW UNDER $10 A PAIR! These are the softest, comfiest leisure pants on earth! Cotton/polyester jersey knit stretches naturally for full, easy movement. All-around elastic waist with drawstring for ideal fit. And a feature the other guys don’t have — a zip fly!

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Card # _________________________________________Exp.: _____ /_____ Mr. Mrs. Ms._____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________Apt. # ________ City & State______________________________________Zip ____________ Phone/Email_____________________________________________________ I enclose $________ purchase price, and only $5.99 shipping & handling for my entire order. Please add applicable state & local sales tax for the following states: AZ, GA, MA, NJ, PA, WI, & WV.

Imported S(30-32) M(34-36) L(38-40) XL(42-44) 2XL(46-48) 3XL(50-52) 4XL(54-56) 5XL(58-60)

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When you pay by check, you authorize us to use information from your check to clear it electronically. Funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.

For Faster Service Call: 1-800-543-4810 or visit www.Haband.com/bestdeals