Legislative Committee
SDASCOE CONVENTION
MADISON, SD  APRIL 30/MAY 1, 2010
LEGISLATIVE AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE MEETING
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SDASCOE

The Legislative Committee Mtg. was called to order by Chairperson, Larry Olsen at 3:30 PM.

An overview of the past years events was given by Chairperson, Larry Olsen. Items discussed
were:

Guest for the Legislative Committee Mtg. Were Eric Nelson, Representative for Senator Tim
Johnson. Mark Gerhardt, Representative for Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. Letter
from Senator Thune, Ben Ready was unable to attend because of conflict.
Guest discussed relevant issues concerning farm program and other employee issues. Took
questions from the meeting participants.

  1. No NASCOE Legislative Conference held in Washington, DC. for 2010. There were not
    any big push items at this time. Waiting to spend our money on such a conference when it
    is more desirable like the new Farm bill, etc.
  2. SDASCOE bylaw changes proposed for the 2010 year.
  3. Issue of County Office consolidation possibility because of budget issues? Basically any
    County Office within 20 miles of another can be consolidated. This is actually in the Farm
    Bill. Only requires a 90 or 120 day notification. No congressional concurrence is needed.
  4. PAC overview. Hope to increase participation. Easy signup through the NASCOE web-site,
    but do not do it on government computer system.
  5. CAP-WIZ, progress in SD. Becky gave a report of SD activity. Trying to increase the
    enrollment Nationally and in the State.
  6. Social Security Offset bill status, and windfall bill status. Tabled for the 2010 year.
  7. CO-GS GS-CO leave transfer issue. No movement on this issue.
  8. FERS sick leave Bill was passed. Tremendous gain. Full implementation 4 years from
    signing of the Bill. FERS employees will get the same length of service credit for unused
    sick leave as CSRS employees get. Until full implementation receive only half. Why, what it
    took to pass it.
  9. COLA for all Federal Employees big gain for FY2010. 2011 1.4%?
  10. With passage of the Health Bill FEHB participants will be able to keep their dependent
    children on their Health policy until age 27. We have been asking for this for a long time
    whatever you think of the rest of the Health Bill, this is an additional benefit for us.
  11. Farm Bill hearings to be held in Sioux Falls, on May 18, 2010 at Augustana College.
  12. Funding issue. 8% overall increase in FSA S & E budget for 2011 being proposed good
    news. Actual FSA Salary breakdown is $377,000,000.00 for FY 2010, the increase would
    be $ 380,637,000.00 for FY 2011, not good news. That increase is not even enough to
    offset the 1.4% cola projections for 2010 FY along with Grade and Step increases and
    lump sum payments to retirees for 2010 FY.
  13. Short Q & A session held.
  14. Legislative Committee Mtg. adjourned at 4:30PM.

The Legislative adjourned at 4:00 PM. Thanks to all who attended and participated.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Olsen, SDASCOE Legislative and Benefits Chairperson