From the President

To support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests. To promote the general welfare of federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants, to advise and assist them with respect to their rights under retirement, health and other employee and retiree benefits laws and regulations, and to represent their interests before appropriate authorities. To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of these general objectives.

Keep an Eye on the Midterms

The battle for control of the House of Representatives is heating up as general election matchups are increasingly being set. In the Senate, the outlook is hazy; with the upper chamber split 50-50, it is anyone’s game.

Americans are increasingly pessimistic. Only 13% say the nation is on the right track, the lowest point since the monetary crisis more than a decade ago. The consensus is that the country is heading in the wrong direction.

Republicans are favored to win back the majority in the lower chamber, given both the national mood and historical precedent of a first-term president’s party losing seats in the midterm elections. In the Senate, where the Democratic Party had hoped strong swing state candidates could help save the majority, fears are also growing.

With redistricting steadily decreasing the number of true swing districts, the battle for the majority could come down to a small number of districts deemed toss-ups. “Democrats haven’t done things they promised,” said Connor Farrell, founder of the progressive consultancy firm Left Rising.

Unreasonable prices of daily essentials, the gloomy appraisal of what is happening around the country, and the prospect of more impending losses are leaving the Democratic Party more concerned than ever about their November odds.

While social issues remain important in Democratic circles, economic issues topped the list of topics voters care about. Some 20% of registered voters said the economy, including jobs and the stock market, is the most important problem facing America today. Inflation and the cost of living came in second, with 15%.

Bright spots for the Dems include more jobs created in any quarter by any president in 40 years and the decline of gas prices.

As the clock ticks closer to midterm elections and voters struggle with inflation, gas prices, and COVID-19 and its many variants, families are scared. It is time for our legislators to get something done that will help restore safety and security in our communities. Failure cannot be an option.

Stay safe.

KENNETH J. THOMAS NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

natpres@narfe.org

Coming in the November Issue of NARFE Magazine: Special Coverage of FEDcon22