| LEGISLATIVE REPORT |
| Legislative Update
Rob Gallinger, NEA Legislative Chair As Bob Dylan so eloquently said, �the times they are a changin�.� Just how much actually changes for FSA remains to be seen, however. Here�s what the take is from our NASCOE leadership: If the idea of a �USDA Re-organization� picks up steam after the New Year, our legislative consultant Bob Redding states that NASCOE must provide a presence on Capitol Hill in the form of a targeted fly-in. The various states and congressional districts that would need to participate in this have not been identified as of yet. However, this issue could theoretically trump all other legislative activities as we would need to do our best to stress to key congressional offices how and why FSA is in the best position to deliver farm programs and other key services. If the idea of Department re-organization does NOT seem to be moving toward reality, NASCOE desires to schedule a �full legislative conference� for late-March or early-April of this upcoming year. This is important in order to promote a consistent image and presence for county office employees with a new Congress. It is worthwhile to stress, however, that at this point, NASCOE will not be doing both due to cost; which way we go depends on what we hear about USDA re-organization. In the meantime, there are a few things that States can be focused on legislatively. First of all, I would encourage all NASCOE members to enroll into CAPWIZ. This can be done through the NASCOE website and is a very valuable and easy way for county office employees to have their voices heard without writing individual letters. Secondly, it may be a good idea for each State to send correspondences with local congressional offices reminding them of who we are, what our employees do, and what benefits our producers receive in an attempt to establish or keep congressional contacts fresh. Please remember that the above activities as well as any political or lobbying-related activity MUST be written and sent out via your home computer. This is important for our membership in order to stay compliant with the Hatch Act and other Departmental guidelines. I will be communicating with NEA State Legislative Chairs as we learn more details on what to expect for 2009. Have a terrific Holiday Season! |